Skip to main content

Lead Architect (m/f/d)

Berlin
Full-time
Permanent employee

Life at Smoobu

At Smoobu, we are building more than just software. We empower everyday people to become successful entrepreneurs by helping them manage their vacation rentals simply and efficiently. Our platform supports over 100,000 properties in 120+ countries, enabling hosts to grow their businesses confidently and efficiently.

That kind of impact doesn’t come from playing it safe; it comes from people who take ownership, act purposefully, and work together to make things happen.

How you will contribute to our success

From your first day, you will have the space to take initiative, make meaningful contributions, and help drive us forward as a team. We are looking for a key leader to take ownership of Smoobu's overall technology architecture. You will be instrumental in transforming our system into a robust, state-of-the-art platform that enables rapid, AI-augmented innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Architecture Leadership: Define the architectural strategy, establish priorities, and drive execution across all technical initiatives.

  • Complex Solution Design: Design the most complex and high-impact technical solutions, leading critical decisions and ensuring alignment among multiple engineering teams and stakeholders.

  • Technical Excellence: Coordinate the Global Tech Debt Resolution program to maintain the development pace. Set standards, keep raising the quality bar.

  • Innovation & Strategy: Research and discover emerging technology opportunities to generate significant business impact and secure competitive advantages. Contribute hands-on by implementing proof of concept or critical strategic solutions.

  • Team Empowerment: Coach and mentor engineers across teams, providing architectural guidance and high-quality technical feedback. Foster a culture of learning, ownership, and engineering excellence. This role has no direct reports, enabling full focus on architecture, mentorship, and technical decision-making.

  • Infrastructure: own hosting infrastructure, ensure fit-to-purpose and cost efficiency.

You will thrive in this role if you

  • Have experience designing and building large-scale, high-complexity systems.

  • You have a track record of proposing and implementing high-impact tech initiatives.

  • Have experience leading technical programs across multiple engineering teams.

  • Have extensive experience with AWS or a similar cloud.

  • Have proven experience in AI coding, including the setup of robust and effective development environments.

  • Familiar with PHP, JavaScript, React.

  • Have expert-level knowledge of at least two database engines.

  • Have brilliant prioritisation skills.

  • Can be recognised as a business-curious full-stack technologist, focusing on results over processes.

  • Are fluent in English, both written and spoken, clearly communicating technical concepts to diverse audiences.

If you check all the boxes - fantastic! But even if you meet most of the criteria and are excited to grow into the rest, we still want to hear from you!

How we will measure your success

Success at Smoobu is visible and celebrated — not just in metrics, but in the value you create for customers and colleagues. You'll know you're successful when you:

  • Make specific contributions to increased release frequency and quality while reducing the risk.

  • Initiate and complete impactful technical initiatives

  • Prevent or manage complex incidents

And because our values shape how we work and grow together, you’ll feel at home here if they resonate with you:

  • Support each other with candid feedback, encouragement, and trust — success is a team sport

  • Stay authentic by bringing our true selves to work and valuing each person’s unique contributions

  • Be reliable, follow through on commitments, and show up for each other every day

  • Embrace experimentation, welcome change, and learn quickly from new ideas

  • Get things done by solving problems with focus, action, and a bias for simplicity

What you can expect

  • Flexibility – We work remotely for up to 50% of the year, including up to 63 working days abroad.

  • Time to Recharge – 27 vacation days, plus one extra day for each year of tenure (up to 32). Celebrate your 5th anniversary with five additional paid days off and a €500 HomeToGo booking credit.

  • Mobility perks – Monthly subsidy for the Deutschland-Ticket (nationwide public transport) and tax-advantaged bike leasing via salary conversion. 

  • Learning & Growth – Mentorship program, Lingoda German classes, professional development opportunities, and clear pathways for growth based on your performance.

  • Wellbeing & Fun – Team events, a dog-friendly office, social clubs, new joiner buddy lunches, mental health support, and a Wellhub (Gympass) contribution.

  • Perks & Discounts – Enjoy corporate discounts and exclusive offers through FutureBens and Corporate Benefits.

  • Climate Commitment – CSRD-compliant, proud member of Leaders for Climate Action, partnering with Plan A to set and track the Group’s carbon footprint.

  • Diversity: Our company language is English, and our team represents over 28 nationalities.

Recruitment Process

  • 30-minute call with a recruiter

  • 45-60 minute call with your future manager

  • 120 minute technical case study with peers and stakeholders.

  • 30-minute call with your future team members

  • Reference check & Offer

Please note that this is a general recruitment process and may vary depending on the role and the seniority level of the position.


Smoobu is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring and nurturing exceptional talent, representing various backgrounds, perspectives and skills. We are authentically candid and open-minded, fostering a safe environment for diverse opinions. Our hiring decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business needs. We do not discriminate against race, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, political, ideological or religious views, disability or age.

We are committed to creating and maintaining a workforce of equality and diversity at Smoobu and to provide opportunities to everyone. We therefore welcome your application even if you aren't completely confident that your experiences fit the job description criteria. We would really love to get to know you!


About us

Smoobu (www.smoobu.com), a subsidiary of HomeToGo Group, is a fast-growing startup in the vacation rental industry. Smoobu’s SaaS solution currently empowers private hosts to manage over 100,000 properties across more than 110 countries. Smoobu runs as an independent enterprise within the HomeToGo Group, ensuring its startup spirit and growth potential remain at the forefront. Our top priority is to assist hosts in efficiently managing and growing their businesses simultaneously.

Smoobu’s success is attributed to our dynamic, ambitious, and international team, dedicated to exceeding our customers’ expectations through expert advice and action. We celebrate diversity and operate in a truly global environment, embracing the challenges and opportunities that come with it. Join us on this exciting journey to transform the vacation rental industry!