Web Developer

The Junior Web Developer plays a vital role within the Business Support & Transformation team, contributing to the development, maintenance, and optimisation of Davies Group's digital platforms. The primary goal is to provide high-quality, secure, and user-friendly web experiences for both new & existing users.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong WordPress development skills, including the ability to build and configure websites from scratch, implement custom functionality, and troubleshoot technical issues. They will work both independently and collaboratively to deliver solutions that enhance performance, accessibility, and user experience.

1. Website Security

• Ensure website security protocols are current and aligned with industry standards and wider Group policies
• Monitor and manage spam registrations, dummy accounts, and other security threats
• Manage basic security measures including SSL, user role management, MFA, and firewall configurations

2. Server and Hosting

• Maintain standard operating procedures for server maintenance and disaster recovery
• Respond to server errors promptly and escalate critical issues to the Head of Web Development with clear resolution strategies and timelines
• Monitor uptime, backups, and server performance

3. Updates and Maintenance

• Monitor & apply updates to WordPress core, plugins, and themes
• Research and evaluate plugins to enhance online presence, functionality and user experience
• Ensure compatibility and stability following updates

4. Development and Design

• Build and configure websites from scratch using WordPress, including custom themes and plugins
• Use Elementor to design responsive, brand-aligned web pages and templates
• Write clean, semantic code in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, with working knowledge of PHP
• Develop and manage Custom Post Types, meta fields, and dynamic queries using ACF or JetEngine
• Monitor and improve accessibility and navigation across all Davies Professional Education websites
• Regularly review & implement performance optimisations including caching, image compression, and code refinement
• Attend meetings with senior management to discuss website performance and future development

5. User Data and Analytics

• Monitor and report on user data, including traffic statistics and engagement metrics
• Analyse user journeys and interaction patterns to inform design and content decisions
• Ensure all user data is handled in compliance with GDPR and internal data policies
• Configure and manage Google Analytics and Tag Manager for tracking and reporting

6. Support and Training

• Provide help-desk support to staff for website access, bug fixes, and troubleshooting
• Deliver training sessions and create documentation for team members on website usage and content management
• Present new features, tools, and ideas to internal teams to improve workflows and user experience

7. SEO and Marketing

• Implement SEO strategies across core pages and post types under guidance from the Digital Services Manager
• Ensure metadata, schema, and content structure support search engine visibility

8. Collaboration and Continuous Improvement

• Work independently on assigned tasks while contributing to team-wide projects
• Collaborate with designers, marketers, and stakeholders to deliver integrated digital solutions
• Stay informed of web development trends, tools, and best practices
• Participate in Agile workflows and contribute to sprint planning and retrospectives

9. Other Duties

• Undertake additional tasks as required to support the broader objectives of the Business Support & Transformation team and People Development as a whole

Essential Skills

• Ability to document processes and communicate technical concepts clearly
• Exposure to WordPress core functionality and architecture
• Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive design principles
• Self-starter with awareness of current web design and development plugins/trends

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Strong understanding of the WordPress platform and ecosystem
• Experience with Elementor, ACF, JetEngine, and custom WordPress development
• Familiarity with Git version control and collaborative development workflows
• Exposure to performance monitoring tools such as Google Lighthouse or GTmetrix
• Experience with SEO, CRO, and user behaviour analysis
• Experience connecting and managing MySQL databases, including use of phpMyAdmin

Personal Attributes

• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently
• Strong communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences
• Collaborative mindset and ability to contribute effectively to team goals
• Passion for continuous learning and professional development

We are a specialist professional services and technology firm, working in partnership with leading insurance, highly regulated and global businesses.

We help our clients to manage risk, operate their core business processes, transform and grow. We deliver professional services and technology solutions across the risk and insurance value chain, including excellence in claims, underwriting, distribution, regulation & risk, customer experience, human capital, digital transformation & change management.

Our global team of more than 8,000 professionals operate across ten countries, including the UK & the U.S. Over the past ten years Davies has grown its annual revenues more than 20-fold, investing heavily in research & development, innovation & automation, colleague development, and client service. Today the group serves more than 1,500 insurance, financial services, public sector, and other highly regulated clients.