We're a digital agency in Newcastle that's been building websites, SEO strategies, and digital marketing solutions for more than 25 years. We work with companies in all sectors that value expertise over commodity pricing.
We're not looking for just another developer. We're looking for our next leader.
We need someone who can step into technical ownership, manage complex client projects, and eventually take operational responsibility as the founder focuses more on strategy and business development.
This is a succession-minded hire. We're looking for someone who wants to grow WITH the business, not just work FOR it.
The Role
You'll be our Development and Operations Lead - the person who owns the technical direction, manages client relationships, and gradually steps into operational leadership.
You'll spend your time:
Building and maintaining client websites (WordPress, Shopify, custom solutions)
Leading technical strategy for SEO, e-commerce, and integration projects
Managing client relationships and translating business needs into technical solutions
Taking ownership of project delivery and team coordination
Working alongside the founder to shape the future direction of the business
This isn't just coding. It's client-facing technical leadership with a clear path to operational management.
What We're Looking For
Must-haves:
5+ years full-stack development experience
Comfortable talking to clients (you can explain technical concepts in plain English)
WordPress and e-commerce platform expertise
Can estimate projects accurately and manage your own workload
Previous team leadership or mentoring experience
Based in Newcastle or willing to relocate (we're office-based for collaboration)
Australian work rights required for this position
Nice-to-haves:
Experience with SEO technical implementation
Shopify, WooCommerce, or other e-commerce platforms
Interest in AI integration, automation, or emerging tech
Must-not-haves:
Attitude that \"clients don't understand technology\"
Need for constant supervision or hand-holding
Preference for working in silos over collaboration
What You Get
The opportunity:
Real path to operational leadership (not just a title)
Ownership of technical direction and client relationships
Shape the future of a 25-year-old established agency
Work directly with the founder on strategic direction
The work:
Diverse client base across industries (no boring repetition)
Real technical challenges (not just template installations)
Direct client impact (you'll see results of your work)
Autonomy over how you solve problems
Long-term client relationships (not churn-and-burn)
The culture:
Small, focused team (no corporate bureaucracy)
Founder who codes and understands technical work
Flexible work approach (we're actively exploring innovative scheduling models)
Structured onboarding with direct founder mentorship during your first 90 days
The compensation:
Competitive salary $100-$120K (negotiable based on experience)
Superannuation
4 weeks annual leave
Equipment and tools you need
Flexibility for life (appointments, kids, commitments - we're humans with lives)
Why We're Different
We don't compete on price. We work with clients who value expertise and build long-term partnerships. You won't be churning through commodity websites, you'll be solving real business problems.
We don't treat developers like code monkeys. You'll talk to clients, shape solutions, and make strategic decisions. Your expertise drives the work.
We value sustainability over growth at any cost. We've maintained quality, built lasting relationships, and treated our team well for over 25 years. You'll have room to build a career here.
About This Transition
The founder is shifting focus from day-to-day operations to strategy and business development. That means someone needs to own the technical operations, and that someone could be you.
This role could evolve into Technical Director, Operations Manager, or whatever makes sense as you prove your capabilities and the business grows. We're not promising a specific timeline. We're promising a genuine opportunity for the right person who wants to build something.
The Application Process
Don't send a generic CV. We want to know:
Why does technical leadership interest you? (Not just coding - leading.)
Tell us about a complex project you led. (What made it hard? How'd you solve it?)
How do you handle difficult client conversations? (Give us a real example.)
What does good work-life balance look like to you? (We're building sustainable culture - want to understand your needs.)
Timeline
Applications close: 27 February 2026
First interviews: As soon as can be arranged after receiving selected candidates
Start date: Flexible, ideally March-April 2026
Questions?
\"Is there really a path to leadership or is this just talk?\" Real. The founder is in his 50s, building toward eventual transition. This isn't a 30-year timeline - it's a 3-5 year opportunity for the right person.
\"Can I work remotely?\" No. We're office-based for collaboration and client relationships. Flexibility for appointments/life, but core work is in-office.
\"What if I'm not interested in management?\" That's fine - tell us in your application. We need someone senior regardless. Leadership potential is a bonus, not a requirement.
\"What does \'flexible work approach\' mean?\" We're actively exploring compressed workweeks, flexible scheduling, and innovative team structures. Nothing's locked in yet - we want to find what works for our team. Your input during the process matters.
About Newcastle
If you're not local: Newcastle is 2 hours north of Sydney, with beaches, wine country, live music, and significantly lower cost of living than Sydney.
We're looking for one person who wants to grow into leadership while doing great technical work.
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