Overview
We’re a sports media network, focused on building and nurturing a portfolio of highly engaged and connected communities of sports fans and bettors to create value for our partners. We empower sports fans with real-time intelligence, premium independent content, and unique tools so they can compete in the sports betting game. FairPlay Sports Media is a collection of market leading brands including oddschecker, WhoScored, SuperScommesse, FairPlay Technologies and Confido. We have a vast network across the sports tech and media industries through partnerships with Reach, Gazzetta dello Sport, DAZN, SportsGrid and The Jockey Club amongst others. iGaming is one of the fastest-growing and most technologically innovative sectors, and we are on top of our game, powered by market-leading tech and driven by brilliant people. We champion diversity and operate an open and inclusive culture as well as being focused, fast-paced, and always having fun along the way. So why not join us at FairPlay and be part of something bigger…
What we are looking for
We are seeking a seasoned Lead Java Engineer with extensive experience architecting, developing, and optimizing large-scale, cloud-native applications. This role requires proven leadership in setting technical direction, mentoring engineering teams (both back-end and front-end engineers), and delivering robust backend solutions on Google Cloud Platform (GCP). The ideal candidate will demonstrate deep expertise and ownership of headless CMS, with a focus on best practices and optimization.
Responsibilities
* Architectural Leadership: Design and implement scalable, maintainable backend architectures using Java and Google Cloud services, with clear ownership of headless CMS solutions.
* Headless CMS Ownership: Take end-to-end responsibility for the architecture, integration, and optimization of headless CMS platforms (preferably Contentful), ensuring best practices in performance, scalability, and maintainability.
* Cloud-Native Development: Build and optimize microservices and distributed systems leveraging GCP products (Compute Engine, App Engine, Cloud Functions, Pub/Sub, BigQuery, Elastic Search, etc.).
* Performance Optimization: Continuously monitor and enhance application performance, focusing on scalability, reliability, and cost-efficiency in cloud environments.
* Collaboration & Cross-Functional Leadership: Directly manage frontend engineers and QA specialists, ensuring alignment and high performance across the full product development lifecycle. Work closely with frontend engineers, DevOps, product managers, and stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical solutions. Promote seamless collaboration between backend, frontend, QA, and DevOps across multiple teams to deliver integrated, high-quality products.
* Mentorship: Guide and mentor junior engineers, promoting a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence.
* Code Quality: Enforce best practices in code quality, testing, documentation, and CI/CD pipelines.
* Innovation: Stay current with emerging cloud and CMS technologies, advocating for their adoption when beneficial.
* Experience: Minimum 7 years in backend development with Java, including at least 3 years in a principal or technical leadership role. Demonstrated experience owning and optimizing headless CMS platforms, preferably Contentful, including integration and API best practices.
* Technical Proficiency: Expert in Java, Spring/Spring Boot, and RESTful API design. Deep experience with headless CMS, preferably Contentful, with a focus on best practice implementation, optimization, and troubleshooting. Deep experience with Google Cloud Platform (GCP) services and cloud-native patterns. Proficient in containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and infrastructure-as-code (Terraform, Cloud Deployment Manager). Strong understanding of distributed systems, event-driven architectures, and messaging systems (Kafka, Pub/Sub). Proficient in unit, integration, and end-to-end testing frameworks (JUnit, TestNG, Mockito, Cucumber). Experience establishing best practices for test coverage and continuous integration. Build Tools: Familiarity with Maven, Gradle, and modern CI/CD tools. Advanced experience with Git and collaborative workflows.
* Soft Skills: Excellent communication skills, able to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Able to clearly articulate goals, expectations, and feedback to team members. Practice active listening and adapt communication style to different audiences. Able to build strong relationships and resolve conflicts constructively. Delegate responsibilities effectively, resolve conflicts constructively, and provide regular feedback and recognition.
* Technical Expectations: Expert-level proficiency in Java; Headless CMS Best Practices; Cloud-Native Application Development; Performance and Scalability; Security and Compliance; Technical Leadership.
What you’ll get back from us
Alongside being challenged daily and a real interest in your development, you will also receive:
* Subsidized Sky HD package, broadband and discounted sky talk
* Free Puregym membership
* Free healthcare with Bupa, life assurance and income protection
* Pension scheme with up to 9% contribution from the company
* £1,000 training fund each financial year, to spend on your professional development
* Unlimited holiday plan
EEO statement: We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. If you need accommodations, please let us know.
Seniorit y level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Information Technology
Industries
* Gambling Facilities and Casinos
* Sports Teams and Clubs
IsExpired
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