Lead Backend Engineer - Django
Lead Backend Engineer - Django

Lead Backend Engineer - Django

London Full-Time 43200 - 72000 Β£ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of innovative software platforms using Django and Python.
  • Company: Join Kingfisher, a leading home improvement company with a diverse team.
  • Benefits: Enjoy private healthcare, generous holiday, staff discounts, and a competitive bonus scheme.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by embedding data science in products and processes.
  • Qualifications: Strong experience in Django, Python, and cloud services; leadership skills are a plus.
  • Other info: Flexible working options and a culture that values diversity and inclusion.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 Β£ per year.

Overview

We’re Kingfisher, a team of over 82,000 people bringing Kingfisher brands (B&Q, Screwfix, Brico Depot, Castorama and Koctas) to life. We aim to become the leading home improvement company and grow the largest community of home improvers in the world. We want you to help us achieve this ambition.

At Kingfisher, customers come from all walks of life, and we are committed to treating all colleagues, future colleagues, and applicants equally regardless of age, gender, marital or civil partnership status, colour, ethnic or national origin, culture, religious belief, philosophical belief, political opinion, disability, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation.

We are open to flexible and agile working, both in hours and location. We offer a blend of working from home and our offices in London, Southampton & Yeovil. Talk to us about how we can best support you.

We are looking for a Lead Platform Engineer (backend Python focus) to join our Group Data Science function, to lead and trailblaze the development and building of software platforms. You will work across our retail banners and group functions, building platform roadmaps that maximise time to value and long-term effectiveness to support our commercial goals.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with Tech, Product and Data teams to develop engineering platforms that enable applying and embedding data science in our products and processes.
  • Support diverse teams in translating between business and data in the design of project work, and in the synthesis and communication of recommendations and results.
  • Support the Data Science Leadership Team in developing a \”data culture\” and demonstrating the value of data in decision-making.
  • Provide technical leadership and support for junior members of the team.

What’s the job

  • Collaborate with Tech, Product and Data teams to develop the engineering platforms that allow us to apply and embed the use of data science directly in our products and processes.
  • Support diverse teams in translating between business and data in the design of project work, and in the synthesis and communication of recommendations and results.
  • Support the Data Science Leadership Team in developing a β€œdata culture” and demonstrating the value of data in our decision-making.
  • Provide technical leadership and support for the junior members of the team.

Qualifications

  • Excellent knowledge and experience in Django and Python backend
  • Excellent understanding of computer science fundamentals and machine learning
  • Proven experience of delivering several high-quality software products and experience of productionisation
  • Proven experience of developing cloud-based services using one or more cloud providers (preferably GCP)
  • Strong management and leadership skills – including the ability to build, organise, motivate, mentor and manage a Platform Engineering team that supports a diverse range of initiatives
  • Sensitivity and excellent influencing skills – ability to work with stakeholders across a variety of functions and levels of seniority

Be Behaviours

  • Be Customer Focused – constantly improving our customers’ experience
  • We listen to our customers and colleagues
  • We innovate products and experiences to stay ahead
  • Be Human – leading with purpose, humanity and care
  • We do the right thing
  • We invest in our people and build great teams
  • Be Curious – thrive on learning, thinking beyond the obvious
  • We focus externally, globally and build the long term
  • We experiment and share our learnings
  • Be Agile – building trust and empowering people to work with agility
  • We act with pace, not perfection, role modelling 80/20
  • We take risks, fail fast and adapt quickly
  • Be Inclusive – inspiring diverse teams to achieve together
  • We celebrate difference as a strength
  • We collaborate, breaking down silos
  • Be Accountable – owning the plan, delivering results and growth
  • We focus on performance outcomes
  • We prioritise and simplify for others

