Front-end Engineer

About the Opportunity

Do you value both the aesthetics and functionality of a product equally? First Table invites a Front-end Engineer to enhance and develop user-facing features for diners, ranging from discovering new dining spots to booking tables seamlessly.

About First Table

Founded in Queenstown, New Zealand, and with over ten years in the hospitality technology realm, First Table operates across New Zealand, Australia, and the UK. This platform connects food enthusiasts with restaurants, facilitating early-booking perks and last-minute table availability, ensuring a winning experience for both diners and restaurants. Our core values—Win-Win-Win, Own It, and Grow Together—define our culture and collaborations.

Role Overview

In this role, you will craft and improve diner-facing experiences on the First Table platform, working closely with teams in Product, Design, Analytics, and Engineering. The tech stack primarily involves React, TypeScript, Next.js, and a React Native/Expo mobile app.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and refine features enhancing the dining discovery and booking experience.
• Develop responsive, fast, and accessible interfaces using React frameworks and TypeScript.
• Translate designs into polished, user-friendly interfaces with a focus on UI excellence.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to contribute innovative solutions and rapidly deliver improvements.
• Gradually extend contributions to the mobile app (React Native/Expo) as skills develop.
• Develop reusable components and engage with APIs, including GraphQL, supporting overall application architecture.
• Utilize analytics, experimentation, and AI tools to monitor performance and iterate on features.

Candidate Profile

Ideal candidates bring deep front-end expertise and a passion for crafting delightful experiences. We value practical skills in React and TypeScript, with additional appreciation for React Native and GraphQL knowledge. A strong grasp of modern frameworks like Next.js, user experience awareness, and front-end best practices such as responsive design, performance tuning, and accessibility are essential.

• Proficiency in React, TypeScript, and preferably React Native/Expo.
• Experience with Next.js and building consumer-facing digital products.
• Solid front-end fundamentals including responsive layouts and accessibility.
• Ability to implement high-quality UI aligned with design specifications.
• Familiarity with APIs and modern app architectures.
• Proactive mindset with a collaborative spirit, eager to contribute and progress work autonomously.
• Strong communication skills partnering with Product, Design, and Engineering teams.
• Experience in B2C marketplaces, ecommerce, or similarly fast-paced environments is advantageous.

Why Join First Table?

• Work in a high-trust, flexible setting with options for hybrid work from Auckland or Queenstown.
• Build impactful, highly visible products actively used by customers daily.
• Join a team that prioritizes speed, pragmatism, and delivering customer value over unnecessary bureaucracy.
• Tackle unique challenges involving marketplace dynamics, booking flows, conversion, and retention.
• Collaborate with seasoned Product, Design, and Engineering colleagues while having autonomy.
• Growth opportunities across web and mobile development.
• Engage with AI-driven tools to accelerate development cycles while maintaining engineering quality.
• Influence the direction of a thriving international platform loved by diners and restaurants alike.
• Enjoy perks including free First Table bookings, team recognition, social events, and being part of an award-winning, purpose-driven brand.

Application Process

Please provide your CV and a brief cover letter explaining your motivation to join First Table and this role. Highlight an example where you have transformed a feature from concept or design into a customer-ready product. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submissions are encouraged.