Lead Backend Java Engineer in Manchester

We’re looking for a Lead Backend Engineer to act as the architect behind our high-performance systems, ensuring our platform can handle the scale and pace of live sports and entertainment. This strategic technical role sits at the intersection of real-time data, cloud infrastructure, and platform innovation. This is an end-to-end role: you will own critical systems from concept to deployment, ensuring our technical delivery lands with precision. You won’t be doing it alone; you’ll have support from the engineering and product teams, but you’ll drive the model, the standards, and the momentum. We need a leader who thrives on operational ownership and pushing the boundaries of real-time media technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and architecture of our core, high-impact Java-based backend platform.
• Build a robust, scalable infrastructure that underpins Dizplai’s global interactive experiences.
• Maintain and expand our Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) to ensure maximum stability and performance.
• Translate complex product requirements into clean, executable technical frameworks.
• Establish repeatable standards for code quality, testing, and system documentation.
• Work cross-functionally with commercial, product, and creative teams to shape integrated solutions.
• Lead strategic technical decisions, contributing to both frontend integration and core architecture.
• Proactively identify and resolve potential bottlenecks or system vulnerabilities before they impact the user experience.
• Produce ROI-driven technical improvements that demonstrate performance gains and support future scale.

Workflow & Operations

• Champion DevOps principles, directly addressing the operational needs of our global customer base.
• Oversee the full rollout of new features, ensuring strategic technical commitments are delivered on time.
• Participate in the on-call rotation to maintain system health and guarantee uptime during high-profile live events.
• Maintain alignment between internal stakeholders and engineering teams to keep project progress tight.

About You

You Have:

• Proven experience (5+ years) in Java development, with deep expertise in Spring Boot.
• The ability to lead complex projects, guiding timelines and technical deliverables from start to finish.
• Hands-on experience with AWS and Infrastructure-as-Code (specifically Terraform).
• Data literacy and experience working with NoSQL databases to inform system design.
• Exceptional communication skills, capable of explaining technical trade-offs to stakeholders and leadership.
• Full right to work in the UK (British Citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain).

You Ideally Have:

• Experience in broadcast technology, streaming services, or real-time data environments.
• Familiarity with interactive content tools and first-party data strategies.
• A passion for the intersection of tech, sport, and entertainment.

Why Dizplai

• Work at the Cutting Edge – Build the engine that powers how audiences consume sports and entertainment alongside world-class brands.
• Define a Pioneering Role – Shape how Dizplai looks, sounds, and feels by architecting the systems that drive our product roadmap.
• Direct Strategic Impact – Influence both client success and internal efficiency with genuine technical autonomy.
• Collaborative Culture – Hybrid working (Manchester-based), a vibrant office environment, and work that genuinely matters.

Our Hiring Process

We believe in a transparent process designed to put you at ease so you can show us your best work:

• Mutual Fit Chat – A two-way introduction to the role, our technical direction, and your career goals.
• Manager Deep Dive – A focused session with our Head of Engineering to explore your technical approach and how you tackle complex backend challenges.
• F2F Practical Exercise & Culture Peer Session – An in-person visit to our Manchester office to work through a real-world task, followed by a session with your potential peers to ensure our values and working styles mesh.
• Next Steps – Following these stages, we aim to provide clear, honest feedback.

At Dizplai, we transform passive audiences into active communities that drive culture, conversation, and commerce. We partner with Premier League clubs, global motorsport organisations, Olympic sports federations, leading broadcasters, and multi-million subscriber creator networks across sports and entertainment, helping them turn attention into lasting commercial value. By combining creative consultancy, interactive technology, and data-driven insights, we help unlock the full commercial potential of audiences. We're at the forefront of the shift where platforms are the new networks, creators are the new media companies, and fans want to belong, not just watch.

The pay range for this role is: 80,000 - 85,000 GBP per year (Manchester)