Principal Backend Developer

The Portfolio Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing SaaS organisation in Manchester seeks a Principal Backend Developer to lead backend development initiatives. In this role, you will architect scalable services using C# and .NET, mentor engineers, and drive the adoption of best practices. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions while ensuring robust system performance. Ideal candidates will have substantial experience in cloud environments and a passion for innovative development. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape technology direction in a rapidly scaling company.

Qualifications

• Strong experience developing backend systems with C# and .NET.
• Deep knowledge of cloud environments, preferably Azure.
• Experience in designing APIs and microservices at scale.
• Solid understanding of automation testing tools like Playwright.
• Leadership experience in mentoring and guiding teams.

Responsibilities

• Architect and build scalable backend services in C# / .NET.
• Drive adoption of clean coding practices and SOLID principles.
• Mentor engineers and foster a culture of growth.
• Collaborate with product owners to refine requirements.
• Lead technical discussions and set direction on tools.

Skills

C# and .NET development

Cloud environments (Azure preferred)

API and microservices design

Automation testing tools (Playwright)

Mentoring and leadership

Problem-solving

Performance optimisation

SaaS solutions

Job description

Principal Backend Developer (C# / .NET / Playwright)

The Opportunity

This is a career-defining role for a Principal Backend Developer who wants to be at the forefront of a growing SaaS organisation. You'll be joining a company that's scaling rapidly, building innovative products that make a real difference to its customers. This role offers the chance to take ownership of backend systems, shape best practice, and mentor the next generation of engineers.

The Role

You'll provide technical leadership across backend development, ensuring systems are robust, scalable, and future-proof. Working closely with product owners, testers, and front‑end teams, you'll bring engineering excellence into every decision. With a stack centred on C#, .NET, cloud services, and automation frameworks, you'll be both hands‑on in coding and guiding others to deliver their best work.

Day-to-day responsibilities

• Architect and build scalable backend services in C# / .NET
• Drive adoption of clean coding practices, design patterns, and SOLID principles
• Mentor engineers, fostering a culture of growth, learning, and high performance
• Collaborate with product owners to refine requirements and translate them into technical solutions
• Integrate automation testing (Playwright) and CI/CD pipelines to ensure code quality
• Lead technical discussions, setting direction on tools, frameworks, and approaches
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical challenges across backend services
• Optimise system performance and ensure resilience across platforms
• Review code and guide engineering standards across the team
• Contribute to product strategy by aligning technical roadmaps with business goals

What you bring to the team

• Strong experience developing backend systems with C# and .NET
• Deep knowledge of cloud environments (Azure preferred)
• Experience in designing APIs and microservices at scale
• Solid understanding of automation testing tools (Playwright desirable)
• Leadership experience—mentoring, coaching, and guiding engineering teams
• Strong problem‑solving skills with an eye for performance optimisation
• Enthusiasm for delivering quality solutions in a SaaS environment

Send your CV now

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