Kitty is a platform development agency. We focus on understanding the needs of both the brand and the consumer to design the best-in-class Web and App experiences and technology-led solutions that drive performance.
Each agency within The TIPi Group operates with the same values at their core: collaboration and authenticity, driven by restless minds and a clear purpose. It’s important to us that we work with individuals and clients who embody these principles. The people who we work with are energetic and ambitious, with a shared entrepreneurial spirit.
We know that to be truly ‘specialist’ in your craft, you need to remain nimble and progressive. We stay one step ahead of the continual digital evolution and shape the future of that landscape.
Through our network, we can create specialist teams to handle our clients’ business challenges, delivering authentic integration and impactful, award-winning results on every level.
Working at kitty you get the perks of working at a bigger agency but with all the entrepreneurial aspects of working at a start-up. You’ll have a specialised role but will always be expected to think about the big picture. We’re incredibly proud of the company culture we have built here; a culture that has been recognised for many awards, including being named as of one of ‘The UK Top 100 Small Companies to Work’ for 7 years in a row. We’ve been fortunate enough to create this working environment by being passionate about putting our people at the heart of everything we do, whilst working collaboratively, to craft our culture together.
The Role
Technical Director
We are looking for a Technical Director to join our fast-growing web design and development team. The role requires leading on technical strategy and development across the agency as well as mentor and manage a talented team of in-house and external Project Managers, Developers, Designers and 3rd party suppliers to deliver beautiful, cutting edge web solutions for our clients.
You should have a passion for delivering business results for clients, a strong portfolio that reflects elements of this and the work we do.
At Kitty, we offer a full website planning, design and build service (primarily using WordPress and Shopify) as well as Website Maintenance and ongoing support (retainers), CRO, CRM and Brand & Campaign Asset Design. We also offer SEO and Analytics support through our sister agency, Roast.
This is a key role in the agency. Reporting directly to the MD, it would suit an ambitious, self-motivated, versatile development leader. You'll likely already be in a similar role or senior project management position looking for your next step up, with the profile and responsibilities that come with leading the technical division of an agency.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Technical direction, 15%
* Regular review of Kitty’s technical offering and product strategy with the MD
* Ongoing assessment and management of the tech and tools we use
* Responsible for ensuring our approach to web design and development continues to leverage the best tech and processes, with a focus on building in a modular, scalable way to support long-term client needs and future growth.
* Ensure everything we make and host is secure, adheres to industry standards, and is well supported through the full development lifecycle, from planning and build to deployment, handover, and long-term support.
* Keep abreast of the latest changes in technical standards and be proactive in seeking their implementation
Pitching and technical planning, 20%
* Work closely with the sales team and MD to shape and present technical solutions for new business. Confidently explain the approach in a clear, jargon-free way that helps clients understand how we’ll deliver against their goals.
* Lead technical discovery and scoping sessions, shaping the approach from day one. Gather requirements, propose solutions, and cost up new site builds and features in collaboration with design and PM teams.
* Energise and inspire clients to buy our technical approach for their website or application
* Define complex technical specifications that clients can understand and sign off on, as well as effectively direct developers
Daily Team Management, 40%
* Help oversee and coordinate Kitty’s team of Designers, Developers and Project Managers to ensure projects are delivered on time and on budget. Be ready to get hands on when needed, whether that’s reviewing code, helping debug, or unblocking delivery to keep things moving.
* Support Project Managers to ensure projects are properly structured and resourced
* Act as a senior point of escalation for client stakeholders
* Integrate with a wide range of CRMs, APIs and third-party services
* Run a version-controlled development environment, using GIT
* Keep up to date with and push the agency's technology towards best practices and the latest innovations in web development
* Present your own as well as the team's development to clients at all levels
Mentoring and coaching, 20%
* Set and maintain coding standards for all developers to follow, including permanent staff, contractors and third-party suppliers
* Ensure regular peer reviews and mentor and coach developers to reach their full potential
* Conduct bi-annual appraisals and meet team members regularly to ensure they're meeting their training and development needs
* Be a point of escalation for all projects and retainers as well as the Support Desk
Other, 5%
* Represent Kitty and TIPi Group at industry events to further our profile and attract the best talent and business
* Work with the Head of Business Development and Project Manager to continually optimise ways to plan and deliver projects
* Accurately track time spent and ensure efficient production
The Candidate
Preferred Experience:
* Web development & coding for WordPress, including building modular and reusable Gutenberg blocks. Experience with modern frontend frameworks like Next.js and headless CMS platforms such as Sanity is highly desirable.
* Familiarity with current CRM, Analytics and cookie tools, and their implementation.
* Backend development experience, particularly with PHP and MySQL, alongside JavaScript for frontend and integration work.
* Familiarity with both traditional and agile development, and Project Management tools such as Jira
* Experience of leading and developing teams.
* Experience of nurturing clients and growing customer accounts.
* Strong communicator who can explain technical concepts clearly to clients and non-technical stakeholders, avoiding jargon and helping align teams around a shared understanding.
Desirable:
* Experience in an agency environment preferred
* Experience in modern frontend development, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript and component-based frameworks such as React or Next.js
* A portfolio of wider development experience is advantageous, such as application development, API integrations, or creative technology projects.
* A relevant technical or computer science degree is a bonus, but not essential if supported by strong real-world experience.
Working at TIPi Group
Location: Soho, London W1
Holidays: 25 days, increasing with length of service, plus Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve off; optional company trips
Benefits:
* Hybrid working
* Additional 10 days ‘work from anywhere in the world’
* Access to Aviva Digicare+, providing healthchecks, Digital GP, MH consultations and more
* Life and Income Protection insurance
* Discounted wellbeing classes / membership
* Active company social life organised by a staff committee
* Opportunity for involvement in CSR and charity initiatives
* Cycle, electric car and tech purchase savings
* Training, including supplier sessions (e.g. Google), industry bodies (e.g. IAB), external trainers
* Opportunities to learn about digital performance disciplines
Our hybrid-working model allows you some variety on your place of work, offering you the chance to work from home on some days each week, where possible. You will be expected to attend the office in line with our company policy. All staff liaise closely with their line manager and client team to manage their time appropriately and according to their work and team requirements.
We are an equal opportunities employer.
At TIPi Group, we take pride in creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment where everyone is welcome and their contributions are valued. When we recruit, hire, train, promote or engage in any other employment practice, we are committed to being an inclusive employer regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, socioeconomic status, medical condition or disability, or any other protected status.
If you have a disability we would be happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to the job with you.
Please note that we will only accept applications from candidates who are legally entitled to work in the United Kingdom.
Please beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A TIPi / ROAST employee will never solicit candidates through a non-TIPi email address or phone number / WhatsApp. Please refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process.