Frontend focused Technical Architect

Who We Are:

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse. 

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences.  Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work. 

As a Frontend/Cloud Focused Technical Architect, you will be at the forefront of crafting engaging and performant user experiences for our clients' cutting-edge digital platforms. You'll leverage your expertise in modern frontend technologies, headless architectures, and cloud platforms to design and implement innovative solutions that deliver exceptional user journeys. You will work closely with our CTO, UX designers, frontend developers, backend developers and stakeholders to ensure seamless integration between frontend and backend systems, while championing best practices for performance, accessibility, and maintainability.

What you’ll be doing:

• Designing and documenting modern frontend architectures, focusing on headless solutions, component-based development, and performance optimization
• Leading technical decision-making within project teams, ensuring alignment with UX design principles and technical feasibility
• Defining and implementing technical standards and patterns for frontend development, promoting code quality, accessibility, and maintainability
• Collaborating with UX designers and frontend developers, backend developers to ensure seamless integration between frontend and backend systems
• Identifying and mitigating technical risks, ensuring the delivery of high-quality and performant user interfaces
• Mentoring and guiding junior technical team members, fostering a culture of technical excellence
• Staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies, continuously exploring new approaches to improve frontend architecture and development practices
• Contributing to new business efforts by providing technical expertise for RFIs, RFPs, and pitch responses
• Leveraging AI/ML capabilities to enhance frontend experiences, such as personalization and intelligent search

What you should have:  

• Extensive experience in developing modern frontend applications using JavaScript frameworks (React/Next.js preferred)
• Deep understanding of headless architectures, API integration, and content management systems (Contentful experience a plus)
• Proficiency in frontend development tools and technologies (e.g., Webpack, Babel, npm, Turbo)
• Strong understanding of performance optimization techniques for web applications
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS/Azure preferred) and serverless technologies
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Proven ability to lead technical decision-making and guide development teams
• Experience contributing to and supporting new business activities, including RFIs, RFPs, and pitches
• Knowledge of AI/ML principles and practical experience integrating AI/ML solutions into frontend applications
• Experience with Vercel or similar serverless deployment platforms

Bonus points if you have: 

• Experience with other frontend frameworks (e.g., Vue.js)
• Familiarity with static site generators and JAMstack architecture
• Knowledge of accessibility standards and best practices
• Hands-on experience with AWS AI/ML services (e.g., SageMaker, Bedrock, Rekognition

What we can offer you:

• Private health insurance package (for employees working for us for a year or more)
• International and inhouse training possibilities
• Education budget to suit your own development
• International projects
• Diverse teams (in 2023 our office has won the 'Most Diverse Company' special award in the Loveable Workplace competition) 

And there is more:

• Kid and dog friendly office
• Annual team building days; fun events
• Award-winning and well-equipped office 

AT VML Enterprise Solutions

Our Enterprise Solutions division houses strategic consultants, creative and technical architects and skilled developers and operators that together help some of the world’s leading organisations to deliver outstanding digital experiences across all major routes to market worldwide: marketplaces, online retailers, D2C, B2B and social platforms. With over 4,200 experts in 55 operational centres across 34 countries, our capabilities span the entire buying journey from customer acquisition, through engagement, to conversion and loyalty, driving multi-channel growth for world-leading brands.

We work with some of the most exciting brands such as The Coca-Cola Company, EY, Bosch, Unilever, Ford, DFS, Mercedes-Benz, Johnson & Johnson, Nestlé, Sainsbury’s, Selfridges, Shell and Tiffany & Co. We’ve built over 500 platforms for brands and retailers and generate in excess of $29bn annually for our clients and work with over 50 strategic partners including Adobe, SAP, Salesforce, HCL, Shopify, Sitecore, BigCommerce, commerce tools and Acquia. Our reputation is based on our people, and we believe we have some of the best in the business.

As our business grows internationally, we’re looking for new people to join us on our journey to inspire and take a key role in shaping some of the best commerce solutions, services, and websites in the world. Working as a team, no problem is insurmountable; we share in our client’s successes and believe that anyone can show creative bravery no matter what their role is in the team.

#LI-MP1

At VML, we are committed to fostering an all-inclusive work environment that is both rewarding and career-forward. Our Inclusion, Equity & Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Our people are the heartbeat of our organization—creators, doers, innovators, makers, and thinkers—who drive not just marketing, but meaningful experiences that resonate in every action and interaction. 

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. 

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