Digital Platforms Development Lead

Background

In a world turning inwards, it is the diversity of the United Rugby Championship (URC) that sets us apart from other club rugby competitions. Each week, teams from five rugby powerhouse nations cross hemispheres to compete for the right to be champion. Our mission is to bring fans closer to this drama by using the power of rugby to unite people socially and emotionally.

With rapid growth across broadcast, digital, and live audiences, URC is investing in strengthening the technology foundations that underpin its fan engagement and commercial future.

The Role

The

Digital Platform Development Lead

will be responsible for the technical operation and delivery of URC’s digital ecosystem. This role ensures the smooth running, integration, and optimisation of platforms, including URC’s web, app, OTT, CRM / CDP, and fan engagement products.

Working closely with the Head of Marketing – Growth & Technology and the Digital Platforms Product Lead, you will coordinate developers, UX specialists, and external vendors to deliver a seamless, reliable experience for fans and partners. You will also play a hands-on role in configuring, troubleshooting, and enhancing URC’s systems.

This is a practical, technically skilled position suited to someone who enjoys getting under the bonnet, solving problems, and orchestrating multiple technology providers.

Responsibilities

Oversee the day-to-day technical operations of URC’s digital platforms (web, app, OTT, CRM / CDP, authentication, push, and hosting).

Manage integrations and data flows between providers (e.g., APIs, SSO, analytics, and cloud pipelines).

Liaise with developers, UX / UI specialists, and offshore teams to deliver new features, fixes, and optimisations.

Monitor uptime, performance, and security across platforms, escalating issues where required.

Own app store submissions, platform compliance, and release management with Apple and Google.

Act as primary technical contact for suppliers such as AWS, WP Engine, Eluvio, Tata, and Auth0.

Support rollout and maintenance of internal systems, including injury surveillance, AI dashboards, and Outlier platforms.

Maintain technical documentation, integration schematics, and support resources.

Provide training and technical support to internal teams, clubs, and unions.

Track industry trends in digital platforms, hosting, and data management to inform future improvements.

Candidate Profile

Strong technical background in digital platforms (web / app frameworks, APIs, hosting, cloud).

Experience liaising with developers, UX / UI teams, and external vendors.

Hands-on operator, confident in debugging, configuring, and optimising systems.

Organised, detail-oriented, and calm under pressure, especially on matchdays.

Understanding of data workflows (CRM / CDP, authentication, analytics).

Excellent communication skills, able to translate business needs into technical briefs.

Positive, proactive team player aligned with URC values : Aim to Amaze, Be Brave, Lead from Your Position, Act as One Team United.