Technical Lead & Senior Software Engineer

Handson engineering leadership for complex digital transformation programmes. I help product and engineering teams turn fragile legacy web estates into robust platforms that are faster and easier to maintain, scale, govern, and improve.

I'm John, an awardwinning software engineering specialist based in sunny rainy Brighton, UK.

I am an enthusiastic senior software engineer and technical leader with over twentythree years of handson experience.

I help teams and clients design, build and improve websites, applications and web platforms, pairing architecture, delivery judgement and handson 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;
  • leading a team of developers for the world's local bank, rebuilding their commercial banking platform;
  • overseeing the digital rebranding of a chain of muchloved highend department stores;
  • ... and enhancing the website of a local toyshop so that they could continue trading during lockdown.
More about me

Featured Case Studies

  1. Featured case study

    Lotus
    Cars

    Longrunning legacy platform engineering for Lotus Cars across vehicle configurators, model pages, preowned sales, dealership tools, and launch marketing.

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

    HSBC Corporate
    Banking

    Lead UI development for a set of HSBC digital transformation projects, including a React, TypeScript, Node.js, and AEM rebuild of commercial banking applications.

    Screenshot of the HSBC Corporate Banking website; part of John Kavanagh's selected project work.
  3. Featured case study

    John Lewis
    & Partners

    Senior developer in the Findability team, leading 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.
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Previous Clients

Availability

I am currently leading a global digital transformation engagement, with limited availability until early 2027. Short diagnostics or urgent work may be possible sooner.

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Looking for technical direction?

I support teams that need senior judgement on React, Next.js, headless CMS architecture, performance, migrations, and technical SEO.