Senior Front End Developer - Public Sector

IBM; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in the UK seeks a Senior Front End Developer to lead frontend development of complex web applications. You will set coding standards, mentor junior developers, and ensure quality. The ideal candidate should have deep JavaScript experience, strong problem-solving skills, and a valid right to work in the UK. This role offers extensive training opportunities, a supportive culture, and competitive benefits.

Benefits

Diversity & Inclusion programs

25 days holiday

Training opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience with modern JavaScript libraries and frameworks.
• Familiarity with backend technologies and cloud-native architectures.
• Eligibility to hold UK government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead frontend development of complex web applications.
• Define architecture and practices for scalable solutions.
• Mentor junior developers and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Deep practical experience with modern JavaScript libraries

Strong understanding of design systems

Proven technical leadership

Strong problem-solving skills

Education

Valid right to work in the UK

Tools

React

Next.js

Vue.js

Node.js

Job description

Overview

As a Senior Front End Developer, you'll be at the forefront of our digital product development, driving innovation and excellence in front-end engineering. You will be responsible for delivering high-quality frontend solutions by setting the coding standard, shaping the architecture, guiding engineering practices, and lead the team through complex technical challenges in large scale digital transformation projects. As part of a project senior technical leadership team, you will also contribute to stakeholder management and strategic planning at account level.

Responsibilities

• Lead the frontend development of complex web applications using modern JavaScript libraries and frameworks (React, Next.js, Vue.js etc.).
• Define technical architecture, patterns, and practices for scalable, maintainable, and high-performing frontend solutions.
• Act as technical lead on projects - setting direction, ensuring code quality, and aligning delivery with client needs.
• Mentor and support junior and mid-level developers, promoting a culture of learning, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate closely with designers, backend developers, DevOps, QA, and other stakeholders to drive end-to-end delivery.
• Collaborate closely with stakeholders to translate business requirements into clear technical design and requirement, and in turn into compelling user experiences.
• Define and lead implementation of development workflows, CI/CD pipelines, testing strategies, and release processes.
• Communicate technical decisions and trade-offs clearly to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Required technical and professional expertise
• Deep practical experience with modern JavaScript and its libraries and frameworks like React, Next.js, Vue.js or similar.
• Strong understanding of design systems, component libraries, and working closely with UX/UI teams.
• Proven track record in technical leadership roles, leading delivery teams in complex, multi-environment projects.
• Strong understanding of frontend architecture, including performance, security and compliance, accessibility, and scalability considerations.
• Experience defining the implementation of robust testing strategies (unit, integration, E2E) and managing quality in delivery pipelines.
• Strong understanding of DevOps practices and tooling relevant to frontend development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills - able to engage with clients, present solutions, and explain technical concepts clearly.
• Experience working in agile, cross-functional teams, with an understanding of effective delivery methodologies.
• Outstanding problem-solving skills and ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently.

Qualifications

• As an equal opportunities' employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. However, for you to be eligible for this role, you must have the valid right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we do not offer visa sponsorship and have no future plans to do so. You must be a resident in the UK and have been living continuously in the UK for the last 10 years. You must be able to hold or gain a UK government security clearance.
• Preferred technical and professional experience
• Experience in consulting or client-facing roles, ideally in a digital or enterprise environment.
• Familiarity with backend technologies (e.g., Node.js, APIs) and how frontend integrates into broader systems.
• Exposure to cloud-native architectures (e.g., AWS, Azure, serverless, containerized environments).
• Experience contributing to pre-sales and project discovery phases by advising on technical feasibility and shaping solutions.
• Involvement in technical communities or thought leadership (e.g., speaking, blogging, OSS contributions).
• Desirable Certifications:
• JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures Certification
• Responsive Web Design Certification
• Vue.js Certification (if experience with VueJS)
• React.js Certification (if experience with ReactJS)
• Angular Certification (if experience with Angular)

About IBM CIC and Benefits

At IBM CIC, we deliver deep technical and industry expertise to a wide range of public and private sector clients in the UK. A career in IBM CIC means you'll be able to work with visionaries across multiple industries to improve the hybrid cloud and AI journey for the most innovative and valuable companies in the world. Your ability to accelerate impact and make meaningful change for your clients is enabled by our strategic partner ecosystem and our robust technology platforms across the IBM portfolio. Curiosity and a constant quest for knowledge serve as the foundation to success here. You'll be encouraged to challenge the norm, investigate ideas outside of your role, and come up with creative solutions which impact a wide network of clients.

• Many training opportunities from classroom to e-learning, mentoring and coaching programs and the chance to gain industry recognized certifications
• Regular and frequent promotion opportunities to ensure you can drive and develop your career with us
• Feedback and checkpoints throughout the year
• Diversity & Inclusion as an essential and authentic component of our culture through our policies and process as well as our Employee Champion teams and support networks
• A culture where your ideas for growth and innovation are always welcome
• Internal recognition programs for peer-to-peer appreciation as well as from manager to employees
• Tools and policies to support your work-life balance from flexible working approaches, sabbatical programs, paid paternity leave, maternity leave and an innovative maternity returners scheme
• More traditional benefits, such as 25 days holiday (in addition to public holidays), online shopping discounts, an Employee Assistance Program, a group personal pension plan of an additional 5% of your base salary paid by us monthly to save for your future.
• Your role and responsibilities