Principal Software Engineer & Technical Lead

Hands‑on engineering leadership for complex digital transformation programmes. I help product and engineering teams turn fragile legacy web estates into faster, more maintainable platforms that are easier to scale, govern, and improve.

  1. ToyBoxX
    ToyBoxX

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

I am an enthusiastic principal software engineer and technical leader with 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:

  • helping develop the online identity of Volvo's emerging premium EV brand;
  • helping prospective car buyers find just the right configuration for their next sports car;
  • overseeing the digital rebranding of a chain of much‑loved high‑end department stores;
  • ... and revamping the online presence of a local food truck so that their customers knew where to find them.
More about me

Featured Case Studies

  1. Featured case study

    Lotus
    Cars

    Long‑running legacy platform engineering for Lotus Cars across vehicle configurators, model pages, pre‑owned sales, dealership tools, and launch marketing.

    Screenshot of the Lotus website; part of John Kavanagh's selected project work.
  2. Featured case study

    The World Economic
    Forum

    Senior JavaScript developer heavily involved in delivering a React‑based rebuild of the World Economic Forum online platforms, including leading the introduction of new user features.

    Screenshot of The World Economic Forum website; part of John Kavanagh's selected project work.
  3. Featured case study

    John Lewis
    & Partners

    Senior developer as part of team 'Findability'. Led the digital implementation of the 'John Lewis & Partners' rebrand alongside new feature development, user journey optimisation, and performance improvements.

    Screenshot of the John Lewis website; part of John Kavanagh's selected project work.

How I Usually Help

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Availability

I am currently leading a global digital transformation engagement, with limited availability until late 2026. Short diagnostics or urgent work may be possible sooner.

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Need a senior engineer involved?

I can work directly in the codebase, review the architecture, or support the team through delivery when the work needs more than extra hands.

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