Tech Lead - Java and React at Develop, Multiple Locations, £650-£850 per day

Tech Lead (Java / React) - Media Industry
£650 - £850/day Outside IR35
London (Hybrid)

We're looking for a hands-on Tech Lead to step into a high-impact role on a media platform that urgently needs strong technical leadership.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a team, turn around delivery performance, and play a key role in a business-critical international rollout.

You'll be leading a nearshore engineering team, driving improvements in code quality, delivery velocity, and engineering standards while working closely with senior stakeholders across global teams.

This isn't a passive leadership role - we need someone who can lead from the front, get into the code, and make an immediate difference.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading and mentoring a nearshore development team
• Driving engineering best practices and code quality
• Improving team performance and delivery pace
• Collaborating with global product and technical stakeholders
• Contributing hands-on across a Java (backend) and React (frontend) stack
• Helping rebuild confidence in a key global project

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience as a Tech Lead - hands on with the code and experience leading the team
• Strong background in Java and React
• Experience improving or turning around underperforming teams
• Comfortable working in distributed / nearshore team environments
• Strong stakeholder management skills
• Able to hit the ground running and deliver impact quickly
• Experience in the media industry

Nice to Have

• Experience using AI-assisted development tools (Claude)

The Details

• £750 - £850 per day
• Initial 4-month contract (likely extension)
• Start ASAP (within the next few weeks)
• Hybrid working: 2-3 days onsite in Holborn, London

Why This Role?

• High-impact position with real ownership
• Opportunity to transform a struggling project into a success
• Work with global teams on a critical platform
• Strong likelihood of extension or long-term opportunity

If you're a Tech Lead who thrives on fixing problems, leading teams, and delivering real results, this is the role to make your mark.