Who you are
* Expertise in systems architecture, including designing and managing complex domain models
* Advanced proficiency in software development using an object-oriented language
* Demonstrable business acumen which allows you to collaborate with stakeholders to translate complex challenges into scalable solutions
* You have owned technical systems that deliver business outcomes in fast-paced environments
* You have proven experience leading a small team of engineers, including line management responsibilities
* You excel at balancing hands-on coding and project delivery with strategic planning and are passionate about developing the engineers you manage
* Experience with Python, Django, PostgreSQL, Typescript, or React
* Familiarity with data analytics and machine learning processes
* An understanding of complex data systems, including event-sourced data models
* A strong numerical or technical background
What the job involves
* The CRM team builds and owns iwoca's proprietary CRM platform, the system that powers our account management, sales, credit analysis, and collections teams
* This platform is a key competitive advantage, enabling the outstanding customer service that sets iwoca apart
* The team delivers intelligent features, such as smart call routing and ML-driven task prioritisation, that allow our business to scale effectively
* The team works in a collaborative, agile environment, with regular standups and a focus on iterative delivery to solve real user problems
* As a Principal Engineer in the CRM team, you will set the technical vision for the systems that power our 300-strong operations staff
* This role is a unique blend of hands-on architecture, systems design, and people leadership, where you will directly influence the tools that help us serve thousands of small businesses every day
* You will be a player-coach, spending your time contributing high-quality code, defining the long-term technical strategy, and mentoring the engineers on your team
* You'll work as a peer alongside two other senior engineers to guide the evolution of our core operational platforms, including our real-time telephony and dynamic task-prioritisation systems
* Own the technical road map for the CRM team, re-architecting the team's systems to scale as our operational teams and customer base grow rapidly
* Lead the evolution of our system architecture to allow CRM to operate more independently of other business areas and with less cognitive load
* Collaborate with Principal Engineers in other teams to design and deliver a coherent system, with support from org-wide teams like our DevOps team
* Act as a hands-on contributor to the codebase, leading by example in quality, testing, and performance
* Drive the technical strategy and execution for the CRM team's projects, translating product goals into well-designed, production-ready code
* Resolve technical debt and production issues, ensuring the long-term health and stability of the systems you own
* Manage and mentor engineers, taking responsibility for their performance, coaching, and career development
* Define and champion engineering best practices within your team and across the wider engineering group
Benefits
* Work where you work best: Twice a year we rent houses in places like Sicily and the French Alps where each team can work together for a week poolside. We champion flexible working in all our teams
* Invest in iwoca: We want people to be invested in iwoca's success so after six months you'll be awarded share options
* Keep yourself healthy: We offer comprehensive health insurance and cash plans. You'll also get gym discounts and we host yoga classes in the office every week
* Start (and end) your day right: Each floor of iwoca HQ has a fully stocked fridge for breakfast and every Friday we unwind with beers and wine
* Life-work balance: We know your life outside of work comes first. We offer enhanced maternity and paternity leave for new parents plus a nursery benefit. We also have unlimited unpaid leave
* Learning and development: Whether you want to learn to code, experiment with motion design, or beat cognitive biases, you'll have time and budget to invest in your professional development