Web Systems Administrator & Developer

We are looking for an experienced, hands-on Web Systems Administrator & Developer to take technical ownership of our web hosting environment and portfolio of websites.

This is a hybrid role combining Linux server and hosting administration with hands-on web development.

The key part of the role will involve managing our Linux-based hosting environments using Plesk and associated tools, including web servers, databases, PHP environments, domains, SSL certificates, backups, security, and performance, ensuring our servers, hosting environments, and websites are secure, stable, maintained, and up to date.

Alongside the infrastructure responsibilities, you will work extensively with CMS and Ecommerce platforms such as WordPress and PrestaShop, carrying out both front-end and back-end development, troubleshooting existing functionality and creating custom plugins, modules and integrations.

This is a senior technical position for someone comfortable taking ownership, investigating problems independently, and working across the entire web stack from the server and database through to the application and front end.

Key Responsibilities:

Linux & Web Server Administration

• Take day-to-day technical ownership of our Linux-based web hosting environments.
• Manage and maintain servers using Plesk and associated administration tools.
• Monitor server health, performance, availability, resource usage, and capacity.
• Maintain and configure web server environments, including Apache and/or Nginx.
• Manage PHP versions, PHP-FPM, and associated extensions and configurations.
• Maintain and manage MySQL/MariaDB databases.
• Manage domains, DNS, SSL/TLS certificates, and related web services.
• Apply operating system, server software, and security updates in a controlled manner.
• Troubleshoot server, hosting, database, PHP, and website issues.
• Monitor logs and system activity to identify potential issues before they affect websites.
• Manage server security, including appropriate firewall, access control, and hardening measures.
• Manage and test website and server backup processes.
• Assist with server migrations, hosting changes and infrastructure improvements.
• Work with hosting providers and third-party suppliers where required.

Website & Platform Administration

• Take technical responsibility for multiple live websites and ensure they remain secure, stable, and up to date.
• Manage WordPress and PrestaShop installations and associated themes, plugins and modules.
• Plan and carry out platform, plugin, module and software updates.
• Investigate compatibility issues following updates or changes.
• Manage website migrations, staging environments and production deployments.
• Monitor website performance, availability and security.
• Identify and resolve technical issues before they become significant problems.
• Maintain appropriate documentation for servers, websites, configurations and procedures.

Web Development

• Develop and maintain CMS and e-commerce platforms such as WordPress and PrestaShop websites.
• Work across both front-end and back-end development.
• Develop custom plugins, modules, and functionality.
• Modify and extend existing themes, plugins, and modules.
• Develop integrations with third-party systems and APIs.
• Develop new website and e-commerce functionality.
• Troubleshoot and improve existing PHP code.
• Work with MySQL/MariaDB databases as part of application development and troubleshooting.
• Implement performance, security, and usability improvements.
• Manage code through appropriate version control and deployment processes.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 5+ years of Linux server administration
• 5+ years of front-end and back-end development
• Strong knowledge of Apache and/or Nginx, PHP and PHP-FPM, MySQL / MariaDB, DNS, SSL/TLS certificates, FTP/SFTP/SSH
• Server backups and restoration, server monitoring and troubleshooting
• Linux permissions, users, and file systems
• Monitoring web server and application logs and basic server security and hardening
• Strong knowledge of PHP programming and multiple frameworks
• WordPress Plugin and module development for WordPress, WooCommerce, PrestaShop, and Shopify (custom themes/plugins).
• Understanding of WCAG accessibility, responsive design, and cross-browser testing.
• API integration and troubleshooting expertise.
• Familiarity with Docker or containerised workflows (advantage).
• Strong debugging skills and a proactive, problem-solving approach
• Excellent communication skills with conversational/good English.
• Flexibility to work in the UK/EU time zone

Preferred Qualifications:

• A degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field
• Extracurricular certification in Linux/database/security/frameworks

Benefits:

• Two salary reviews in the first year
• Annual loyalty bonus
• 25 days paid annual leave