What we offer

  • Private Health Care – Opportunity to receive up to family level cover with AXA. Join within three months of starting or at annual renewal in April. (This benefit is subject to Benefit In Kind taxation).
  • Kingfisher Pension Scheme – Immediate eligibility through auto-enrolment. Contribute 8% to receive a max 14% from the Company.
  • 25 Days\\\’ Holiday – 25 days per annum plus bank holidays as stated in your contract (pro rated for part time colleagues).
  • Staff Discount – 20% discount at B&Q and Screwfix. Eligible after 3 months service.
  • Kingfisher Share Incentive Plan (SIP) – Share ownership in a tax efficient way. Save between Β£10 to Β£150 per month. Join at any time once three months service is reached.
  • Life Assurance – x4 Salary plus benefit equal to value of your Retirement Account (if an active member of KPS-MP) or x1 Salary if not active member.
  • Bonus – Competitive bonus scheme that aligns to work level of role.
  • Kingfisher Share Save – Save with the option to buy Kingfisher plc shares at the end of a 3 or 5 year period. Offered annually. Three months service is required at the annual invitation date, normally in October.

Our Behaviours

  • We are united by 6 core behaviours: Constantly improving our customer experience; Acting with humanity and care; Be curious; Thriving on learning, thinking beyond the obvious; Be inclusive; Acting inclusively in diverse teams to achieve together; Be agile; Working with trust, pace and agility; Be accountable; Championing the plan to deliver results and growth.

Application Process

  • Step 1: Application – Send in your application via our Kingfisher Careers website.
  • Step 2: Review – A member of the Talent Acquisition team will review your application and let you know if you have progressed.
  • Step 3: Interview 1 – Telephone interview/one-to-one conversation with a recruiter.
  • Step 4: Interview 2 – Face-to-face or virtual interview.
  • Step 5: Feedback – Recruiter will provide feedback and, if successful, details of the job offer.

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Lead Backend Engineer - Django employer: Kingfisher plc

At Kingfisher, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions inclusivity and collaboration. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to employee growth, we provide numerous benefits including private healthcare, generous holiday allowances, and a competitive bonus scheme, all while fostering a supportive environment for our team members to thrive in their careers. Join us in our mission to lead the home improvement industry and be part of a community that values innovation and customer focus.
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Contact Detail:

Kingfisher plc Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Lead Backend Engineer - Django

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its culture, especially Kingfisher's values. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for their team too.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. The more comfortable you are talking about your skills and experiences, the better you'll perform.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, send a thank-you email. It shows appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your interest in the role!

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Backend Engineer - Django

Django
Python
Cloud-based Services
GCP (Google Cloud Platform)
Computer Science Fundamentals
Machine Learning
Technical Leadership
Team Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Data Culture Development
Software Product Delivery
Agile Methodologies
Mentoring
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Backend Engineer role. Highlight your Django and Python experience, and don’t forget to showcase any cloud-based services you've developed. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how you can contribute to our mission at Kingfisher. Be genuine and let your personality come through – we love that!

Showcase Your Projects: If you've worked on relevant projects, make sure to mention them in your application. Whether it's a personal project or something from your previous job, we want to see how you've applied your skills in real-world scenarios.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our Kingfisher Careers website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep track of your application. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Kingfisher plc

✨Know Your Django Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your Django and Python skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss your past projects, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will show that you not only know the tech but can also apply it effectively.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Lead Backend Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor a team. Prepare examples of how you've supported junior developers in the past and how you foster a collaborative environment. This will highlight your management skills and your commitment to building a strong team.

✨Understand the Business Side

Kingfisher is all about improving customer experience. Be prepared to discuss how your technical decisions can impact business outcomes. Think about how data science can enhance product offerings and be ready to share your insights on this during the interview.

✨Embrace the Company Culture

Familiarise yourself with Kingfisher's core behaviours like being customer-focused and inclusive. During the interview, weave these values into your responses. Show that you align with their mission and are excited about contributing to a diverse and agile workplace.

Lead Backend Engineer - Django
Kingfisher plc
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  • Lead Backend Engineer - Django

    London
    Full-Time
    43200 - 72000 Β£ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-09-16

  • K

    Kingfisher plc

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