Lead Backend Developer (Python/Django)

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical and dental coverage

Generous leave policy

Professional development budget

Modern Cape Town office

Team social events

Stock options

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Backend Developer for a hybrid role in Cape Town. You will design, develop, and deploy robust backend systems powering innovative fintech products.

You will mentor a team of developers, drive technical decisions, and uphold high standards of code quality and performance. The ideal candidate has strong leadership, extensive Python/Django experience, and a passion for building high-performance applications.

Qualifications

• Extensive backend experience with Python and Django.
• Experience leading a development team or as a technical lead.
• Strong knowledge of relational databases (PostgreSQL/MySQL) and ORMs.
• Experience designing and consuming RESTful APIs.
• Familiarity with microservices and message queues (RabbitMQ/Kafka).
• Frontend basics (JavaScript/React) is a plus.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP) and Docker preferred.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and leadership skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in CS or related field or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and maintenance of backend services using Python and Django.
• Architect scalable, secure APIs and data models.
• Mentor backend developers and review code for quality.
• Collaborate with frontend to integrate server-side logic.
• Optimize performance and database queries.
• Troubleshoot production and development issues.
• Contribute to architectural decisions and tech choices.
• Ensure data security and integrity.

Skills

Python

Django

Leadership

REST APIs

PostgreSQL

MySQL

Docker

AWS/GCP/Azure

RabbitMQ/Kafka

React

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Docker

RabbitMQ

Kafka

AWS

GCP

Azure

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a thriving fintech startup based in the vibrant city of Cape Town , is seeking a talented and experienced Lead Backend Developer to spearhead their backend development efforts. This is a permanent, full-time role with a hybrid work model, allowing for a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. You will be responsible for designing, developing, and deploying robust, scalable, and secure backend systems that power our client's innovative financial products. As the Lead, you will mentor a team of talented developers, drive technical decisions, and ensure the highest standards of code quality and system performance. This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on a rapidly evolving platform in a fast-paced industry. The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership qualities, a deep understanding of Python and Django, and a passion for building high-performance applications. You will work closely with product managers, frontend engineers, and other stakeholders to deliver exceptional user experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and maintenance of backend services using Python and Django .
• Architect and implement scalable, secure, and efficient APIs.
• Mentor and guide a team of backend developers, fostering a collaborative and productive environment.
• Conduct code reviews, ensuring adherence to coding standards and best practices.
• Collaborate with frontend developers to integrate user-facing elements with server-side logic.
• Optimize application performance and database queries.
• Troubleshoot and debug complex issues in production and development environments.
• Contribute to architectural decisions and technology selection.
• Ensure the security and integrity of data handled by the application.
• Stay updated with the latest trends in backend development and fintech.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in backend development with a strong focus on Python and the Django framework.
• Proven experience leading a development team or acting as a technical lead.
• Solid understanding of relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and ORMs.
• Experience designing and consuming RESTful APIs.
• Familiarity with microservices architecture and message queues (e.g., RabbitMQ, Kafka).
• Knowledge of frontend technologies (e.g., JavaScript, React) is a plus.
• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and Docker is preferred.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for stock options.
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage.
• Generous leave policy.
• Professional development budget for training and conferences.
• Modern office space in a convenient Cape Town location.
• Regular team social events.
• Opportunity to work with a passionate and innovative team.
• Contribute to a product with significant market impact.