Web Developer / Designer Job description
As organisations increasingly use websites and web pages to display text, audio, images, and videos to showcase their goods and services, the role of a Web Developer/Designer has become increasingly important. The Web Developer/Designer job description assists qualified candidates in creating job applications that stand out from others. Recruiters can also utilise this information in their job postings to attract qualified candidates for openings within the organisation.
Job Title: Web Developer / Designer
A web developer and a web designer often take on both roles simultaneously, but they are quite different from a technical standpoint. A web developer typically focuses on the “back-end” aspects, which include system design, integrating systems through APIS (application programming interfaces), and writing code in various languages such as C++, PHP, and Microsoft .net, while also accessing different databases. In contrast, a web designer emphasises creativity when designing and implementing the “front-end” user experiences of websites and applications. However, they also possess technical skills in HTML and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets).
If an organisation is fortunate, the skills of a Web Developer and a Web Designer may overlap. The Web Developer is typically responsible for maintaining mobile and desktop websites and the intranet. Their duties include supporting end-users through training and documentation, writing code to develop online forms or plug-ins, and acting as the technical expert to fix bugs or manage upgrades.
On the other hand, the Web Designer primarily focuses on branding and creating visual elements such as landing pages, templates, email designs, marketing headers, banners, and related advertising pages. They may also update content.
With the shift towards social media marketing, it is evident from job descriptions and advertisements that these roles are expected to encompass much more than their traditional responsibilities. In addition to their core tasks, professionals in these positions are now often involved in designing apps, managing content, and integrating systems across CRM platforms, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and using analytics to track customer insights and understand the customer journey.
Furthermore, some roles have transitioned from a back-office setting to being more front-facing, requiring collaboration with agencies, research teams, social media departments, and various other groups within the organisation.
Other related job titles include: Web Developer (with specialities such as PHP, HTML, Java), Creative Web Developer/Designer, Designer (with a specific specialisation), Print and Web Designer, Digital Creative Strategist, Digital Designer (with specialisations such as Flash), and Digital Graphic Designer. In some organisations, roles are further categorised into junior positions within the team. These junior roles include titles such as Junior Web Developer, Junior Front-End Developer, E-commerce Web Developer, Junior User Experience Developer, Junior Mid-Weight Developer, Lead Creative Designer/Developer, and Middleweight Designer/Developer.
Job Description & Duties
- Responsible for designing and maintaining the website, intranet, and e-commerce platforms.
- Design email templates that adhere to best practices.
- Collaborate closely with the Social Media team to ensure platforms are fully optimised for text, images or videos and mobile use.
- Gather user requirements and create layouts to design relevant pages across different platforms, keeping the customer’s perspective in mind.
- Communicate project progress to key stakeholders while ensuring designs align with user experience, usability standards, and best practices.
- Play a key role in developing systems, interfaces, and integrating new technologies.
- Produce QR codes and associated landing pages.
- Collaborate with agencies to implement new technologies, such as apps.
- Create designs for social media platform pages, including Facebook and LinkedIn.
- Work with APIS to integrate systems and data.
- Responsible for bug fixes and problem-solving to ensure an optimal customer experience.
- Manage upgrades and patches for existing systems.
- Oversee user acceptance testing and browser compatibility optimisation.
- Ensure content aligns with brand guidelines (for certain design roles).
- Create and maintain online assets in accordance with brand standards.
- Monitor and support platform performance.
- Some roles may require copywriting experience, particularly for more design-focused positions.
- Any other roles assigned?
Skills and Competencies
- Work to tight deadline dates.
- Dynamic and positive attitude.
- Passionate about web development and tools/ systems.
- Communication skills.
- Project management skills.
- Excellent design skills and creative skills. (Web Designer).
Technical and Specific Experience
- Programming Languages and Technologies: Proficient in PHP, Mysql, JavaScript, jQuery, Java, .net, XML, and API integration.
- Web Design Tools: Skilled in HTML, CSS, Flash, Photoshop, and Dreamweaver, primarily for design roles, but this may vary based on specific needs.
- Server Knowledge: Familiarity with Linux, Nginx, and Apache; depth of knowledge may vary by role.
- E-commerce: Understanding of e-commerce web applications and open-source platforms, which can differ across positions.
- Mobile Development: Experience with mobile application development frameworks and technologies. Knowledge of HTML, CSS, Flash, Photoshop, and Dreamweaver varies by role.
- Web Standards: Knowledge and application of W3C web standards, as well as an understanding of browser compatibility issues.
- Platform Maintenance: Experience in maintaining and testing online platforms and interfacing systems, applicable to certain roles.
- Industry Background: Some positions may require experience in specific sectors, such as Retail or FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods).
- Documentation and Bug Fixing: Demonstrated experience in producing documentation and methodologies for bug fixing.
- Usability Techniques: Understanding usability techniques is essential for various roles.
- Web Design Skills: Some web designer roles require knowledge of animation, illustration, presentation, and publishing applications (e.g., Dreamweaver, Photoshop, InDesign).
- SEO Knowledge: Understanding of search engine optimisation (SEO) principles.
- Design Principles: Familiarity with design principles, including colour theory, layout, and other design-focused aspects.
- WordPress and Open Source Systems: Some roles may specifically ask for experience with WordPress and other open-source systems.
- Website Accessibility: Understanding of website accessibility guidelines.
- Web Development Experience: Proven experience in web development is crucial across many roles.
Core Competencies
Core competencies are crucial for roles in the public sector, and many private companies also evaluate candidates based on these skills. Common competencies include: leadership, communication, creativity, project management, financial acumen, and problem-solving.
Professional Qualifications and Experience
- For junior roles, at least 1 year of relevant experience is required.
- For more senior positions, candidates require 3 to 4 years of experience in a similar role.
- Specific technical skills may also be necessary.