Senior Backend Developer

About The Opportunity

We are seeking a hands-on Senior Backend Developer to enhance the core backend systems powering the First Table platform. The role involves taking responsibility for essential backend services and integrations, turning complex technical problems into impactful solutions, covering areas like booking flows, partner connectivity, and cloud infrastructure as we expand internationally.

Our work culture is outcome-oriented, guided by clear objectives and key results (OKRs). You will drive initiatives that improve the platform's reliability, efficiency, and feature delivery.

Joining a newly created position, you will report to the Engineering Lead and collaborate closely with dedicated engineering and product teams to deliver the product roadmap and optimize platform development, deployment, and support for users across New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, and beyond.

This role offers flexibility to be based remotely, either from Auckland or at our headquarters in Queenstown.

About Us

First Table is a pioneering hospitality technology company founded and headquartered in Queenstown, New Zealand. With over ten years of experience, we operate across New Zealand, Australia, and the UK. Our platform connects diners with restaurants, encouraging new dining experiences through early bird offers and last-minute table bookings, creating mutual benefits for both restaurants and customers.

Our company values—Win-Win-Win, Own It, and Grow Together—shape how we support each other, our partners, and diners, making First Table a satisfying and engaging workplace.

Role Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain scalable backend services and APIs primarily using PHP.
• Implement and manage integrations with restaurant reservation systems and third-party partners.
• Transition legacy workflows to event-driven architectures to enhance system reliability and performance.
• Enhance the AWS cloud infrastructure through improvements, automation, and adoption of best practices including Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD), Infrastructure as Code (IaC), and containerization.
• Increase system observability and resilience by implementing mechanisms such as queueing, throttling, retries, debouncing, and providing production support during critical operations.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to the team, uphold engineering standards, and contribute to strong technical decision-making.

Candidate Requirements

• Minimum of five years experience in backend system development for production web applications.
• Proficient in PHP with a preference for familiarity with frameworks (though not mandatory).
• Expertise in API design and integration.
• Strong knowledge of SQL and database schema design, particularly with MySQL or equivalent databases.
• Experience working with AWS services and asynchronous/event-driven systems such as SQS, SNS, or Kafka is highly desirable.
• Possess an ownership-driven approach focusing on quality, reliability, and continuous improvement.

Benefits & Perks

• Opportunity to scale the platform into new product features and geographic markets.
• Position offers a high level of trust and the ability to influence meaningful outcomes.
• Work environment options include our lively Queenstown headquarters with regular social events and flexible work-from-home arrangements or remote work from Auckland with frequent team collaboration sessions.
• Enjoy employee perks like complimentary First Table bookings, referral rewards, team recognition programs, and celebrations of success.
• Become part of a respected, consumer-facing brand known for creativity, collaboration, and ongoing personal and professional growth.

Application Process

If you are eager to contribute to a product loved by many, please submit your CV along with a cover letter explaining your interest in First Table and why you would be a great fit. Applications are reviewed continuously, so early submission is encouraged.