Lead Backend Developer

Fruition Group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A high-growth Insurtech unicorn is seeking a Lead Backend Developer who will design and scale cloud-native Back End systems primarily using Python (FastAPI). This role involves leadership, mentoring, and collaboration across teams to continually raise engineering standards. Candidates should have experience in building scalable systems, leadership in development, and familiarity with cloud platforms. This position offers a competitive salary and numerous benefits.

Qualifications

• Strong background in building and scaling Python-based systems.
• Proven leadership experience in a development environment.
• Comfortable working with cloud platforms and containerisation.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop scalable backend services in Python.
• Lead architectural discussions focusing on performance and reliability.
• Provide mentorship through code reviews and technical guidance.

Skills

Python (FastAPI)

Microservices

Leadership

Cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure)

Agile environments

AI-driven tools

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

PostgreSQL

MongoDB

Job description

Lead Backend Developer

Location: London - 1x a month

Salary: Up to £120,000 (D.O.E) + benefits

Fruition Group are partnering with a high-growth Insurtech unicorn that's scaling its engineering function. This is a unique chance to work across both proven, revenue-generating products and greenfield initiatives that are reshaping the future of insurance. It's an ideal role for a driven Lead Engineer who thrives in ambitious environments and wants to make a tangible impact.

As a Lead Backend Engineer, you'll take ownership of designing and scaling cloud-native Back End systems. You'll work primarily with Python (FastAPI) and play a key role in shaping the architecture of microservices that support millions of users. Beyond hands‑on development, you'll provide technical leadership, mentor team members, and influence strategic engineering decisions.

This is a high‑impact role where your work directly drives product growth, system resilience, and platform evolution.

What will I be doing:

• Design, develop, and optimise scalable Back End services in Python, leveraging FastAPI.
• Lead architectural discussions with a focus on performance, scalability, and reliability.
• Deliver complex features end‑to‑end - from design through deployment and monitoring.
• Provide mentorship through code reviews, technical guidance, and best practices.
• Collaborate with Product, Design, and Engineering teams to deliver at pace.
• Continuously raise the bar for engineering standards, code quality, and delivery.
• Shape the long‑term direction of the platform's service‑oriented architecture.
• Champion the use of AI and automation to enhance productivity across the team.

What experience do I need:

• Strong background building and scaling Python‑based systems (FastAPI, Flask, or Django REST).
• Proven leadership experience in a development environment
• Solid expertise in microservices, APIs, messaging patterns, and distributed systems.
• Proficient with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) and containerisation (Docker; Kubernetes preferred).
• Strong engineering fundamentals - testing, clean code, performance tuning, and algorithms.
• Experience with relational and non‑relational databases (PostgreSQL, MongoDB).
• Comfortable working in agile, fast‑moving environments with high ownership.
• Curious about new technology, with a growth mindset and interest in AI‑driven tools.

If this role sounds of interest, please apply and a member of the team will be in touch to discuss your application.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.