Senior Developer - Backend

Job Description:

We Dream. We Do. We Deliver.

At Merkle, a dentsu company, we power the experience economy. Whether we’re building the next great app, running CRM at scale for global brands, delivering technology architectures that support millions of users, or providing world-class data, identity, and insights solutions, it’s all in the name of crafting experiences that set brands apart from the competition. Backed by dentsu's legacy of innovation and creativity originating in Japan, we’ve spent over 35 years helping brands build loyalty, drive growth, and connect meaningfully with their audiences.

We’ve been named a global “Leader” by top industry analyst firms in categories as wide-ranging as digital transformation and commerce, experience design, engineering and technology integration, digital marketing, data science, CRM and loyalty, and customer data management.

What You Will Do

· Lead technical decisions for new features, improvements, and architectural evolution, driving both team and client demands.

· Act as the primary technical point of contact, balancing client-facing interactions with internal development guidance.

· Contribute across the full SDLC: requirements, design, development, testing, documentation, and release, with a high degree of autonomy.

· Ensure scalable, secure, maintainable, and high-quality backend solutions, optimized data flows, and robust reporting.

· Own complex feature delivery and solve key technical and architectural challenges, especially within SQL Server and integration services.

· Conduct code reviews, enforce coding standards, and promote best engineering practices.

· Run technical ceremonies (Security & Quality gates, technical planning meetings) and manage project workflows.

· Identify and execute technical Enablers and Proof-of-Concepts to foster continuous innovation.

· Monitor system health, analyze performance, and support non-functional testing and automation scripts.

· Mentor developers, lead training sessions, and support onboarding of new team members, driving technical excellence across the team.

· Collaborate closely with Product Owners, Business Analysts, Architects, IT teams, and external partners, acting as a bridge between technical execution and client needs.

What You Bring

Technical Skills

· Strong hands-on expertise in .NET / C# (.NET Web API, .NET Web Apps, and modern .NET Core versions).

· Deep knowledge of the Microsoft SQL Server stack, including advanced SQL querying, SSIS (SQL Server Integration Services), and SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services).

· Proficiency in scripting and automation using PowerShell.

· Experience with the Atlassian Suite (Jira, Confluence) for project tracking, documentation, and workflow management.

· Solid experience in debugging, database performance optimization, and application security best practices.

· Experience designing and maintaining scalable backend systems, APIs, and data integration pipelines.

· Comfortable working in Agile environments (Scrum, SAFe).

Soft Skills

· Strong leadership and mentoring capability, with a proven track record of driving team delivery.

· Excellent communication and client-facing skills, with the ability to confidently translate technical topics for business stakeholders and manage client expectations.

· Highly autonomous and proactive problem-solver with strong attention to detail.

· Curious mind and a fast learner, with a genuine passion for continuously absorbing new business logic and technologies.

· Good collaborator, team player, and natural communicator.

· Fluent English (spoken & written).

Why choose Merkle?

Innovation at Our Core: As part of dentsu’s global network, Merkle pushes the boundaries of customer experience, integrating creativity, technology, and data to drive real-world impact. For over 35 years, we’ve been innovating to meet the changing needs of our clients.

Global Reach with Local Expertise: With over 16,000 employees across 30+ countries, and part of a 70,000 employees network at dentsu, Merkle blends global insights with a deep understanding of local markets to deliver personalized, effective solutions.

Collaborative Culture: At Merkle, your ideas and contributions truly matter. You’ll join a team that fosters innovation, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. Together, we work on impactful international projects, making meaningful connections every step of the way.

What’s in It for You?

Global Perspective: As part of a dentsu company, collaborate with over 70,000 talented colleagues across 145 countries to drive innovation on a global scale.

Flexibility & Balance: Enjoy hybrid work models, adaptable hours, and home office options. Hybrid working – we combine flexibility with in-person collaboration, with an expectation of 1 day per week/ 4 days per month in the office.

Inclusive & Supportive Culture: We celebrate diversity and foster a respectful workplace where every team member’s unique perspective is valued, and everyone is welcome.

Well-balanced reward package: We offer competitive salaries, volunteer days, wellness days, modern offices, and a multi-cultural environment that fosters creativity and innovation.

Innovation-Driven Work: Contribute to projects that are reshaping industries and driving transformation with next-generation technologies and strategies.

Purpose-Driven Culture: Be part of an organization that fosters sustainable growth for brands, people, and society—where every contribution makes a meaningful impact.

Growth Opportunities: Expand your skills through training, mentorship, and data-driven projects that reshape customer experience and business outcomes. Explore opportunities in the whole dentsu network to expand your reach.

*many more attractive benefits are waiting for you, for more details regarding additional benefits, please ask your recruiter

Ready to join the team? Shape your unique career and reach your full potential. Apply now and join us in transforming the future together.

*At dentsu, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is central to our vision: "To be at the forefront of people-centered transformations that shape society."

We cherish the unique talents and perspectives of all individuals, welcoming applicants regardless of gender, gender identity, nationality, religion, ethnicity, cultural background, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental ability. By embracing diverse perspectives, we create meaningful change and sustainable growth for our people, clients, and society. Our hiring decisions are guided by qualifications and role-specific requirements, ensuring a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

#LI-MERKLE

Location:

Lisbon

Brand:

Merkle

Time Type:

Full time

Contract Type:

Permanent