Laravel / PHP Developer

About First Focus

First Focus is a premier managed service provider in Australasia, trusted by over 1,000 businesses to ensure security, productivity, and growth. Beyond managed IT services, they have a skilled software engineering team developing tailored applications, integrations, and business systems across diverse industries. Their developers work directly with consultants and customers, solving real-world problems and influencing technical decisions.

Role Overview

This is a 12-month fixed-term contract position for an experienced Laravel / PHP Developer to join the technology team. The role involves contributing to various customer projects and internal efforts using modern PHP, Laravel, and Laravel Filament to build reliable and scalable business applications. The developer will shape architecture, mentor peers, and remain hands-on while enjoying a dynamic workload.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing and maintaining Laravel applications for multiple customer and internal environments.
• Building scalable ERP and CRM software solutions.
• Designing and implementing RESTful APIs and integrating with third-party services.
• Creating intuitive admin interfaces using Laravel Filament.
• Optimizing MySQL and PostgreSQL databases to enhance performance and scalability.
• Contributing to architectural and design choices alongside engineering standards.
• Improving CI/CD pipelines and deployment workflows.
• Utilizing Docker and cloud infrastructures like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
• Exploring AI-augmented development when it adds value.
• Participating in code reviews and fostering knowledge sharing.
• Mentoring teammates and supporting a collaborative engineering culture.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

• Extensive commercial experience with PHP and Laravel frameworks.
• Proficiency in Laravel Filament.
• Strong skills designing and consuming RESTful APIs.
• Excellent SQL expertise across MySQL and PostgreSQL.
• Experience with Git version control, CI/CD pipelines, and modern software development processes.
• Working knowledge of Docker and containerization technologies.
• Exposure to cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
• Solid understanding of software architecture principles and design patterns.
• Experience with frontend frameworks like Vue.js or React.
• Comfort working within Agile methodologies.
• Effective communication skills with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• A natural curiosity and enthusiasm for solving complex business challenges.

Experience in ERP, CRM, or financial system domains is highly valued.

Why Join First Focus

First Focus values delivering genuine solutions that simplify work for clients without overpromising. This approach fosters long-term customer relationships and rewarding work for engineers. Employees enjoy a flexible and hybrid working environment supporting work-life balance, ongoing learning with paid study days, salary incentives for certifications, and access to confidential psychological coaching. The culture encourages collaboration, innovation, and celebration of successes alongside diverse engaging projects.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive remuneration ranging from NZ$160,000 to NZ$175,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
• Free access to confidential 1:1 coaching via Uprise.
• Flexible and hybrid work options promoting a balanced lifestyle.
• Up to 10 paid study days per year and certification fee coverage with potential salary increases.
• Regular social gatherings and a supportive team atmosphere.
• Exposure to modern technologies and the chance to influence technical strategy.

Additional Information

First Focus encourages applications from neurodiverse candidates and provides flexible accommodations to showcase skills effectively. AI-assisted tools support recruitment processes but do not determine hiring decisions. Candidate data is managed per the Privacy Act 2020 (NZ).