At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a team of Ruby developers while driving architectural decisions for our SaaS platform.
- Company: Join The National College, dedicated to transforming children's lives through innovative software solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy life assurance, enhanced parental leave, 25 days holiday, and mental health support.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on continuous learning and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education technology while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in software development with strong Ruby on Rails experience and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
At TNC, we empower customer workforce’s to transform children’s lives. Our all-in-one platform helps schools, trusts, and nurseries stay compliant, raise standards, and reduce staff workload — all through intuitive, powerful software. If educators need it, we build it. We’ve created a unique platform combining the world’s largest CPD and policy library with custom-built tools — developed in collaboration with thousands of schools and over 1,000 education experts.
The Role
We’re looking for a Lead Fullstack Engineer to own the technical direction and architecture of our cloud‑based SaaS platform as it scales. You’ll work across front‑end and back‑end systems, leading the delivery of new features and integrations while maintaining high standards of code quality, performance, and reliability. Alongside hands‑on development, you’ll mentor and grow a team of Ruby developers, establish best practices, and improve delivery processes. You’ll collaborate closely with product and engineering stakeholders to solve complex problems and evolve the platform.
Job Requirements
- 5+ years in software development, including 2+ years in a Lead or senior role
- Proven experience building high‑performance SaaS or eCommerce products
- Track record of leading and mentoring engineers, with involvement in hiring and team development
- Strong hands‑on experience with Ruby on Rails in large, established codebases
- Experience with AWS and modern cloud‑based architectures
- Solid understanding of software architecture, scalability, and system design
- Experience with CI/CD, DevOps practices, and tools (e.g. Kubernetes)
- Experience building and integrating APIs and working with SaaS platforms
- Strong knowledge of relational databases (MySQL/Aurora preferred)
- Experience with testing frameworks (e.g. RSpec) and code quality tools (e.g. RuboCop)
- Familiarity with Agile methodologies (Scrum/Kanban) and tools like Jira and Git
- Ability to design and deliver scalable, reliable, and secure systems
- Comfortable working across full‑stack development, including responsive front‑end implementation
- Experience improving engineering practices, delivery processes, and team performance
- Strong communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving skills
Nice to Have
- Experience with video delivery platforms or learning management systems
- Exposure to PHP/Laravel within mixed‑technology environments
Qualifications
- Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or similar (preferred, not essential)
Job Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor engineers, setting clear expectations and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement
- Drive architectural decisions, selecting appropriate tools and frameworks to ensure scalability, security, and maintainability
- Collaborate closely with product and design to deliver high‑quality, accessible, and user‑focused experiences
- Maintain high code quality through automated testing, code reviews, and engineering best practices
- Design and optimise database models and queries to support performance and scalability
- Ensure system performance and reliability across a growing user base
- Contribute to and improve coding standards through regular, constructive code reviews
- Work cross‑functionally with engineering, product, design, and QA teams to deliver high‑quality outcomes
- Support Agile processes, including planning, estimation, and sprint delivery
- Troubleshoot and resolve bugs and production issues in collaboration with QA and support teams
- Drive innovation in product and engineering practices, staying up to date with emerging technologies
- Build and maintain integrations with third‑party systems (e.g. APIs, external platforms)
At The National College, we’re passionate about helping organisations grow and thrive through knowledge and connection. You’ll be part of a business that values its people, supports continuous development, and celebrates success. You’ll also be able to benefit from:
- Life assurance
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay
- 24/7 online GP access
- Mental health and wellbeing support
- Charity day
- 25 days’ holiday, increasing to 30 days with service
Lead Fullstack Engineer (Ruby) employer: The National College
At TNC, we are dedicated to transforming children's lives through innovative technology, making us an exceptional employer for those passionate about education and software development. Our collaborative work culture fosters continuous learning and growth, offering extensive benefits such as enhanced parental leave, mental health support, and generous holiday allowances. As a Lead Fullstack Engineer, you will not only lead a talented team but also contribute to meaningful projects that have a lasting impact on the education sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Fullstack Engineer (Ruby)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those who work at TNC or similar companies. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best projects, especially those involving Ruby on Rails and SaaS platforms. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common technical questions and coding challenges related to full-stack development. Practising with friends or using online platforms can help you feel more confident when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission to transform education.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Fullstack Engineer (Ruby)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Lead Fullstack Engineer role. Highlight your Ruby on Rails experience and any leadership roles you've had, as we want to see how you can drive our platform forward.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for education technology and how your background aligns with our mission at TNC. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference.
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially in SaaS or eCommerce, make sure to mention them. We want to see your hands-on experience and how you've tackled challenges in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The National College
✨Know Your Tech Stack Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in Ruby on Rails and the other technologies mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your experience with AWS, CI/CD practices, and database management. Being able to discuss specific projects where you've used these technologies will show that you're not just familiar but also proficient.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Fullstack Engineer, you'll be expected to mentor others. Prepare examples of how you've led teams, set expectations, and fostered a culture of learning. Think about times when you’ve improved team performance or resolved conflicts, as these stories will highlight your leadership style.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect to face technical challenges during the interview. Practice explaining your thought process when tackling complex problems, especially those related to system design and scalability. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Understand Their Mission and Values
TNC is all about transforming children's lives through education. Familiarise yourself with their platform and think about how your skills can contribute to their mission. Showing genuine interest in their work and aligning your values with theirs can make a strong impression.
