Technical Lead (PHP)

Liquid Thought; Somerset West; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Liquid Thought in Somerset West, Western Cape, is seeking a Technical Lead who is hands-on with coding and architecture. You will guide the development team by ensuring high-quality code, scalable system architecture and streamlined processes.

The ideal person thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is passionate about both technology and people. Lead a team, promote best practices, and shape architecture for SaaS in a dynamic setting.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in software development with at least 2 years in technical leadership.
• Proficient in PHP and Node.js.
• Strong SaaS architecture, microservices and AWS cloud experience.
• Experience with SQL and NoSQL databases and API development.
• Familiarity with DevOps, CI/CD and infrastructure as code.
• Proven ability to lead code reviews and mentor developers.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Experience with Docker and front-end frameworks (React/Vue/Angular).
• Prior SaaS environment experience.

Responsibilities

• Technical leadership to guide developers and enforce best practices.
• Hands-on coding when required to deliver critical features.
• Design and oversee scalable architecture for reliability.
• Mentor juniors and promote a learning culture.
• Conduct code reviews and uphold coding standards.
• Participate in Agile ceremonies and process improvements.
• Collaborate with product managers, QA, and designers.
• Stay updated with industry trends and implement improvements.

Skills

Technical leadership

PHP

Node.js

SaaS architecture

Microservices

AWS

API development

DevOps / CI/CD

Docker

React/Vue/Angular

Team mentoring

Tools

Docker

Terraform

AWS Cloud

CI/CD pipelines

Job description

Technical Lead (PHP)

Location: Somerset West, Western Cape (in-office)

Our client is a fast-growing South African property management software business. They are looking for a Technical Lead who is hands-on with coding and architecture, and an effective mentor and team leader. You will guide the development team by ensuring high-quality code, scalable system architecture and streamlined processes. The ideal person thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is passionate about both technology and people. Innovation is key, but the role also requires respect for existing systems, standards and team dynamics.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical leadership: lead a team of developers and drive best practice in software development.
• Hands-on development: write clean, efficient and maintainable code when required.
• Scalable architecture: design and oversee system architecture for scalability and reliability.
• Mentorship: guide and support junior and mid-level developers and promote a strong learning culture.
• Code reviews and standards: conduct code reviews and uphold coding standards.
• Agile participation: contribute to sprint planning, stand-ups and retrospectives, and suggest process improvements.
• Cross-functional collaboration: work with product managers, QA engineers, and designers to align technical solutions with business goals.
• Technology and innovation: stay current with industry trends and recommend and implement relevant improvements.

Requirements

• 7+ years in software development, with at least 2 years in a technical leadership role.
• Proficient in PHP and Node.js.
• Strong background in SaaS architecture, microservices and AWS cloud services.
• Solid experience with SQL and NoSQL databases and API development.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure as code.
• Proven ability to lead code reviews, mentor developers and maintain high technical standards.
• A balance of strong leadership and hands-on coding.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting in a fast-moving environment.
• Clear written and verbal communication, and strong team and people management skills.
• Experience with Docker or other containerisation tools.
• Working knowledge of a front-end framework such as React, Vue.js or Angular.
• Prior experience in a SaaS environment.