Lead Developer - Freelance

As a Lead Developer at AKQA, you will be responsible for overseeing a team of software developers focused on creating sophisticated digital experiences. Your main tasks will include mentoring junior developers, conducting code reviews, and ensuring that coding standards are met. Additionally, you will develop marketing emails for premium brands, troubleshoot rendering issues, and collaborate with designers and marketing teams to implement effective email campaigns.

To excel as a Lead Developer at AKQA, you should have 8+ years of experience in front-end development, specializing in HTML email development. Proficiency in HTML, CSS/Sass, and JavaScript is essential, along with experience in responsive web design and implementing WCAG 2.1 AA standards. Familiarity with tools like Sketch, Photoshop, and version control software like Git is also important, along with effective communication skills for interacting with a diverse group.

Working as a Lead Developer at AKQA means entering a dynamic and fast-paced environment where creativity and collaboration thrive. You'll be part of a client-facing team that values diverse opinions on technology and delivery approaches. This role also offers the flexibility of freelance work while requiring you to operate in West Coast hours, allowing a collaborative workflow with your remote colleagues.

A Lead Developer at AKQA should be well-versed in HTML, CSS/Sass, JavaScript, and responsive design techniques. Knowledge of developing marketing emails, troubleshooting across email clients, and experience with automation tools like NPM are also key. Being familiar with version control systems, design tools such as Xcode Simulator, and web development tools will greatly enhance your ability to contribute effectively.

AKQA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity brings various perspectives that enhance our ability to provide exceptional services to our clients. Our hiring decisions are based on qualifications, ensuring that factors such as race, gender identity, and background do not influence our process. We actively encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

When answering this question, highlight your hands-on experience in developing responsive, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing emails and web applications using HTML and CSS. Mention any specific projects where you've applied these technologies, emphasizing best practices and your ability to ensure cross-browser compatibility.

Discuss your mentoring philosophy, focusing on providing technical guidance and career advancement advice. Highlight how you use code reviews as a teaching opportunity and how you promote a collaborative environment where questions and discussions are encouraged.

Share your methods for keeping abreast of new technologies and trends, such as attending web development conferences, participating in online communities, or following industry-leading blogs and newsletters. Emphasize your commitment to continuous learning and applying new knowledge to improve your team's output.

Explain your approach to fostering an open dialogue among team members, encouraging constructive debate while also working towards a collaborative decision. Highlight your ability to balance differing opinions while maintaining team cohesion and delivering on project goals.

Provide a specific example of a technical issue you've encountered in previous roles. Detail the steps you took to solve the problem, the stakeholders involved, and the outcome. This demonstrates your problem-solving skills and versatility as a developer.

Discuss your experience with Git, including specific workflows that you've found effective in multi-developer teams. You might mention branch management, pull requests, and how you ensure quality control through version control practices.

When discussing accessibility, reference the WCAG 2.1 AA standards and your strategies for ensuring compliance. You can mention using appropriate HTML structures, semantic tags, and testing tools that help assess accessibility in your digital products.

Outline your code review process, emphasizing constructive feedback and collaborative improvement. Discuss the importance of upholding coding standards, ensuring quality, and involving the team in discussions that lead to better practices.

Explain your approach to task prioritization, including how you assess project urgency and importance. Providing examples of tools or methodologies you've employed, such as Agile or Kanban, can demonstrate your organizational skills effectively.

Discuss your strategies for effective collaboration with designers and marketing teams, emphasizing communication and the importance of aligning technical requirements with creative visions. Highlight any past experiences where successful collaboration led to improved outcomes.