Tech Lead

Department: OperationsLocation: LondonCompensation: $75,000 - $85,000 / yearDescriptionAbout UsTarisio is the leading international venue for fine instruments and bows. Launched in 1999, Tarisio revolutionized the market by combining first-class expertise, the efficiency of online bidding, and a firm commitment to ethics and professionalism. Our goal is to make buying and selling instruments increasingly accessible for musicians, patrons, dealers and collectors. We have offices in New York, London and Berlin, and conduct seven auctions per year as well as year-round private sales of high value items, selling more than 3,000 fine instruments and bows annually to a truly global market.About the RoleThe Tech Lead is responsible for the stability, evolution, and long-term sustainability of the company’s core technical systems. This role combines hands-on development with technical leadership, focusing on maintaining and incrementally modernizing legacy PHP-based platforms, strengthening database architecture, and ensuring reliable integrations across internal and external systems. Working closely with the Director and Head of Global Operations, the Tech Lead aligns technology decisions with business needs, balancing risk management, scalability, and thoughtful modernization.Key ResponsibilitiesServe as technical lead for core systems, ensuring reliability, security, and long-term maintainabilityMaintain, debug, and incrementally refactor legacy PHP applications with a focus on stability and risk managementDesign and implement new functionality within existing platforms, balancing modernization with operational needsManage and optimize databases and system integrations across ERP, website, eCommerce, and third-party servicesBuild and maintain secure APIs and support front-end development using modern web technologiesImplement security updates, testing, and quality assurance practices to protect system integrity and data privacyCollaborate with Operations, Sales, and Auction teams to align technical solutions with business requirementsProvide technical guidance, documentation, and oversight to internal teams and external partnersCommunicate timelines, trade-offs, and technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholdersAbout The CandidateThe ideal candidate is a pragmatic, experienced full-stack developer who enjoys improving complex, long-lived systems. They bring strong technical judgment, communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical colleagues, and are comfortable guiding decisions without unnecessary complexity. Methodical, collaborative, and patient, they balance clean code and best practices with the realities of legacy environments, business priorities, and operational constraints. They take pride in stability, documentation, and incremental improvement, and value technology as a tool to support the broader organization.Skills, Knowledge and ExpertiseBachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, IT or a related field preferred5+ Years of professional experience as a full-stack developer, with strong expertise in PHP and legacy system maintenanceProven experience refactoring and stabilizing complex, long-running applicationsStrong database skills (MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or similar)Experience building and maintaining ERP, eCommerce, or operational business systemsWorking knowledge of modern front-end frameworks (React, Vue, or similar) and JavaScriptFamiliarity with cloud platforms (AWS or equivalent), CI/CD pipelines, and monitoring toolsStrong commitment to clean code, documentation, testing, and maintainable architectureExcellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearlyStrong attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to follow schedules and procedures consistentlyCore CompetenciesManages Complexity - Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory informationTech Savvy - Anticipating and adopting innovations in business-building digital and technology applicationsStrategic Mindset - Seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategiesCommunicates Effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiencesCollaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectivesBenefitsAnnual discretionary performance bonus planHealth, Dental, and Vision Insurance (where applicable by country)Retirement plan (US 401k / UK pension / DE scheme, as applicable)Competitive Vacation; “Summer Fridays”