Software Engineering Manager

Mukuru; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 80 000 - 150 000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking financial services platform committed to empowering Africa's emerging consumers. As a Software Engineering Manager, you will lead and inspire a talented team, driving technical excellence and innovation. Your strategic vision will shape the future of engineering, ensuring robust and scalable solutions that enhance financial security for millions. Embrace the opportunity to cultivate a culture of collaboration and growth, where every team member's contribution is valued. If you are passionate about technology and people, this is the perfect role for you.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of software development experience with a focus on team building.
• Strong knowledge of system architecture and modern software practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of software engineers to develop financial tech solutions.
• Shape the architectural direction and improve system stability and scalability.

Skills

Software Development

System Architecture

Agile Methodologies

Problem-Solving

Effective Communication

Team Leadership

Education

Degree in Computer Science

Relevant IT Diploma

Job description

Mukuru is a leading next-generation financial services platform, dedicated to empowering Africa's emerging consumers by providing accessible, reliable, and affordable financial solutions. Founded in 2004, Mukuru has grown exponentially, serving over 16 million customers across more than 50 countries, and completing over 100 million transactions to date.

With a commitment to financial inclusion and a customer-centric approach, Mukuru is not just a financial services provider but a trusted partner in helping customers achieve greater financial security and a better quality of life.

About the Role :

Are you passionate about technology, people, and building thriving engineering communities? Do you thrive on solving complex problems while empowering teams to do their best work? If so, we want you on board!

At Mukuru, we are on a journey to shape the future of engineering excellence—and we need leaders who can guide our teams with technical expertise, strategic vision, and a people-first approach. As a Software Engineering Manager, you will play a crucial role in leading, mentoring, and inspiring a team of software engineers to develop innovative, scalable, and robust financial technology solutions.

Your responsibilities as a Software Engineering Manager will include :

• Lead with Vision & Purpose
• Provide strong yet supportive leadership, ensuring engineers have the clarity, guidance, and mentorship to excel.
• Set a strategic direction for technical architecture, ensuring it evolves to meet business needs and future growth.
• Navigate multiple workstreams, balancing priorities to deliver impactful solutions.

• Build & Grow Exceptional Teams
• Empower engineers by fostering career growth, technical mastery, and personal development.
• Cultivate a culture of learning, collaboration, and recognition, where every win—big or small—is celebrated.
• Champion a diverse and inclusive team environment, where every voice matters.

• Drive Technical Excellence & Innovation
• Shape the architectural direction of our systems, improving stability, performance, and scalability.
• Solve large-scale engineering challenges, bringing fresh ideas and innovative approaches.
• Define best practices and continuously refine processes to drive efficiency and excellence.
• Play a crucial role in hiring world-class engineers, ensuring we attract and retain top talent.
• Create an environment where engineers feel motivated, inspired, and set up for success.
• Encourage open communication, promoting transparency and trust across teams.

What we're looking for :

• A passion for people, technology, and problem-solving
• Relevant IT degree/diploma in Computer Science or related field
• 10+ years of software development experience, with hands-on expertise in building and scaling engineering teams
• Strong knowledge of system architecture, technical design, and modern software development practices
• Experience managing application development at scale, with expertise in Agile, Scrum, and SDLC methodologies
• Ability to lead multiple teams across complex projects while driving efficiency and alignment
• Problem-solving & decision-making skills—ability to break down complex challenges and drive practical solutions.
• Technical expertise—deep understanding of infrastructure, architecture, and scalability.
• Effective communication—ability to provide clarity, influence decisions, and engage teams.
• Collaboration & stakeholder engagement—experience working with Product Owners, DevOps, Business Analysts, and leadership teams.
• Process & delivery excellence—a track record of introducing efficiencies and driving engineering best practices.

We encourage candidates who meet the majority of these criteria to apply, even if they do not meet every requirement. We believe in the value of diverse talents and experiences. Please include a brief note on how you will bring value to Mukuru and help us build a successful future.

If appointed to a remote/work-from-home role, ensure you have a reliable internet connection and a conducive work environment to perform your duties effectively.

If you do not hear back within two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.

NB: All staff appointments will consider the company's diversity and inclusion plans.