Back End Tech Lead (Node.js Specialist)

My client, a leading financial services organisation based in London, is seeking a Back End Tech Lead (Node.js Specialist) to shape and own the future of their backend architecture. This is a unique opportunity to provide both technical leadership and hands-on coding expertise, while mentoring a skilled engineering team and setting the long-term vision for backend systems.

Your Role

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and development of backend services using Node.js within a microservices architecture.
• Take ownership of backend system architecture, ensuring scalability, reliability, and best-in-class engineering practices.
• Mentor and lead a talented backend team of three engineers (mid-senior level), conducting code reviews and enforcing high standards of test coverage.
• Collaborate closely with project management, product teams, and business stakeholders to translate requirements into robust technical solutions.
• Ensure system performance and security remain at the forefront of development practices.
• Play a hands-on role, with approximately 80% of your time spent coding and 20% on leadership and mentoring.
• Contribute to strategic IT planning and introduce innovations to improve systems and processes.

Essential Requirements:

• Strong expertise in JavaScript, Node.js, Microsoft SQL, and MongoDB.
• Proven experience in architecting and implementing complex software systems in a microservices environment.
• Knowledge of RabbitMQ (or similar messaging tools) and CI/CD pipelines (GitLab preferred).
• Experience with ElasticSearch highly desirable.
• Minimum 5 years in software development, with at least 2 years in a leadership or mentoring role.
• Experience in financial services compliance is a plus but not essential.
• Strong knowledge of design patterns, coding standards, and best practices.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Team Environment:

You''ll be joining a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team that includes frontend, app development (Flutter), DevOps, and QA specialists. The backend team is seeking strong architectural leadership, making this a pivotal role with high visibility and real influence on future technical direction.

What''s on Offer

• Paying up to £100,000 per annum.
• Hybrid working model - choose between London or Ipswich office locations.
• A culture that values collaboration, long-term retention, and work-life balance.
• The opportunity to take true ownership of backend architecture in a supportive, innovative environment.
• Professional development and mentoring opportunities to both grow and help others grow.