WordPress Backend Developer

Safesmart is seeking an experienced WordPress Backend Developer to join our team and manage the technical foundation of our WordPress multisite network. This role will complement our front-end focused developer by taking charge of deep back-end functions, core code maintenance, and site architecture. The ideal candidate will ensure our current five interconnected WordPress sites are robust, secure, and optimised — reducing unnecessary bloat (such as excessive plugins) and enhancing performance. You will work closely with cross-functional teams (sales, marketing, warehousing, finance, etc.) to implement custom solutions and tools, allowing non-technical staff and end users to have a smooth, efficient web experience. You will report to the marketing management team, who will provide and filter tasks based on data, requests from users, and requests from staff. Key Responsibilities Multisite Management: Oversee the WordPress multisite network. Maintain network settings, perform core and plugin updates, and ensure each site runs optimally without conflicts. Theme & Plugin Engineering: Develop and maintain custom themes/child themes and, when required, custom plugins. Refactor and modularise the existing theme so each site only loads what it needs. Performance Optimisation: Eliminate bloated code and plugin overlap; implement caching, database/query optimisation, and other best practices for speed and scalability. Security Hardening: Reduce the attack surface, apply updates, implement secure coding practices (sanitisation/escaping), monitor for vulnerabilities, and respond rapidly to incidents. Troubleshooting & Debugging: Diagnose and resolve critical errors in theme, plugin, or WordPress core interactions (PHP errors, HTTP/API issues) to maintain high availability. Collaboration: Partner with the front‑end developer and department stakeholders to translate requirements into back‑end solutions and tools. Feature Development: Build back‑end logic for calculators, form handlers, and other interactive elements supporting user experience. Integrations: Connect sites to external systems/APIs (HubSpot, NetSuite, etc.) ensuring reliable data flows. Environment & Deployment: Use WP Engine (Dev → Staging → Production) and Git to test, deploy, back up, and migrate with minimal downtime. Documentation & Reporting: Maintain clear technical documentation and communicate progress/issues to management and marketing. Required Skills and Experience Demonstrated experience in WordPress development (5+ years preferred), with a strong focus on back-end programming and site architecture. Portfolio required. Strong PHP and MySQL Skills relating to the Wordpress CMS environment and MySQL query optimisation. HTML, CSS, and JavaScript Familiarity and the ability to collaborate on front-end needs or make minor adjustments. Experience developing/customising themes, creating and managing child themes, and plugins to reduce third-party dependency. Hands-on management of WordPress multisite installations. Evaluating plugin necessity, consolidating functionality, managing plugin updates and reducing bloat. WP Engine or similar managed hosting; comfort with WP-CLI. Prevention of common security vulnerabilities, conduct vulnerability scans, user role management, payment processing security, and log monitoring and analysis. SEO Best practices image optimisation, schema considerations with future development on Caching and CDNs Version Control & Collaboration via Git-based workflows, code reviews, and coordination with front-end. Excellent debugging and unit tests, clear stakeholder communication, and self‑management. Bonus Qualifications Third-Party Integrations experience (our focus will be withCRMs (HubSpot), ERPs (NetSuite), REST/SOAP API interactions). AI automation workflow experience within the web sphere and/or business software i.e. ERPS, CRMs. Production-based experience with other languages such as Python, Java, GO, etc. Custom plugin development from scratch. ACF, Gutenberg block creation, Elementor, and/or WooCommerce familiarity. CMS migration experience (e.g., Magento to WordPress). Non-negotiable skills & requirements experience in WordPress development (5+ years preferred), with a strong focus on back-end programming and site architecture. Portfolio required. Strong PHP and MySQL Skills relating to the Wordpress CMS environment and MySQL query optimisation. Experience developing/customising themes, creating and managing child themes, and plugins to reduce third-party dependency. Benefits and Perks Become part of the Employee Share Units program Cloudstaff Dream Points - To be used for bidding useful items like appliances, kitchenettes etc. Comprehensive health and life insurance on your 16th day of employment, covering 1 free dependent on the 16th day of employment Flexible leave credits which may be used for vacation, emergency and sick leaves In-house psychiatrist available to support employees' well-being Look forward to weekly office perks for work from office staff – Free Coffee, Meals and Beer Fridays Participate and join our CS Social Clubs and Special Interest Groups to connect with colleagues Superb and exciting Mid-Year Parties – with items to give away and cash prizes Top notch workplace with first class VIP lounge and game rooms We set you up for success with a company-provided PC/Laptop and fiber internet connection #J-18808-Ljbffr