Lead Frontend Developer
Remote with ad-hoc travel to Manchester || Experience within UK central government required
The Company
At Amber Labs, we are a cutting-edge UK and European technology consultancy that prioritises empowering autonomy, promoting experimentation, and facilitating rapid learning to provide exceptional value to our clients. Our company culture is centred around collaboration, where all colleagues, regardless of their role, work together to minimise risk and shorten delivery times. Our team consists of highly skilled cross-functional consultants, analysts, and support staff.
About the Role
We're looking for a Lead Frontend Developer with deep expertise in modern web technologies and user interface development to join our growing team.
To be considered for this role, candidates must:
- Be eligible for BPSS clearance.
- Have proven experience delivering projects within UK central government.
You will lead technical delivery on high-impact government programmes, creating secure, accessible, and user-focused digital services. As a Lead, you'll guide frontend development teams, make key architectural decisions, and mentor colleagues while remaining hands-on with coding and delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership across the full frontend development lifecycle.
- Design, develop, test, and deploy secure, accessible, and responsive user interfaces.
- Champion accessibility best practices using tools such as aXe-Core, Wave, and assistive technologies (JAWS, VoiceOver, Dragon).
- Build and maintain web applications with JavaScript, Node.js, HTML, CSS, and ExpressJS.
- Implement performance optimisation and cross-browser compatibility solutions.
- Oversee GitLab pipelines and CI/CD best practice for frontend delivery.
- Collaborate with designers, product owners, and stakeholders to define and deliver high-quality outcomes.
- Mentor and support frontend developers, encouraging knowledge-sharing and professional growth.
- Promote best practices in clean code, testing, accessibility, and agile delivery.
Key Skills & Experience
- Proven experience as a Lead or Senior Frontend Developer in complex environments.
- Strong expertise in JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
- Experience with Node.js and frontend frameworks (ExpressJS or similar).
- Hands-on experience building and consuming REST APIs.
- Strong knowledge of responsive design and accessibility standards (WCAG).
- Familiarity with frontend testing tools (Selenium, Postman, aXe-Core, Wave).
- Experience setting up and managing CI/CD pipelines in GitLab (or similar).
- Prior experience working on UK central government projects (essential).
- Excellent communication skills with a collaborative, delivery-focused mindset.
Clearance Requirement
- Must be eligible for BPSS clearance.
- At this time, we are unable to consider candidates who require visa sponsorship.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
- Join a rapidly expanding consultancy where personal growth is part of our DNA.
- Flexible work environment focused on deliverable outcomes.
- Private medical insurance through Aviva.
- Company pension plan through Nest.
- 25 days of annual leave plus UK bank holidays.
- Access to Perkbox, a global employee rewards platform.
- Generous employee referral programme.
- Highly collaborative and collegial environment with clear opportunities for career advancement.
- Choice of device (PC or Mac).
Diversity & Inclusion
At Amber Labs, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace for all. We value the unique experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our employees and are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and supported.
