PHP Developer

BRE Group; Watford; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Join BRE Group as a web developer, contributing to building safer and more sustainable environments. In this role, you will develop and maintain web-based applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance digital learning platforms. Candidates should have strong PHP and MySQL skills, experience in Agile methodologies, and be comfortable working in a hybrid model, primarily from home with occasional office visits in Watford. Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package aimed at supporting financial security and career development.

Benefits

Competitive salary reviewed annually

Pension scheme – 5% employer-matched contribution

Life assurance – 4x your basic salary

Enhanced maternity package

HealthPartners cashback scheme

Onsite facilities – Restaurant, nursery, and free parking

Free access to BRE Academy for learning & development

Professional membership reimbursement

Qualifications

• Proven experience developing and maintaining applications using PHP (preferably version 8).
• Solid knowledge of MySQL or MariaDB.
• Familiarity with WordPress development.
• Understanding of front-end technologies: JavaScript (jQuery), CSS, and HTML.
• Experience working in Agile or Scrum environments.
• Ability to write clean, maintainable code.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain web-based applications and services using PHP, MySQL/MariaDB, and WordPress.
• Collaborate closely with instructional designers, content developers, and product owners.
• Implement new features, resolve bugs, and improve performance.
• Contribute to technical planning, sprint reviews, and agile ceremonies.
• Support the integration of learning tools such as Moodle.

Skills

PHP

MySQL/MariaDB

WordPress

JavaScript

CSS

HTML

Agile/Scrum

Moodle

Team Collaboration

Problem Solving

Job description

Make your mark at BRE!

Help BRE make buildings safer and more sustainable!

BRE aims to be the world’s leading innovation, science and data hub for the built environment. For more than a century, we have provided government and industry with cutting-edge research and testing. Join us to help deliver products, advice, services, standards and qualifications used around the globe to make buildings better for people and the environment. Through science-led solutions to urgent challenges, we will build a thriving and sustainable world.

Please note that this is a 12-month fixed-term contract.

Your role at BRE

• Develop and maintain web-based applications and services using PHP, MySQL/MariaDB, and WordPress, supporting BRE’s digital learning platforms and other internal systems
• Collaborate closely with instructional designers, content developers, and product owners to deliver high-quality user experiences
• Implement new features, resolve bugs, and improve performance across digital platforms, ensuring code quality and maintainability
• Contribute to technical planning, sprint reviews, and agile ceremonies as part of a multidisciplinary development team
• Support the integration of learning tools such as Moodle and other LMS components into existing systems
• Adhere to development standards, documentation practices, and version control procedures

What we are looking for

• Proven experience developing and maintaining applications using PHP (preferably version 8), with solid knowledge of MySQL or MariaDB
• Familiarity with WordPress development, including custom themes and plugins
• Understanding of front-end technologies such as JavaScript (jQuery), CSS, and HTML
• Experience working in Agile or Scrum environments, with the ability to contribute to sprint planning and reviews
• Exposure to Moodle or other learning management systems, or a strong interest in EdTech
• Ability to write clean, maintainable code and follow version control and documentation best practices
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team
• Comfortable working in a hybrid environment, attending the Watford office as required

BRE Benefits

At BRE, we offer a competitive salary, reviewed annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial security, well-being, and career development.

Financial & Security Benefits

• Pension scheme – 5% employer-matched contribution

• Life assurance – 4x your basic salary

• Enhanced maternity package

Health & Wellbeing

• HealthPartners cashback scheme – Reclaim costs on prescriptions, physiotherapy, dental care, and more

• Onsite facilities – Restaurant, nursery, and free parking, including at-cost EV charging points

Career Development

• Learning & development – Free access to BRE Academy and our online learning platform

• Professional membership reimbursement

For full details on our benefits, visit: BRE Employee Benefits

Work Location Options

Mostly Remote – This role is primarily home-based, with occasional travel to our head office in Watford for planned meetings once per quarter.

Note to Employment Agencies

At BRE, we value the relationships we have built with our preferred recruitment partners. We do not accept unsolicited CVs from employment agencies. Any CVs submitted directly to a BRE employee or hiring manager without a signed BRE Employment Agency Agreement and an active engagement for the specific role will be considered unsolicited. In such cases, no fees will be payable should the candidate be hired through this or any other means.

Equal Opportunities Statement

BRE is an equal opportunities employer. We assess all qualified applicants based on merit and do not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristics.

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