Lead Web Developer (Shopify Headless Architecture)

Lead Web Developer – Berlin (Hybrid)

A Berlin-based e-commerce startup entering an exciting new phase of technical growth is looking for a Tech Lead to take full ownership of its platform and help shape the future of its technology. This is a hands-on role where you’ll be responsible for key architectural decisions, streamlining systems, and preparing the business for scale — both technically and commercially.

You’ll work closely with the founders, product, and external developers to evolve the platform, improve development processes, and lay the groundwork for an internal engineering function.

What You’ll Be Doing

Technical Leadership & System Ownership
Lead the development and evolution of a modular e-commerce stack, currently based on Shopify and React.
Build and optimise both customer-facing and internal systems, with a focus on reliability, maintainability, and performance.
Take on integration-heavy challenges, from third-party tools to internal workflows — particularly in support of customer lifecycle features.

Team & Process Enablement
Collaborate with developers, provide guidance, conduct code reviews, and maintain quality across deliverables.
Improve CI/CD pipelines, testing, and tooling to support faster, safer deployments.
Work alongside cross-functional teams to deliver operational efficiency through smart automation and clean system design.

Product & Growth Support
Partner with commercial and operations teams to deliver features that improve customer experience and business outcomes.
Contribute to the technical direction behind analytics, experimentation tools, and data flow visibility.
Maintain a clear technical roadmap aligned with business goals, balancing short-term delivery with long-term improvements.

Platform Strategy & Scalability
Make pragmatic decisions about tech stack improvements, architecture upgrades, and infrastructure planning.
Ensure the platform can support expansion across products, geographies, and traffic volume.
Support the transition from an externally built system to an internal engineering team by documenting systems and shaping early hires.

What They’re Looking For

5+ years of engineering experience, ideally within a fast-paced digital product or e-commerce environment.
Strong JavaScript/TypeScript skills, especially with React, and experience with frontend performance optimisation.
Confident working with APIs and integration-heavy systems (e.g. payments, platforms, analytics).
Familiarity with Shopify (ideally headless implementations) is a plus, but not required.
Experience improving internal workflows, debugging production issues, and driving continuous delivery.
Great communication skills — able to explain technical topics clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Comfortable working with external partners and gradually building internal capabilities.
Based in Berlin or open to relocating. English fluency required; German is a bonus.

Why Join?

Lead technical strategy at a high-impact stage of growth.
Build meaningful systems, not just features — with autonomy and clear business alignment.
Be part of a small, ambitious team where your decisions shape the future of the company.
Join a growing business with momentum, investment, and a long-term product vision.