Lead Backend Software Engineer

Randstad New Zealand; Auckland; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad New Zealand is seeking a Lead Backend Software Engineer to shape the technical strategy and deliver a scalable platform used by thousands of players, retailers, and tournament organisers worldwide. You will partner with the Technical Lead to design distributed systems and ensure infrastructure scales sustainably for a global audience.

You will architect complex backends, own delivery outcomes across reliability and performance, and mentor engineers to foster ownership and high

Qualifications

• Senior or Lead level with backend/API delivery experience.
• Proficient in Django and Python.
• Designing scalable REST and GraphQL APIs.

Responsibilities

• Architect complex, scalable distributed systems.
• Lead delivery outcomes for reliability, scalability, and performance.
• Mentor engineers and promote ownership and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Product and Design to translate vision into scalable solutions.
• Improve CI/CD, DevOps, and production observability.

Skills

Django

Python

REST API

GraphQL

ReactJS

TypeScript

PostgreSQL

MySQL

AWS

Terraform

Education

Bachelor Degree

Bachelor Degree ICT

Job description

The Role Overview

We are seeking a Lead Backend Software Engineer to join the digital engine room of a premier organisation. This is a high-impact, hands‑on leadership role responsible for the technical strategy and delivery of a platform that enables thousands of players, retailers, and tournament organisers worldwide to compete at scale. You will partner closely with the Technical Lead to design distributed systems and ensure the infrastructure scales sustainably alongside a passionate global consumer base.

About The Role

• Architect: Lead complex system design initiatives for scalable, secure, high-availability distributed systems.
• Lead: Own delivery outcomes across reliability, scalability, and performance while making informed tech stack decisions.
• Mentor: Elevate engineering excellence by coaching engineers and fostering a culture of ownership and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate: Partner with Product and Design to translate long‑term vision into scalable solutions using POCs and MVPs.
• Optimise: Drive improvements in CI/CD, DevOps, and production‑grade observability to ensure operational excellence.

Skills & Experience Required

• Seniority: Professional experience building modern backends and APIs, in a Senior or Lead capacity.
• Backend Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in Python and Django (preferred) or similar high‑level languages.
• API Expertise: Deep understanding of scalable REST & GraphQL API design and implementation.
• Cloud & DevOps: Hands‑on experience with AWS, Docker, and Infrastructure as Code (Terraform/AWS CDK).
• Data & Systems: Expert knowledge of relational databases (PostgreSQL/MySQL) and experience designing distributed architectures.
• Soft Skills: Proven ability to communicate complex technical ideas to both engineers and non‑technical stakeholders.

Company & Culture

This team isn't just building features; they are building the platform that drives a global competitive ecosystem. You will join a "join the crew" culture that values engineering standards, high ownership, and the ability to balance rapid speed with long‑term platform sustainability.

At Randstad, we are passionate about providing equal employment opportunities and embracing diversity to the benefit of all. We actively encourage applications from any background.

Skills

Django, Python, Rest, GraphQL, ReactJS, Typescript, React, PostgreSQL, MySQL, AWS, Terraform

Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree

education Bachelor Degree&ICT