Lead Developer- Strapi

About the Role

• We are seeking an experienced Strapi Lead to join our global team and lead enterprise-scale CMS implementations for clients in highly regulated industries. In this role, you will serve as the technical authority on Strapi architecture and extensibility, working on complex digital transformation programmes that require sophisticated content management solutions supporting hundreds of content editors and millions of page views.
• You will deploy Strapi Enterprise on-premise in Kubernetes environments, design content models for complex multi-language requirements, and extend Strapi with custom plugins and modules to meet unique enterprise needs. Your work will involve integrating Strapi with PostgreSQL databases, Redis for caching and session management, search engines like OpenSearch, and enterprise security tools. You will build custom extensions that enhance Strapi's core capabilities while maintaining platform upgradeability and following architectural best practices.
• Your projects will involve establishing foundation CMS architectures for large content editor teams across multiple digital properties, working closely with migration teams transitioning from legacy systems, platform architects building GraphQL federation layers, and frontend developers consuming content APIs. Your proficiency with AI-assisted code generation will accelerate custom module development, while your content migration expertise will ensure smooth transitions. The role requires balancing technical sophistication with practical usability for large content teams operating under strict regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Strapi Enterprise deployment and configuration on on-premise Kubernetes infrastructure
• Design and implement content models for multi-language content requirements with complex localization workflows
• Extend Strapi with custom plugins and modules for client-specific requirements including advanced workflows, custom content types, and enterprise integrations
• Integrate Strapi with Redis for caching strategies, session management, and performance optimization
• Configure role-based user management and multi-stage approval workflows for large content editor teamsLead content migration strategy and execution from legacy CMS platforms, including data extraction, transformation, validation, and reconciliation
• Design and implement RESTful and GraphQL content APIs for consumption by modern frontend frameworksIntegrate with enterprise search solutions for real-time content indexing and discovery
• Establish PostgreSQL database architecture with proper indexing, query optimization, and backup strategies
• Configure webhook integrations for automated content synchronization and cache invalidation across environmentsImplement security integrations with enterprise security stacks (privileged access management, SIEM, WAF)
• Leverage AI code generation tools to accelerate custom plugin development and improve code quality
• Establish content versioning and audit trails for regulatory compliance requirements
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to CMS development teamsDocument CMS architecture, extension patterns, API specifications, and operational procedures

What we are looking for

Must-Have:

• 5+ years of hands-on experience with headless CMS platforms, with 3+ years specifically on Strapi Enterprise in production environments
• Experience deploying Strapi in enterprise environments, ideally in highly regulated industries (financial services, healthcare, government)
• Expert-level proficiency in extending Strapi through custom plugins, middleware, and API modifications using Node.js
• Very strong TypeScript skills for type-safe plugin development and API design
• Experience with unit testing frameworks (Jest, Mocha) and test-driven development practices
• Strong experience with AI-assisted code generation tools (Claude Code, Roocode, Cursor, v0, etc.) to accelerate development and improve code quality
• Proven expertise in large-scale content migration projects, including data extraction, transformation, validation, and reconciliation strategies
• Strong PostgreSQL database administration skills including query optimization, indexing strategies, and schema design
• Hands-on experience with Kubernetes deployment and container orchestration (Helm charts, pod configuration, persistent volumes)
• Strong GraphQL schema design and API development skills for headless content delivery
• Experience designing and configuring complex workflow engines with multi-stage approval processes
• Proven expertise in content modeling and information architecture for large-scale, multi-site implementations
• Experience implementing multi-language content management systems with complex localization requirements

Nice-to-Have:

• Experience integrating Strapi with Apollo GraphQL Server for federated API architectures
• Deep expertise in caching strategies using Redis for content caching, session management, and rate limiting
• Experience with on-premise Strapi deployments including custom infrastructure configurations and security hardening
• Knowledge of integrating CMS platforms with enterprise security tools (privileged access management, SIEM systems, WAF)
• Experience integrating with search engines (OpenSearch, Elasticsearch, Algolia) for content discoveryKnowledge of Huawei Cloud Stack services (CCE, RDS, OBS, DCS Redis) or equivalent cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Familiarity with Chinese language processing, character encoding (UTF-8, GB), and Traditional/Simplified Chinese conversion
• Experience with translation platforms or similar AI-powered localization toolsUnderstanding of CDN integration patterns (Akamai, Cloudflare) for content delivery optimization
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices for CMS deployments

Extension architect: You don't just configure Strapi out-of-the-box—you extend its capabilities through well-architected custom plugins, understanding how to enhance the platform while maintaining upgradeability and following Strapi's architectural patterns.
AI-augmented developer: You leverage AI code generation tools naturally in your workflow, using them to accelerate development, explore implementation options, and improve code quality while maintaining critical judgment about what code to accept and what to refine.
Migration specialist: You've guided content through complex migrations before, understanding not just the technical extraction and transformation challenges but also the data quality, validation, and stakeholder communication aspects that make migrations succeed.
Performance-minded architect: You understand caching at multiple layers—Redis for application caching, CDN for content delivery, database query optimization—and know when to apply each strategy for maximum impact on user experience and system scalability.
User-centric problem solver: You translate complex technical capabilities into intuitive workflows for non-technical content teams, ensuring large editor teams can work efficiently without deep technical knowledge while maintaining rigorous compliance controls.
Collaborative bridge-builder: You work effectively across technical disciplines—translating between migration teams extracting legacy content, platform architects building GraphQL federation, and business stakeholders defining editorial workflows—ensuring all perspectives inform the final architecture.

What Appnovation Offers

• Challenging and rewarding work with real impact
• Direct Access to Cutting-Edge AI Platforms
• Diverse and Inclusive Culture 
• Growth opportunities for personal and professional development
• A collaborative and innovative work environment where your ideas are valued
• Exposure to exciting projects and high-profile clients
• Supportive work environment with access to company leaders
• Hybrid working model