About us

Rural King is America’s Farm and Home Store, providing essentials to the communities we serve. With a wide array of necessities ranging from food and feed to farm and home products, Rural King serves over 130 locations across 13 states and is constantly expanding. Our annual sales exceed $2.5 Billion, and our heart beats in Mattoon, IL, home to our corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store.

One thing our customers appreciate is our unique shopping experience, complete with complimentary popcorn and coffee. It's just one way we show our appreciation for their support.

At Rural King, we value our associates and strive to create a positive, rewarding workplace. We offer growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and a people-first environment where dedicated individuals come together to serve rural communities passionately. Join us, and you'll find not just a job but a chance to grow professionally, contribute meaningfully, and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

How we reward you

401(k) plan that provides a 100% match on the first 3% of your contributions and 50% of the next 2%

Healthcare plans to support your needs

Virtual doctor visits

Access to Centers of Excellence with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program

15% Associate Discount

Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar Program

Associate Assistance Program

RK Cares Associate Hardship Program

24/7 Chaplaincy Services

Company paid YMCA Family Membership

What You’ll do

As a Lead Developer you will develop and manage a team of developers in full life-cycle application development including user requirements, specifications, design, coding, testing, documentation, etc.

• Manage a team of developers to create, design, and modify web applications.
• Lead associates in a way that exemplifies the leadership principles taught in Rural King’s Thrive Leadership Program.
• Lead and contribute to documentation for systems, applications, and databases.
• Collaborate and communicate with associates across departments to gather requirements.
• Take raw data and make it presentable, useable, and functional.
• Lead associates in creating, designing, modifying, and maintaining web applications utilizing Agile development processes.
• Innovate new web applications based on business needs and drive efficiencies.
• Project examples:
• Enterprise-wide, proprietary sales reporting web application.
• Firearm application auditing system.
• Enterprise-wide applications for product management.
• Responsible for estimating, coordinating, and delivering activities for project-related deliverables.
• Use discretion and independent judgment in daily decisions while maintaining a high level of professionalism.
• Use general office equipment.
• Frequently operate a keyboard.
• Sit/stand/walk for long periods of time.
• Verbally communicate effectively with others (in-person and via electronic devices).
• Actively participate in learning initiatives offered such as training programs, workshops, and webinars. Leverage these opportunities to acquire new knowledge, refine existing skills, and stay current on the latest developments.
• Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to others, assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively.
• Demonstrate behaviors that exemplify Rural King’s Values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Yes

Essential Qualities for Success

• At least 5 years of software development experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2 years of development experience using Fluent in SQL, PHP, JavaScript, CSS, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience and proficiency in working with APIs, including working with JSON and SOAP requests.
• Experience and proficiency in working independently and as a team toward completing project goals.
• Experience and proficiency with problem-solving and interpersonal communication.
• Experience and proficiency in managing timelines for multiple projects simultaneously while achieving goals.

Physical Requirements  

• Ability to maintain a seated or standing position for extended durations.
• Capability to lift 15 pounds periodically.
• Able to navigate and access all facilities.
• Skill to effectively communicate verbally with others, both in-person and via electronic devices.
• Close vision for computer-related tasks.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.