Software Engineer (Python) - Supply Chain

Takealot Group; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Takealot Fulfilment Solutions is building a cutting-edge software function to power e-commerce logistics in South Africa. You’ll develop robust services in Python, write production-grade code, and work in a Linux environment alongside a small, high-energy team.

You will design scalable architectures, stay current with tech trends, and contribute to customer-centric features while ensuring reliability in a 24/7 operation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics or engineering or equivalent software development experience.
• Solid fundamentals: object-oriented design, data structures and algorithms.
• 3–6 years for intermediate or 5–10+ years for senior software roles.
• Proficiency in Python and production-grade coding in Linux environments.
• Experience with SQL databases and version control tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and build software to improve user experience for business partners and customers.
• Architect solutions collaboratively and keep pace with tech trends.
• Deliver robust production code and provide after-hours support on rotation.
• Participate in building scalable, maintainable, and observable systems.
• Contribute to a world-class engineering team and a culture of excellence.

Skills

Python

Algorithms

Data structures

Analytical thinking

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in CS/Engineering

Advanced Diploma in CS/Math

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

GitHub

Jenkins

SQL

Linux

Job description

Join Our Mission at Takealot Fulfilment Solutions | We Are TFS

Revolutionising e-commerce logistics in South Africa with cutting-edge technology and operational excellence. We deliver 30+ million orders annually, empowering businesses and driving economic growth.

Who We’re Looking For:

Innovative, ambitious individuals ready to shape the future of e-commerce logistics. At TFS, “Uniquely You” meets “Powerfully Us”, where your individuality strengthens our collective mission.

Who’s who in the tech space

This position reports to the respective team’s manager.

As a Software Engineer, you will be someone whose expertise directly translates into the development of robust software in the e-commerce domain. You will be from a computer science background with an emphasis on software development. You will have the opportunity to implement best practices to improve existing software and participate in the development of new features. While we don’t promote after-hours work as part of the regular workday, we run a 24/7 business with the need to keep systems up and running. Software Engineers are expected to provide after-hours support on a rotational basis to resolve critical system issues.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it:

• Design and build solutions to assist our business users and improve customer experience
• Architect and design solutions with your team
• Keep up to date with technology trends
• Apply creative thought processes to solve complex challenges at scale
• Strong focus on making takealot.com the best place to shop at, a happy customer is a repeat customer
• Drive for excellence, to help foster a world-class engineering team

The skills we need:

• Solutions-oriented, can-do attitude, and high energy
• Strong analytical and critical thinking, using data to inform decisions
• Ability to disaggregate and structure solutions to ambiguous problems
• Solid quantitative skills
• Ability to interview and interact professionally, with internal and external people
• Capability to present ideas succinctly, in writing and verbally
• Versatile and with the appetite to learn by doing

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Diploma in Computer Science, Mathematics or Engineering or equivalent experience in software development.
• A thorough understanding of computer science fundamentals, including object-oriented design, data structures and algorithms
• 3 to 6 years experience in a software development role for an intermediate-level position
• 5 to 10+ years experience in a software development role for a senior-level position
• Experience in writing robust, efficient production code
• Proficient in a strongly typed language such as Python
• Experience with development in a Linux environment
• Experience with SQL database systems
• Open to diversifying language skill set
• Experience in the following will be advantageous:
  • MySQL, PostgreSQL, MS SQL
  • Memcached, Redis
  • Message Brokers, Queues and PubSub systems (e.g. Kafka and RabbitMQ)
  • Containerisation (e.g. Docker)
  • Orchestration (e.g. Kubernetes)
  • GitHub, Travis CI, Jenkins
  • AWS, GCP, Azure
  • Microservices

Why Join TFS:

• Purpose-driven impact : Transform lives through logistics innovation
• Advanced technology: Work with cutting-edge systems in a fast-paced environment
• Career growth: Thrive in an agile space that champions continuous improvement
• Inclusive culture : Your unique perspective drives extraordinary results

At TFS, your growth is our growth. You’ll be joining a team powered by Takealot Group’s core values.

More than just a job, we offer:

A culture that celebrates individual uniqueness while championing the strength of togetherness. Be part of creating sustainable, scalable solutions that make a difference across South Africa’s e-commerce landscape.

Takealot Fulfilment Solutions (TFS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants from previously disadvantaged groups and people with disabilities will be given preference.