Lead Software Engineer - Gaming Experience Needed Contract

We're partnering with a fast-growing sports/entertainment business looking to hire a Senior Backend Engineer on a 6-month contract (outside IR35), with potential to convert to permanent (£95k). This is a hands-on tech lead role with ownership of core platform systems powering multiple websites and internal services.

The Role

You'll take full technical ownership of the NextGen CMS and Master Data (MDM) systems, designing, developing, and mentoring a small team of engineers. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in complex, high-scale environments and wants real impact from day one.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead development across CMS and MDM systems

  • Maintain and expand complex backend systems (not standard CMS)

  • Mentor engineers and set engineering standards/patterns

  • Drive architecture, integrations, and system scalability

  • Work closely with stakeholders to deliver features and improvements

Team Environment:

  • 5 Backend, 3 Frontend engineers, 1 Delivery Manager

  • Supported by 1 Architect; Product hire joining soon

  • Distributed across UK & Poland; hybrid working with optional Holborn office

Required Skills & Experience

  • Node.js & TypeScript in production systems

  • AWS or other cloud at scale

  • Experience owning large, complex backend systems

  • Proven mentorship or tech lead experience

  • Strong system design & architecture experience

  • Integration-heavy environments

Nice-to-Have:

  • Experience with high-scale platforms (gaming, sports, fintech, marketplaces)

  • DevOps/SRE awareness

Soft Skills:

  • Excellent communicator, proactive and collaborative

  • Leadership mindset with ability to influence technical decisions

  • Commercially aware and solution-focused

Logistics

  • Contract: 6 months (potential perm conversion)

  • Rate: £575/day (flex for exceptional candidates)

  • IR35: Outside

  • Start: ASAP (before end of February ideal)

Why Join?

  • Take technical ownership of core backend systems

  • Mentor and shape a growing engineering team

  • Work on complex, high-impact platforms with real influence

  • Opportunity to convert to permanent role

Apply Now
Apply Now

Job Details

Company
Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment
Location
London, South East, England, United Kingdom
Hybrid / Remote Options
Employment Type
Contractor
Salary
£575 - £590 per day
Posted