Contract Ruby Tech Lead - Start up

Contract Ruby Tech Lead - Start up

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The Barbican

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of scalable systems using Ruby while mentoring a growing team.
  • Company: Fast-growing startup on a mission to create high-impact products.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Join a collaborative team and help scale engineering practices during a key growth phase.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping architecture and driving innovation in a dynamic setting.
  • Qualifications: Strong Ruby experience and leadership skills in fast-paced environments.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

We’re partnering with a fast‑growing startup on a mission to build a high‑impact product used by thousands of customers. They’re now looking for a hands‑on Ruby Tech Lead to step in on a contract basis and drive technical direction, delivery, and team alignment during a key growth phase. This is a high‑ownership role where you’ll influence architecture, mentor engineers, and help scale both the platform and engineering practices.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Lead the design and delivery of scalable, high-performance systems using Ruby (Ruby on Rails)
  • Provide technical leadership to a small but growing engineering team
  • Own architecture decisions and help evolve the platform as it scales
  • Collaborate closely with Product, Design, and Leadership stakeholders
  • Drive best practices around code quality, testing, and deployment
  • Contribute hands‑on to the codebase when needed
  • Help shape the engineering roadmap and delivery strategy

Qualifications

  • Strong experience as a Tech Lead or Senior Engineer in startup or scale‑up environments
  • Deep expertise in Ruby / Ruby on Rails
  • Proven experience with system design, architecture, and scaling applications
  • Comfortable working in fast‑paced, ambiguous environments
  • Experience mentoring or leading engineers
  • Familiarity with modern cloud environments (AWS, GCP, or similar)
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to influence non‑technical stakeholders

Nice to Have

  • Experience in early‑stage startups or high-growth scale‑ups
  • Background working on consumer or marketplace products
  • Exposure to microservices, event‑driven systems, or API‑heavy platforms
  • DevOps or CI/CD exposure

Contract Ruby Tech Lead - Start up employer: The Barbican

Join a dynamic startup that prioritises innovation and collaboration, offering you the chance to lead technical direction in a high-impact role. With a strong focus on employee growth, you'll have the opportunity to mentor engineers and shape the engineering roadmap while working in a fast-paced environment that values your contributions. Located in a vibrant tech hub, this position not only provides competitive benefits but also fosters a culture of creativity and teamwork, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.

The Barbican

Contact Details:

The Barbican Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Contract Ruby Tech Lead - Start up

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech world, especially those who have experience in startups. A personal recommendation can make all the difference when you're trying to land that Ruby Tech Lead role.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your Ruby projects. This gives potential employers a taste of your coding style and problem-solving abilities, making you stand out from the crowd.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on system design and architecture principles. Be ready to discuss how you've scaled applications in the past and how you approach mentoring engineers—this is key for a Tech Lead role!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by our hiring team directly.

We think you need these skills to ace Contract Ruby Tech Lead - Start up

Ruby
Ruby on Rails
Technical Leadership
System Design
Architecture
Scalability
Mentoring

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience with Ruby and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you've influenced architecture and mentored engineers, so don’t hold back on those details!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for tech leadership and how you can drive the technical direction of our startup. Let us know why you're excited about this role and how you can contribute.

Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on scalable systems or have experience in fast-paced environments, make sure to mention specific projects. We love seeing real examples of your work that demonstrate your skills and impact.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Barbican

Know Your Ruby Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your Ruby and Ruby on Rails skills. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you've used these technologies to solve real-world problems. Prepare to showcase your understanding of system design and architecture, as this will be crucial for the role.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Since this role involves mentoring and leading a team, think of examples where you've successfully guided engineers or influenced technical decisions. Be prepared to discuss your approach to fostering collaboration and driving best practices in code quality and deployment.

Understand the Startup Culture

Familiarise yourself with the fast-paced nature of startups. Be ready to share experiences where you've thrived in ambiguous environments and how you adapt to rapid changes. This will demonstrate that you can handle the dynamic challenges of a growing company.

Communicate Effectively with Non-Technical Stakeholders

Since you'll be collaborating with Product, Design, and Leadership, practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. Think of scenarios where you've successfully communicated with non-technical team members, as this will highlight your strong communication skills.