Lead Backend Developer – Node.js, TypeScript, Kafka - up to £80k Leading E-commerce Brand | Up to £80,000 | Hybrid (2 days/week in London) A leading e-commerce client is looking for a Lead Backend Developer to help shape the technical direction of a highly scalable, event-driven platform. This role combines hands-on development with technical leadership, working in a Node.js, TypeScript and Kafka environment. You’ll play a key role in architectural decisions while mentoring engineers and driving engineering standards across the team. The Role Lead the design and development of backend services using Node.js and TypeScript Own and evolve an event-driven architecture, leveraging Kafka for asynchronous communication Make key architectural decisions around scalability, performance and reliability Work closely with product and engineering leadership to align technical strategy with business goals Mentor and support engineers, fostering best practices and high engineering standards What We’re Looking For Extensive experience with Node.js and TypeScript in production environments Strong background in event-driven architecture, ideally with Kafka Proven experience designing and scaling distributed systems Previous experience in a technical leadership or lead role Confident communicator who can influence both technical and non-technical stakeholders Salary & Benefits Salary up to £80,000 Hybrid working: 2 days per week in London High level of ownership and influence over platform architecture Opportunity to lead development on a large-scale e-commerce system Supportive, modern engineering culture with real autonomy Lead Backend Developer – Node.js, TypeScript, Kafka