lead backend software engineer

Randstad Digital New Zealand; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad Digital New Zealand is seeking a Lead Backend Software Engineer to join our premier organisation’s digital engine room. This hands-on leadership role guides the technical strategy and delivery of a scalable platform serving a global player base.

You will partner with the Technical Lead to design distributed systems, drive CI/CD improvements, and mentor engineers to raise engineering standards while balancing speed with long-term platform sustainability.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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

Python

Django

REST API

GraphQL

AWS

Docker

Terraform

AWS CDK

PostgreSQL

MySQL

Communication

Education

Bachelor Degree

Tools

AWS

Docker

Terraform

AWS CDK

Job description

Lead Backend Software Engineer

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.

Lead Backend Software Engineer

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.

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.

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

• Bachelor Degree

Bachelor Degree