Head of Engineering, Backend and Data Platforms
Top Benefits
About the role
About Analyticsmart
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: Merchandising App 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
Data Engineering & Infrastructure 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 Python (data pipelines, ETL, scripting) 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 Competitive base salary 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.
About Analyticsmart
At Analyticsmart, our mission is to translate data into meaningful, measurable and actionable insights that drive growth and increase profitability for your business.
We believe that through analytics organizations can gain a distinct advantage, thus increasing their competitiveness in the retail industry.
Our team endeavors to boost your organization’s sales and efficiency, while reducing overhead costs, by leveraging the insights, knowledge and expertise we’ve acquired in category management over the years. As we draw on our past achievements and ongoing success, we want ANALYTICSMART to be your go-to data optimization solution architect for all your category management requirements.
We are an accomplished and outstanding team of experienced professionals whose unique approach is defined by our passion, commitment and the quality of our end products and services. Our team’s multifaceted proficiency includes expertise in information technology research, category advisorship, food focus, forecasting, planogram and trade spend management, as well as sales with various retailers.
Similar Jobs
Head of Engineering, Backend and Data Platforms
Top Benefits
About the role
About Analyticsmart
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: Merchandising App 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
Data Engineering & Infrastructure 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 Python (data pipelines, ETL, scripting) 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 Competitive base salary 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.
About Analyticsmart
At Analyticsmart, our mission is to translate data into meaningful, measurable and actionable insights that drive growth and increase profitability for your business.
We believe that through analytics organizations can gain a distinct advantage, thus increasing their competitiveness in the retail industry.
Our team endeavors to boost your organization’s sales and efficiency, while reducing overhead costs, by leveraging the insights, knowledge and expertise we’ve acquired in category management over the years. As we draw on our past achievements and ongoing success, we want ANALYTICSMART to be your go-to data optimization solution architect for all your category management requirements.
We are an accomplished and outstanding team of experienced professionals whose unique approach is defined by our passion, commitment and the quality of our end products and services. Our team’s multifaceted proficiency includes expertise in information technology research, category advisorship, food focus, forecasting, planogram and trade spend management, as well as sales with various retailers.