Full Stack PHP Developer - Open Platform

Future Publishing is looking for a talented Full Stack PHP Developer to join the "Lab Squad" responsible for building “Open Platform”, a new strategic initiative to create a scalable, creator-first publishing ecosystem.

In this role, you will report to the Tech Lead (Open Platform) to build a brand-new, greenfield application. You will be responsible for developing a new CMS in tandem with legacy systems to enable automated onboarding, seamless content submission, and scalable payouts.

This is a rare opportunity to work on a "startup within a scale-up," building a high-impact product from the ground up using a cutting-edge stack (PHP/Laravel for the backend, Next.js for the frontend, using Temporal, Stripe and other technologies).

About the Department

The Technology & Engineering department at Future offers a collaborative, collegiate environment where the primary focus is on effective but well-engineered and scalable solutions. We look to answer critical business challenges posed both by our product and commercial teams as well as from within the department.

Our focus is on quality in all aspects of our systems, not only in function but also in terms of test coverage, observability, alerting, and documentation. We run regular hack days and have a strong focus on best practices led by tech-based guilds.

Key Responsibilities

• Greenfield Development: Build robust, performant features for a new CMS and platform using React and Next.js (SSR), for the frontend, with PHP for the backend, ensuring a seamless user experience for external creators.
• Workflow Implementation: Develop durable, long-running backend workflows using Temporal.io to automate critical business logic like creator onboarding, contract signing, and content moderation pipelines.
• FinTech Integration: Implement automated payout logic and revenue-sharing features using Stripe Connect (or similar), ensuring accuracy and security in financial transactions.
• API Integration: Build and consume robust APIs to connect the new creator platform with core internal services (Identity, Asset Management, Content APIs) and AI moderation tools.
• Code Quality & Testing: Write clean, strongly-typed code backed by comprehensive unit and integration tests. Champion best practices in code reviews.
• DevOps & CI/CD: Contribute to the setup and maintenance of CI/CD pipelines and local development environments (containers), ensuring rapid and reliable deployment.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the Tech Lead and product stakeholders to refine requirements, estimate tasks, and solve complex technical challenges.

• Modern Frontend Mastery: Strong experience building complex, dynamic web applications with React and Next.js with modern tools like TypeScript. You understand the nuances of Server-Side Rendering (SSR) vs. Client-Side Rendering (CSR).
• Backend Proficiency: Solid experience with PHP-based backend services (whether that is Laravel or Symfony or another framework) and API development (REST/GraphQL) following best practices (modern tooling, typed code, building a culture around testing and maintainability)
• Workflow Engine Awareness: Experience with (or a strong desire to learn) Temporal.io or similar orchestration frameworks to manage distributed systems and long-running processes.
• SaaS/Platform Experience: Previous experience working on platforms that involve user management, dashboards, or content submission flows.
• Data Handling: Experience working with databases and marshaling data from various external APIs.
• Operational Mindset: You are solution-oriented and understand that software is meant to solve real-world operational problems (e.g., automating manual finance work).

Product Design Mindset: You care about the product you build and the people who use it. You care about and will actively shape UX, flows and features.

The expected range for this role is £50,000- £55,000

This is a UK, Remote-based role

… Plus more great perks, which include;

• Uncapped leave, because we trust you to manage your workload and time
• When we hit our targets, enjoy a share of our profits with a bonus
• Refer a friend and get rewarded when they join Future
• Well-being support with access to our Colleague Assistant Programmes
• Opportunity to purchase shares in Future, with our Share Incentive Plan

Internal job family level XXX

We're Future, the global leader in specialist media. With over 3,000 employees working across 200+ media brands, Future is a prime destination for passionate people worldwide looking to consume trusted, expert content that educates and inspires action - both online and off - through our specialist websites, magazines, events, newsletters, podcasts and social spaces.

We've got ambitious plans that further build on our growth momentum and unlock new opportunities – and we're looking for driven people who want to be a part of it!

We embrace and celebrate diversity, making it part of who we are.

Different perspectives spark ideas, fuel creativity, and push us to innovate. That's why we're building a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

When it comes to hiring, we keep it fair and inclusive, welcoming talent from every walk of life. It's not just about what you bring to the table — it's about making sure the table has room for everyone.

Because a diverse team isn't just good for business. It's the Future.

Find out more about Our Future, Our Responsibility on our website.

Please let us know if you need any reasonable adjustments made so we can give you the best experience!

#LI-Remote