Lead Native App Developer

AKQA; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

AKQA, part of WPP, is seeking a Lead Native App Developer in Auckland, NZ. You will bring deep native iOS and/or Android experience to a collaborative, multidisciplinary team and help build a world-class mobile application with quality, pace, and craft at the center.

You'll operate in a hybrid in-studio/WFH model, contribute to architecture, DevOps practices, and delivery governance, and support the team with clear thinking and practical guidance for successful projects.

Qualifications

• 5+ years building native apps with Swift and/or Kotlin.
• Strong iOS and/or Android SDK knowledge and design patterns.
• Experience with RESTful APIs, multi-threading, and unit-tested code.
• Comfortable with DevOps/continuous delivery and agile ways of working.

Responsibilities

• Deliver native mobile development end-to-end across the full app life cycle.
• Define the work needed to implement solutions; assess and communicate feasibility and delivery impact.
• Estimate accurately, report progress clearly, and deliver to deadlines.
• Produce high-quality code that is performant, reliable, and maintainable.
• Partner with Experience Design to deliver UI that meets requirements.
• Integrate with external systems and APIs; optimise app performance.
• Debug confidently, explain app flow to others, and triage/fix defects.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, grow new skills on the job, and share knowledge openly within the team.

Skills

Swift

Kotlin

iOS/Android SDK

RESTful APIs

DevOps/CI-CD

Job description

At AKQA (part of WPP) our Technology discipline sets the approach and standard for native app delivery and governance, helping deliver a world-class application through a mature agile methodology, and setting a high standard for delivery and governance so clients gain the greatest possible value from their investment.

As a Lead Native App Developer, you will bring deep native iOS and/or Android experience into a collaborative, multidisciplinary team. You’ll help build and evolve a world-class mobile application, balancing craft, quality, and pace, while supporting the team with clear thinking and practical guidance.

As part of AKQA, you’ll work in an innovative and inclusive culture, surrounded by some of the brightest minds in their fields. You’ll have the opportunity to learn and grow within a creative and technically advanced team, with access to ongoing personal and professional development. Our hybrid in-studio/WFH model supports balance and flexibility, and we’re committed to your career growth as well as your work/life balance.

Role Requirements

• Deliver native mobile development end-to-end across the full app life cycle.
• Define the work needed to implement solutions; assess and communicate feasibility and delivery impact.
• Estimate accurately, report progress clearly, and deliver to deadlines.
• Produce high-quality code that is performant, reliable, and maintainable.
• Partner with Experience Design to deliver high-fidelity, platform-appropriate UI that meets requirements.
• Integrate with external systems and APIs; optimise app and tool performance.
• Debug confidently, explain app flow to others, and triage/fix defects.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, grow new skills on the job, and share knowledge openly within the team.

QUALITIES & CHARACTERISTICS

• 5+ years building native apps with Swift and/or Kotlin.
• Strong grasp of common frameworks, libraries, and design patterns; solid iOS and/or Android SDK knowledge.
• Experience with RESTful APIs, multi-threading, and writing unit-tested, testable code.
• Comfortable with DevOps/continuous delivery and agile ways of working.
• Proven track record delivering high-quality iOS and/or Android applications.

We believe great work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach including required in-office days. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

AKQA is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

About WPP

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company - powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.