How did you get into AdTech, and what do you specialise in today?
I entered the sector by solving a critical bottleneck. I took a portfolio of high-traffic sites that were restricted by external agency dependencies and migrated them to a bespoke AWS infrastructure. This transition improved stability and reduced operational overhead. Today, I specialise in Technical Operations—architecting the systems and leading the teams that allow a business to scale without technical friction.
What types of opportunities are you exploring right now?
I am targeting "First Tech Lead" or Senior Architecture roles within growth-stage organisations. I prioritise asynchronous, high-autonomy environments where I can own the technical roadmap. My goal is to work with firms that value engineering precision over manual maintenance.
How has the job hunt in AdTech felt for you so far?
It is a process of identifying organisations at a specific level of maturity. Many firms have scaled their traffic but have not yet optimised their underlying infrastructure. I am looking for teams ready to move from agency-reliance to internal technical ownership.
What’s been the biggest challenge for you?
The primary challenge is finding companies ready to move beyond "growth at any cost." Many organisations are hesitant to dismantle legacy processes, even when those processes drain their margins. I seek out teams that recognise automation as the only sustainable way to scale.
Which platforms or methods have helped you find opportunities?
I utilise specialised networks like JobsInAdTech and maintain direct dialogue with founders and specialist recruiters. I avoid generic job boards, as they rarely capture the nuances of high-level Infrastructure and Operations roles.
What Hiring Managers Should Know
What makes a job ad more attractive for you to apply for over another that doesn't?
I am drawn to roles that offer direct ownership. If an ad describes a mission to internalise technical functions or rebuild a platform for better efficiency, it matches my expertise. I also prioritise ads that respect "Deep Work" and focus on asynchronous delivery.
When reading a job description, what do you look for first?
I look for the Architectural Goal. Beyond the stack (AWS, Node, PHP), I want to see a clear objective—such as reducing latency or eliminating technical debt. If the role is defined by business outcomes rather than a list of daily tasks, it is a high-vibe opportunity.
What signals tell you a company “gets” AdTech talent?
They encourage the use of modern AI tools to solve complex problems. A company that "gets it" recognises that AI isn't a replacement for engineering logic, but a massive leverage point for Senior Leads. They assess candidates on their ability to validate and orchestrate AI outputs to build more robust systems, faster.
Conversely - what instantly turns you off a job ad?
A lack of role clarity. Ads that list every possible language suggest a lack of strategy. I also avoid roles that mention manual CMS maintenance or "office presence." I build automated, scalable systems; I am not interested in managing manual "faff."
Interview & Process Insights
Have you noticed anything companies consistently do well — or poorly — in their hiring processes?
The best companies move with decisive speed. They value my time and theirs, moving from initial contact to an offer within days. Poor processes rely on abstract tests that fail to measure how a leader actually solves a commercial problem or architects a system.
How important is speed of response when evaluating roles?
Critical. In a sector defined by milliseconds, a slow recruitment process is a red flag. If an organisation takes weeks to communicate, it suggests their internal operations are likely suffering from the same lack of urgency.
Skills & Industry Perspective
Are any industry trends influencing your career choices?
The most significant trend is Agentic Orchestration. I am focused on how AI tools can be integrated into the development lifecycle to automate repetitive infrastructure tasks. Companies are moving away from manual maintenance; I am positioning myself as the lead who can leverage these tools to deliver higher talent density and faster deployment cycles.
What do companies often misunderstand about candidates in AdTech?
They confuse "coding" with "engineering." A senior lead in this space is an architect who protects the company’s margins. We don't just build features; we build the infrastructure that makes those features profitable and reliable.
Final Thoughts
Why should top companies want to hire you?
Because I deliver operational maturity. I have 18 years of experience replacing "messy" legacy systems with high-performance, internal platforms. I reduce costs, eliminate agency dependency, and build the technical foundations that allow a company to own its future.
Ryan Jarrett, Solutions Architect & Engineering Lead
Actively Seeking
Engineering Lead, Solutions Architect, Technical Operations Director
Location
Remote (UK Based)