Senior Software Engineer & Technical Lead

Hands‑on technical leadership across complex Next.js and React platforms, digital transformations, technical SEO, performance, migrations and platform architecture.

Virgin Atlantic & Holidays

I'm John, an award‑winning independent software engineering specialist based in sunny Brighton, UK.

I am a friendly and enthusiastic senior engineer and technical leader backed by over twenty‑three years of hands‑on experience.

I help teams and clients design, build and improve websites, applications and web platforms, pairing architecture, delivery judgement and hands‑on TypeScript, React, HTML and CSS.

My portfolio is diverse; I work with global clients, solving real-world problems, including:

leading the headless replatforming of a much loved chain of restaurants, modernising its UK & Ireland web estate;
helping develop the online identity of Volvo's emerging premium EV brand;
engaging businesses, politicians, academics, and world leaders to shape global agendas;
... and creating a digital home and web shop for a fledgling Sussex vineyard.

More about me

Featured Projects

How I Usually Help

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Skip past clients

Previous Clients

John Lewis logo
The BBC logo
Gov.uk logo
HSBC logo
British Airways logo
eBay logo
Condé Nast Britain logo
Nintendo logo
Lotus Cars logo
Team GB logo
Marvel Comics logo
London Philharmonic Orchestra logo
Bosch (BSH Group) logo
Volkswagen logo
Cisco logo
Activision logo
London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics logo
Microsoft logo
Apple logo
Gatsby logo
Plex TV logo
LEGO logo
Selfridges logo
The World Economic Forum logo
Made by Many logo
AND Digital logo
IMG Licensing logo
Disney logo
Boohoo Group logo
Debenhams.com logo
The Rolling Stones logo
Wreel Agency logo
Polestar logo
MOSCOT logo
Virgin Atlantic logo
American Express logo
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association logo
Style.com logo
Macmillan Education logo
Zara logo
Boeing logo
Valtech logo
McCann Manchester logo
Warwick Acoustics logo
Nando’s logo
Virgin Active logo

"
John Kavanagh is an exceptional programmer who consistently delivered high‑quality work at Selfridges. He possesses exceptional front‑end development skills and has a remarkable ability to tackle complex problems with creative and effective solutions.
What sets John apart is his strong work ethic and dedication to delivering results. He is a reliable and proactive team player, willing to go the extra mile to ensure project success. I was particularly impressed with his ability to resolve issues and make the explanations simple and succinct. He communicates effectively, collaborates seamlessly with team members, and approaches challenges with a positive and solution‑oriented mindset."
Gene Da Rocha Generative AI Engineer
"
John Kavanagh is enthusiastic and enjoys getting work completed. His opinion on how we have developed features has been key to our success this financial year. He is fun to work with, always vocal and the dynamic he brought has driven us to deliver better quality features faster than before."
Daniel Franks Product Owner
"
John Kavanagh is very sharp and detailed when it comes to handling complex HTML and CSS components. He has a very wide knowledge of Front‑End development and knows how to sort out any problem that arises. John was an essential part of the team, and I would be happy to work with him again in the future."
Isaac Goldfarb JavaScript Developer
"
If you're seeking to elevate the visual appeal of your design and translate it into an exceptional user interface, John Kavanagh is the ideal professional for the job. With his outstanding skills as a UI developer, he consistently delivers remarkable work with remarkable efficiency. John's contributions make him a valuable addition to any front‑end team."
Andy Howell Technical Lead
"
John Kavanagh is an incredibly talented and efficient developer with great expertise in Gatsby and Contentful. He is incredibly personable and also always willing to share his knowledge. I also appreciated his ability to communicate openly and in a way that allowed me to find a way forward with him.
It was a pleasure to work with John and I would welcome another opportunity to work with him again!"
Clarisse Reyes Senior Client Success Manager
"
John Kavanagh is one of the most open‑minded developers I have ever worked with. His appreciation of great creative work, his enthusiasm and 'anything is possible' attitude is always a breath of fresh air. He is always super efficient and effective, combining a great work ethic with immense talent."
Mike Etheridge Creative Direction + Design

Availability

I am currently leading a new digital transformation engagement. I have limited availability for selected consulting and engineering delivery from September 2026.

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