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 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:

  • leading a team of developers for the world's local bank, rebuilding their commercial banking platform;
  • leading the modernisation of the online portfolio of one of Britain's largest airlines;
  • engaging businesses, politicians, academics, and world leaders to shape global agendas;
  • ... 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

    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.
  2. Featured case study

    LEGO

    Senior developer delivering an allnew React ecommerce platform designed to handle high traffic volumes and support multiple languages and currencies.

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

    Polestar

    Senior developer on Polestar's highly animated, interactive website and automotive configurators, built with Gatsby, React, and TypeScript as Volvo's former gofaster brand evolved into an EV company.

    Screenshot of the Polestar website; part of John Kavanagh's selected project work.
Skip past clients

Previous Clients

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.

View calendar
  1. Enquire
  2. Enquire
  3. Enquire
  4. Enquire

Want to find out more?

If you need senior handson support with a complex React or Next.js platform, migration, performance issue, or technical SEO problem, send me the context and I'll tell you where I can help.