Java and JavaScript Tech Lead

Badger & Bird Talent; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Badger & Bird Talent in Johannesburg is seeking a Java Tech Lead to own platform modernisation. You will drive migration from JSP-based UIs to modern frontend frameworks like React, Next.js, or Vue, and upgrade the Java backend while mentoring the team.

You will be the senior technical voice, executing the roadmap with your team and collaborating with product and design to deliver incremental improvements in a live production environment.

Qualifications

• To be successful in this role, you are a pragmatic problem solver who prefers incremental delivery over big-bang rewrites.
• Strong experience in software development with a focus on e-commerce, marketplaces, or fintech is highly valued.
• You will lead migration from legacy frontend to modern stacks in a live production environment.
• You are comfortable working with AWS infrastructure and modern frontend frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Drive Platform Modernisation: chart the path from JSP to modern frontend frameworks like React/Next.js/Vue while keeping platform stability.
• Assess Backend Opportunities: upgrade the Java backend and refine API design to reduce monolith coupling.
• Lead and Mentor: review PRs, share knowledge, and mentor the team to keep skills sharp.
• Collaborative Problem Solving: work with product and design to translate business requirements into scalable architecture.

Skills

Leadership/Mentorship

Problem solving

Incremental delivery

Communication with product/design

Education

Bachelor's Degree / National Diploma in Computer Science or IT

Tools

AWS (EC2, RDS/Aurora, Lambda, S3, CloudWatch)

Java 17+/21

React/Next.js/Vue

Go / React Native + Expo (bonus)

Job description

Java Tech Lead | Platform Modernisation

The Opportunity: Own the Roadmap, Write the Code

If you are a senior engineer who loves the chess game of platform modernisation, this is the meaty challenge you've been looking for. We are partnering with an ambitious, growing e-commerce platform based in Northern Johannesburg that is currently expanding its footprint. They need a hands-on technical leader to act as the primary designer and technical North Star for their ecosystem.

This isn't a role where you sit in ivory-tower meetings drawing theoretical architecture diagrams. You will be the most senior technical voice in the room, driving a critical migration strategy from a production Java monolith with legacy JSP frontends over to a modern, component-driven JavaScript framework. You will evaluate the frameworks, build the proof-of-concepts, and actually execute the roadmap alongside your team.

What\'s in it for You?

• Real Ownership: Cut through the red tape. You will have the autonomy to make the technical calls that keep delivery moving, defining the migration strategy that works best.
• Accelerate Your Career: The company is experiencing a strong period of growth. Joining them right now means you can harness this momentum to fuel your own professional advancement.
• True Hybrid Flexibility: Work from a great office space in Bryanston three days a week, transitioning to a flexible hybrid model once you have completed your probation period.
• A Culture that Delivers: Work within a transparent, inclusive, and supportive environment where your voice genuinely matters, complemented by a healthy work-life balance.

Your Day-to-Day

• Drive Platform Modernisation: Chart the path away from JSP-based UIs to modern frontend frameworks like React, Next.js, or Vue, ensuring the existing platform stays stable during the transition.
• Assess Backend Opportunities: Look for ways to modernise the Java backend, including upgrading to Java 21, refining API design, and reducing monolith coupling.
• Lead and Mentor: Stay close to the codebase by reviewing PRs, sharing knowledge, and keeping the team\'s technical skills sharp through pairing and mentorship.
• Collaborative Problem Solving: Partner closely with product and design teams to translate complex business requirements into scalable high-level architecture.

What We Are Looking For

To be successful in this role, you need to be a pragmatic problem solver who prefers incremental delivery over big-bang rewrites.

• Experience: 10+ years in software development, with a strong advantage if you have worked in e-commerce, marketplace platforms, or fintech.
• Technical Foundations: Deep comfort with production Java (ideally with an appreciation for Java 17+/21) paired with meaningful experience in modern frontend frameworks.
• Modernisation Track Record: Proven experience leading or playing a significant role in migrating a legacy frontend to a modern stack within a live production environment.
• Tech Stack Familiarity: Experience or comfort with AWS infrastructure (EC2, RDS/Aurora, Lambda, S3, CloudWatch). Any exposure to Go or React Native + Expo is a great bonus.
• Qualifications: A Bachelor\'s Degree or National Diploma in Computer Science or Information Technology.

If you\'re ready to face this considerable challenge, lets talk!