Laravel / PHP Developer

About the Company

First Focus AU is a premier managed service provider in Australasia, trusted by over 1,000 organisations to secure and enhance their business operations. Known not just for technology services but for building strong relationships, they maintain a skilled software engineering team that develops custom business systems and integrations across diverse industries. Developers here engage with various customer projects, directly influencing solutions and technical decisions.

Role Overview

The organisation seeks an experienced Laravel / PHP Developer for a 12-month fixed-term contract based onsite in Nelson, New Zealand. This role involves contributing to multiple client projects, working with modern PHP technologies including Laravel and Laravel Filament, and participating in internal initiatives. The developer will remain hands-on while influencing architectural choices and mentoring peers, experiencing diverse challenges weekly.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, enhance, and maintain Laravel applications for various clients and internal platforms
• Develop scalable ERP and CRM systems tailored to client needs
• Design and implement RESTful APIs and integrate third-party services
• Create user-friendly administration interfaces using Laravel Filament
• Optimize MySQL and PostgreSQL databases for high performance and scalability
• Contribute to architectural planning, design decisions, and uphold engineering standards
• Implement and refine CI/CD pipelines alongside deployment workflows
• Utilize Docker containerisation and manage cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
• Explore use of AI-assisted development to add genuine value to client solutions
• Conduct code reviews and share knowledge within the engineering team
• Mentor fellow developers and foster a collaborative engineering environment

Candidate Requirements

• Demonstrable extensive commercial experience with PHP and Laravel framework
• Strong proficiency in using Laravel Filament
• Proven ability in designing and consuming RESTful APIs
• Excellent SQL knowledge with MySQL and PostgreSQL databases
• Experience with Git version control, CI/CD tools, and contemporary development workflows
• Familiarity with Docker and containerisation practices
• Experience or exposure to cloud environments including AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
• Strong understanding of software architecture concepts and design patterns
• Experience with frontend frameworks such as Vue.js or React
• Previous work in Agile team settings
• Effective communication skills with technical and non-technical stakeholders
• A keen curiosity for problem-solving within business contexts

Previous experience with ERP, CRM, or financial systems is highly desirable.

Benefits and Work Culture

• Competitive annual salary ranging from NZD 160,000 to 175,000, dependent on skills and experience
• Access to confidential coaching services with qualified psychologists and counsellors through Uprise
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements promoting genuine work-life balance
• Opportunities for continuous learning including up to 10 paid study days yearly, covered certification fees, and salary increments for approved certifications
• Regular social and team events fostering a supportive and enjoyable workplace
• Exposure to diverse projects across multiple industries utilizing modern technologies and engineering methodologies
• Chance to influence software architecture and technical direction significantly
• Collaborative culture valuing ideas and team success over hierarchy

Additional Information

First Focus embraces applications from Neurodiverse individuals and encourages disclosure to provide flexible accommodations. AI-assisted tools are used in recruitment for processing but do not make decisions; candidate privacy aligns with New Zealand's Privacy Act 2020.