Overview
z.systems is a fast‑growing, VC‑backed technology startup that is redefining the retail landscape across Africa. By leveraging digital innovation and data‑driven insights, we have built a platform that connects millions of retailers and consumers, enabling seamless transactions, real‑time inventory management, and personalized shopping experiences. Our mission is to create the next generation of retail operating models that empower small businesses, streamline supply chains, and deliver value to customers in emerging markets.
Company Culture
At z.systems, we foster a culture of experimentation, continuous learning, and collaboration. Our teams work in an agile environment where ideas are tested quickly, feedback is shared openly, and success is measured by impact rather than process. We value diversity, inclusion, and a growth mindset, encouraging every team member to challenge the status quo and contribute to our collective vision.
Role Summary
The Senior Backend Tech Lead will be the technical and people leader for our backend engineering squad. You will design, build, and maintain the core services that power our retail platform, ensuring they are scalable, secure, and highly available. Your leadership will shape the engineering culture, mentor junior developers, and drive best practices across the organization.
Key Responsibilities – Technical
• Architect and implement robust backend services using Node.js, Express, Prisma ORM, and PostgreSQL, ensuring they meet performance and reliability targets.
• Design and maintain scalable transactional systems that handle high volumes of orders, payments, and inventory updates across multiple regions.
• Develop and enforce coding standards, conduct code reviews, and provide constructive feedback to improve code quality and maintainability.
• Collaborate closely with DevOps to design CI/CD pipelines, automate deployments, and monitor application health in AWS environments.
• Implement security best practices, including authentication, authorization, encryption, and vulnerability management, to protect sensitive data and comply with regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities – Leadership
• Mentor and coach a team of backend engineers, fostering professional growth and ensuring alignment with company goals.
• Lead design sessions, sprint planning, and retrospectives, ensuring clear communication of technical vision and priorities.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging experimentation, knowledge sharing, and adoption of emerging technologies.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Management
• Work closely with product managers to translate business requirements into technical specifications and deliver high‑quality features on schedule.
• Partner with front‑end and data teams to ensure seamless integration of services, APIs, and data pipelines.
• Engage with external partners and vendors when necessary, evaluating solutions that align with our technical strategy and business objectives.
Technical Stack & Tools
• Node.js (latest LTS), Express.js, Prisma ORM, PostgreSQL, AWS (EC2, RDS, S3, CloudWatch), Docker, Kubernetes, Git, and CI/CD tools such as GitHub Actions or Jenkins.
• Experience with gamification concepts, such as reward systems, leaderboards, and user engagement metrics, is highly desirable.
Desired Experience & Qualifications
• Minimum 5 years of professional backend development experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of designing and deploying scalable, high‑throughput services in a cloud environment.
• Deep understanding of database design, query optimization, and data modeling in PostgreSQL.
• Familiarity with modern JavaScript frameworks, ORMs, and micro‑service architectures.
Soft Skills & Personal Traits
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to articulate complex technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Strong problem‑solving mindset, with the ability to troubleshoot performance bottlenecks and security vulnerabilities.
• Ability to inspire and motivate a team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.
Benefits & Perks
• Competitive salary and performance‑based bonuses aligned with company growth.
• Comprehensive health insurance covering medical, dental, and vision care.
• Flexible working hours and a supportive work‑life balance policy.
• Opportunities for professional development, including training, certifications, and conference attendance.
Company Growth & Impact
z.systems is on a rapid expansion trajectory, with over 20,000 retailers onboarded and 900,000 orders delivered. As part of our core engineering team, you will directly influence the scalability and resilience of our platform, shaping the future of retail in emerging markets.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief cover letter outlining their relevant experience and why they are a good fit for the role. Our hiring team will review applications, conduct technical interviews focused on architecture, coding, and leadership scenarios, and invite shortlisted candidates for a final interview with senior leadership.
Closing
We are excited to welcome a passionate, experienced Senior Backend Tech Lead who is eager to drive innovation and build world‑class systems that empower retailers across Africa. If you thrive in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment and want to make a tangible impact, we encourage you to apply today.
