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 with CRMs (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