Java Developer Team Lead

Salix Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology recruitment firm is seeking an experienced Java Developer Team Lead to guide a skilled development team in Johannesburg. This role involves hands-on coding and managing key projects within a dynamic environment. The ideal candidate has over 10 years of Java experience, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of system architecture. Join a forward-thinking firm transforming the short-term insurance industry through technology.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Java Enterprise Edition development.
• At least 3 years in a leadership or team lead role.
• Strong experience with Java 11+, Spring Boot, Microservices architecture.

Responsibilities

• Guide a team of Java developers, providing technical direction and coaching.
• Translate business requirements into scalable technical designs.
• Build APIs (REST/SOAP) and ensure seamless interoperability.

Skills

Java Enterprise Edition

Spring Boot

Microservices architecture

Agile / Scrum

Problem-Solving

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

MSSQL

Hibernate

REST APIs

Job description

Summary

SUMMARY : We are looking for an experienced Java Developer Team Lead to drive the development of complex IT platforms within Project Athena. This role blends hands-on coding expertise with leadership responsibilities, giving you the opportunity to oversee end-to-end solution delivery, guide a skilled development team, and collaborate closely with business and IT stakeholders.

Position Info

Join one of South Africa’s leading innovators, where technology meets strategy to deliver exceptional customer experiences. Be part of a forward-thinking team driving digital transformation in short-term insurance, working on complex, high-impact projects that shape the future of the industry. Here, your expertise in Java development, architecture, and leadership will directly influence business outcomes, while you grow in a collaborative and innovative environment.

You’ll play a pivotal role in architecting, building, and optimising solutions on the IDIT platform - ensuring performance, scalability, and compliance.

Duties

• Leadership & Mentorship: Guide a team of Java developers, providing technical direction, coaching, and accountability.
• Solution Design & Development: Translate business requirements into scalable technical designs and implement Java-based modules for policy, claims, billing, and customer management.
• Integration & Architecture: Build APIs (REST / SOAP), integrate with external systems, and ensure seamless interoperability across platforms.
• Quality & Governance: Drive code reviews, testing strategies, and CI / CD pipelines to ensure technical excellence.
• Performance & Security: Optimise system performance, troubleshoot complex issues, and implement robust security measures (POPIA, FSCA compliance).
• Collaboration: Partner with business analysts, architects, and product owners to align solutions with business needs.

Experience & Qualifications

Qualifications :

• Matric (Grade 12)
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software, or related field.

Experience :

• 10+ years in Java Enterprise Edition development, with at least 3 years in a leadership / team lead role.
• Strong hands-on experience with Java 11+, Spring Boot, Microservices architecture.
• Proven experience in end-to-end project delivery (UI, SQL data models, business logic).
• Solid understanding of short-term insurance products (advantageous).
• Experience with MSSQL (Oracle / DB2 beneficial).
• Strong knowledge of EJB, SQL, Hibernate, Agile / Scrum, CI / CD pipelines.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Required Technical Skills

• Java & Spring Expertise: Strong hands-on experience with Java Enterprise Edition (Java 11+) and Spring Boot.
• Microservices & System Architecture: Proficient in designing scalable, modular, and high-performance systems.
• Database & Integration Skills: Expertise in SQL, Hibernate, and integrating with third-party systems via REST / SOAP APIs.
• Leadership & Team Mentorship: Ability to lead, coach, and develop a high-performing development team.
• Agile & Project Delivery: Experienced in Agile / Scrum methodologies and end-to-end project execution.
• Problem-Solving & Analytical Thinking: Strong troubleshooting, optimization, and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Communication & Stakeholder Management: Able to effectively engage technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Quality, Compliance & Security Focus: Commitment to coding best practices, regulatory compliance (POPIA, FSCA), and secure application design.

If you have not had any response in two weeks, please consider the vacancy application unsuccessful. Your profile will be kept on our database for any other suitable roles / positions.