Head of Engineering, Backend and Data Platforms

Analyticsmart is a boutique analytics and software company specializing in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry across North America. Since 2009, we have built long-standing partnerships with global brands and retailers by delivering data-driven platforms that transform complex retail data into actionable insights. Our platform includes: • CRM • Category Management tools • Data Visualization & BI solutions At our core, we are a backend-heavy, data engineering-driven organization , building scalable systems that unify fragmented retail data and power real-time decision-making and in-store execution. We are a bootstrapped, profitable SaaS company with offices in Toronto, Montreal, and New York City, focused on building robust, enterprise-grade technology. The Role We are looking for a hands-on Head of Engineering to lead and scale our entire software development function. This is a builder-first leadership role . You will: • Own the end-to-end engineering function (all developers report into you) • Lead backend architecture, data platforms, and system design • Stay close to the code and key technical decisions • Build and lead a high-performing engineering team This role requires someone who can architect, build, and lead simultaneously —balancing speed, scalability, and long-term system integrity. Key Responsibilities Backend Architecture & System Design (Core Focus) • Lead the design and evolution of scalable backend systems using Node.js and Python • Architect microservices-based and event-driven systems • Design and optimize RESTful and GraphQL APIs • Own system reliability, performance, and fault tolerance • Design and oversee data pipelines integrating multiple external data sources (POS, retailer systems, third-party data) • Own data architecture, including modeling, transformation, and storage • Ensure high-quality, structured, and accessible data for BI and product teams • Optimize large-scale data processing and performance Scalability & Performance Optimization • Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks across systems • Implement caching, queuing, and asynchronous processing • Design systems for high-volume data and concurrent users • Balance scalability with pragmatic, maintainable architecture Engineering Leadership • Lead, mentor, and manage the full engineering team • Set and enforce coding standards and architecture principles • Conduct deep technical reviews with a focus on performance and scalability • Build a culture of ownership, accountability, and execution Cloud & DevOps Collaboration • Work closely with DevOps on cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, or GCP) • Oversee CI/CD pipelines, deployments, and environments • Ensure systems are secure, monitored, and production-ready • Implement logging, monitoring, and alerting frameworks Execution & Delivery • Lead sprint planning and technical delivery • Balance short-term execution with long-term architecture • Ensure consistent, high-quality releases • Remove blockers and drive momentum What We’re Looking For Core Profile • Builder mindset; you’ve designed and shipped real systems • Comfortable being hands-on while leading a team • Thrive in a lean, fast-moving environment • Strong ownership and accountability Technical Expertise • 10+ years of backend or full-stack development experience (backend-focused) • Strong proficiency in: • Node.js • Deep experience with: • RESTful APIs and microservices architecture • Distributed systems and event-driven design • SQL and database optimization • Hands-on experience with: • Data pipelines and ETL processes • Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) • Caching and queuing systems (Redis, Kafka, RabbitMQ) • Strong understanding of system scalability and performance engineering Leadership • Proven experience leading engineering teams • Ability to stay close to architecture and code while managing • Strong communication across technical and business stakeholders • Experience working in Agile environments Why Join Analyticsmart • Own engineering end-to-end — real impact, no layers • Work on systems used in real-world retail environments • Join a profitable, growing SaaS company • Shape both the platform and the team • High autonomy, high ownership, low bureaucracy Compensation • Performance-based bonus • Equity participation tied to long-term impact Final Note This role is for someone who wants to build, lead, and own . If you’re looking for layers, process, and distance from the code—this isn’t it. If you want to take ownership of a platform and shape the future of a growing company , we’d love to connect. #J-18808-Ljbffr