Web Developer

Ministry of Justice; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A government department in the UK seeks a proactive full-stack Web Developer to lead the development of accessible WordPress websites and digital tools. You will ensure high-quality digital services that meet government standards and user needs while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The role offers a hybrid working model, allowing flexibility, with a minimum in-office presence of 60%. Candidates should display strong skills in front-end development, WordPress, and effective communication.

Benefits

25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after five years

Choice of Civil Service pension schemes

Extensive training and development opportunities

Family-friendly policies

Paid parental leave

Free annual sight tests for screen users

Qualifications

• Strong front-end development skills across various technologies.
• Proven ability to build responsive, accessible websites.
• Experience in developing custom WordPress themes and plugins.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and maintenance of WordPress websites.
• Ensure outputs meet accessibility standards.
• Collaborate with teams to deliver user-focused digital experiences.

Skills

HTML

CSS/Sass

JavaScript

jQuery

PHP

Problem-solving

Communication

Tools

WordPress

Figma

Google Analytics

GOV.UK Design System

Job description

We are seeking a proactive and innovative full‑stack Web Developer to lead the development and maintenance of accessible, user‑centred WordPress websites and digital tools. You will play a key role in delivering high‑quality digital services that meet government standards and audience needs. As part of Design102, you'll help shape the UK government’s creative communications, raising the standard of how we inform, engage, and inspire. You’ll contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and strategic thinking – ensuring our work is not only visually and conceptually excellent but also inclusive, audience‑focused, and impactful.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and maintenance of WordPress-based websites and digital tools, ensuring alignment with public sector design principles and accessibility standards.
• Champion user needs and accessibility, ensuring all outputs meet WCAG 2.1 and UK government service standards.
• Develop responsive front‑end interfaces and custom WordPress themes using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and design systems (e.g. GOV.UK Design System).
• Support secure and scalable back‑end development using PHP, including custom templates, blocks, and plugins.
• Collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams to deliver cohesive, user‑focused digital experiences.
• Implement version control and CI/CD workflows (e.g. GitHub), promoting code quality and team efficiency.
• Conduct usability testing and technical QA, resolving bugs and performance issues across platforms.
• Manage hosting environments, DNS, SSL, and cloud deployment (e.g. WP Engine), ensuring robust and secure infrastructure.
• Integrate analytics tools (e.g. Google Analytics) to monitor engagement and inform data‑driven improvements.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and digital trends, contributing to innovation and service enhancement.
• Take ownership of workload and timelines, applying Agile methodologies to deliver high‑quality outcomes at pace.
• Maintain accurate time tracking and reporting to support operational and commercial goals.

Qualifications

• Strong front‑end development skills (HTML, CSS/Sass, JavaScript, jQuery).
• Demonstrable full‑stack experience in building responsive, accessible websites.
• Proven ability to develop custom WordPress themes, templates, and blocks.
• Experience with CMS platforms and PHP‑based back‑end development.
• Familiarity with key WordPress plugins (e.g. ACF Pro).
• Strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a user‑focused mindset.

Desirable Experience

• Experience with design tools (e.g. Figma).
• Skills in UI/UX design and user research.
• Understanding of SEO principles and page discoverability.
• Experience in government or public‑sector digital services.
• Familiarity with Agile project delivery.

Working Conditions

The MoJ offers hybrid working arrangements where business need allows. The role is limited to the UK and requires a minimum of 60% of time in an office. Managers will discuss and agree a suitable arrangement with the successful candidate, subject to the local estate capacity. Flexible working hours are available, with a standard full‑time workload of 37 hours per week. Part‑time, flexible, and job‑sharing arrangements are considered in accordance with the MoJ’s flexible working policy.

Benefits

• Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years, plus public holidays and a privilege day.
• Pension – choice of Civil Service pension schemes.
• Extensive training and development opportunities.
• Employee‑run networks for minority ethnic origin, disability, caring responsibilities, women, and LGBTQ+ staff.
• Family‑friendly policies: reduced hours, job sharing, and other flexible benefits.
• Paid paternity, adoption, and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

EEO and Diversity

As a Disability Confident employer, the MoJ is committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, making adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace. The Civil Service is committed to attracting, retaining and investing in talent wherever it is found, as outlined in the Civil Service People Plan and the Diversity & Inclusion Strategy.

Additional Information

Staff on fixed‑term appointments must have been recruited through fair and open competition. Vacancies advertised "cross‑government" are open to all Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non‑departmental public bodies who were appointed on merit through a fair and open competition. The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.