Software Development Manager

60 Degrees; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading software development company in South Africa is seeking a dynamic Software Development Manager to lead their development team. The candidate will oversee the complete development lifecycle, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality software solutions while managing project goals. Responsibilities include guiding team members, strategic planning, and resource management. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree, 10-15 years' experience in software development, and strong leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Proven track record spanning 10 to 15 years in software development.
• Minimum of 5 years in a managerial or leadership role.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple software development projects concurrently.

Responsibilities

• Lead and guide the development team to achieve successful outcomes.
• Plan and organize workflows and resources to meet project goals.
• Identify and mitigate risks while ensuring quality evaluations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Technical Expertise

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering

Master’s degree

Tools

Modern programming languages and frameworks

Job description

Background / Description

We are actively seeking a seasoned and dynamic Software Development Manager to lead our esteemed development team. The ideal candidate should bring substantial technical expertise, exemplary leadership acumen, and a proven track record of effectively steering software projects from inception to deployment. The role involves overseeing a team of developers, spearheading the complete development lifecycle, and ensuring the timely delivery of high‑caliber software solutions. Additionally, it requires directing system architecture designs, execution, and formulating targeted solutions for significant project deliverables.

Duties / Responsibilities

Team Leadership

• Leadership skills are crucial for guiding the team and driving successful outcomes.
• Communication: proficiency in clear and effective communication is essential, with an emphasis on encouraging open dialogue.
• Vision: maintain a clear vision for the team and its deliverables, aligning them with broader company goals.
• Building & Motivating Team: establish a cohesive team, inspire collaboration, and nurture a shared sense of purpose.
• Decision Making: guide and make timely, informed decisions while considering risks and potential outcomes.
• Handle / Resolve Conflict: adeptness in mediating disputes and sustaining a harmonious work environment.
• Continuous Learning: foster a culture of continuous learning and self‑improvement to stay updated with industry trends.

Strategic Planning

• Workflow Organization: plan and organize workflows, resources, and timelines to achieve project goals.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: collaborate with stakeholders to delineate project goals, scope, and technical requirements.
• Long‑term Strategy Development: formulate long‑term strategies aligned with organizational goals and identify opportunities for improvement, optimisation, and innovation.

Effective Management

• Resource Management: manage the development team with effective resource allocation.
• Time and Activity Management: skillful scheduling ensures productive workflows and timely deliveries.
• Budget and Financial Management: expertise in budgeting to ensure judicious allocation of funds.
• Risk Mitigation and Quality Evaluation: identify and mitigate risks, conduct quality evaluations and reviews, and ensure best practices for all deployments.
• Change Management: emphasise change‑management practices for smooth adoption of new processes or technologies.

Technical Expertise

• Foundational Understanding: robust technical background to comprehend software projects and guide decision‑making.
• Programming and Development Knowledge: understanding of programming languages, frameworks, and methodologies.
• Software Architecture and Design: familiarity with architecture principles, design patterns, system architecture, database design, and scalability.
• Continuous Learning: stay abreast of emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices.
• Quality Assurance and Testing: proficiency in testing methodologies and quality assurance practices.
• Problem Solving and Security Awareness: analyse complex technical issues, identify root causes, propose solutions, and maintain high security awareness.

Communication / Collaboration

• Transparent Communication: establish clear channels and foster an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas.
• Clarity in Roles and Expectations: clearly define roles, responsibilities, and project timelines.
• Promotion of Collaboration: encourage collaboration among team members and cross‑functional teams.
• Constructive Feedback: provide constructive feedback and acknowledge contributions, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field; a Master’s degree is advantageous.
• Proven track record spanning 10 to 15 years in software development, with a minimum of 5 years in a managerial or leadership role.
• Robust understanding of software development methodologies, modern programming languages, frameworks, and relevant tooling.
• Exceptional leadership capabilities with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple software development projects concurrently while delivering high‑quality results on time.
• Extensive experience collaborating within cross‑functional teams and engaging diverse stakeholders.
• Advanced knowledge and proficiency in modern programming languages, frameworks, and toolsets.