Technical Lead (PHP & Node.JS) (On-site Somerset West)

DataFin; Somerset West; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 000 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading software company in Somerset West is seeking a Technical Lead to guide a development team, ensuring high-quality code and scalable architecture. The ideal candidate has over 7 years of software development experience, including technical leadership in PHP and Node.js, with a strong understanding of SaaS and AWS. This pivotal role offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for mentoring and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in software development, including at least 2 years in a technical leadership role.
• Proficiency in PHP, Node.js.
• Strong experience with SaaS architectures, microservices, and AWS.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of developers, ensuring best practices in software development.
• Write high-quality, maintainable code when necessary for complex features.
• Define and oversee system architecture to ensure scalability and efficiency.

Skills

PHP

Node.js

SaaS architecture

Microservices

AWS

Database design

API development

DevOps practices

CI/CD pipelines

Docker

Job description

Overview

A well-established yet fast-growing software company serving the South African property management market is looking for a hands-on Technical Lead who excels in both coding and architecture while also inspiring and mentoring a team. In this pivotal role, you’ll guide the development team to deliver high-quality code, build scalable and maintainable architecture, and continuously improve engineering processes. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is equally passionate about technology and team leadership. To succeed, you\u2019ll need 7+ years of software development experience, including at least 2 years in a technical leadership role, with strong proficiency in PHP and Node.js, a solid background in SaaS and microservices architectures, and deep familiarity with the AWS cloud platform.

Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership: Lead a team of developers, ensuring best practices in software development, architecture, and deployment, especially on back-end of system


• Hands-on Development: Write high-quality, scalable, and maintainable code, when necessary, particularly for complex or high-impact features.


• Architecture & Design: Define and oversee the system architecture, ensuring solutions are scalable, secure, and efficient.


• Mentorship & Team Development: Guide and mentor junior and mid-level developers, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement.


• Code Review & Quality Assurance: Conduct code reviews, enforce coding standards, and ensure software quality through testing strategies.


• Agile Development: Participate in agile processes, including sprint planning, standups, and retrospectives. Provide suggestions to improve processes.


• Collaboration: Work closely with product managers, product owners, scrum masters, UX designers, solution architects, and other stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical solutions.


• Tech Stack & Innovation: Stay up to date with new technologies, suggesting and implementing improvements where applicable.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in software development, with at least 2 years in a technical leadership role.


• Proficiency in PHP, NodeJS.


• Strong experience with SaaS architectures, microservices, and the AWS cloud platform.


• Expertise in database design (SQL & NoSQL) and API development.


• Solid understanding of DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure as code.


• Experience leading code reviews, mentoring software developers, and setting and maintaining coding standards.


• Ability to balance technical leadership with hands-on coding.


• Experience with containerisation e.g. Docker


• Knowledge of front-end frameworks (React, Vue.js, or Angular).


• Prior experience in a SaaS environment.

Attributes

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.


• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.


• Strong people management skills