Software Engineering Manager (Fulfilment Operations)

The Takealot Group, a prominent player in South Africa's e-commerce landscape, is actively seeking a skilled Software Engineering Manager to bolster its Fulfilment Operations team. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned professional who thrives on tackling complex operational challenges while maintaining a hands-on connection with the engineering process. If you're eager to immerse yourself in the intricacies of a vast fulfilment network and drive significant improvements, this role promises a dynamic and rewarding experience.

About the Role

As the Software Engineering Manager for Fulfilment Operations, you will be at the forefront of ensuring the smooth and efficient running of critical systems that underpin the entire fulfilment process. This position is designed for an individual who possesses a strong technical foundation and the leadership acumen to guide an engineering support team. You'll be instrumental in addressing operational issues across various divisions, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how every component of the fulfilment chain interacts. This is far more than a typical management role; it requires a leader who can actively contribute to problem-solving and strategic thinking, rather than viewing it solely from an overhead perspective.

Your responsibilities will be multifaceted, encompassing both team leadership and direct operational engagement. You will be tasked with building and nurturing a high-calibre engineering support team, fostering an environment where individuals can grow and excel. This includes actively supporting and developing the career paths of your team members, ensuring they have the skills and opportunities to advance.

A significant part of your role will involve leading and optimising processes within the team. You will act as a facilitator, diligently working to remove roadblocks and interruptions that hinder the team's productivity and performance. Managing team commitments and playing a crucial role in prioritisation will be key to ensuring that development efforts align with business needs.

Furthermore, you will be deeply involved in the architectural and strategic planning alongside your peers and senior developers. Collaborating closely with stakeholders across the business to accurately gather requirements and manage expectations will be paramount. You’ll work with all levels within the organisation to resolve issues effectively and efficiently.

A core aspect of your contribution will involve meticulously tracking and ensuring the team's productivity and operational excellence through a metrics-based approach. By analysing reports, you will identify trends in recurring issues and proactively collaborate with stakeholders to develop and implement robust solutions. Leading operations improvement initiatives within the systems supported by your team will be a continuous focus.

What They're Looking For

The ideal candidate will embody a solutions-oriented, can-do attitude and bring a high level of energy to the role. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills are essential, with a proven ability to leverage data to inform decision-making. Solid quantitative skills will be invaluable in assessing performance and identifying areas for enhancement.

Professionalism in interactions with both internal and external individuals is a must, including demonstrated capability in interviewing and engaging effectively. The ability to present ideas succinctly and persuasively, both in writing and verbally, is crucial for stakeholder communication and buy-in.

Versatility and a genuine appetite for learning by doing are highly valued. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills will enable you to articulate complex technical concepts and operational insights clearly.

A Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field is required. While not strictly mandatory, experience with e-commerce-based applications is highly advantageous. Exposure to cloud infrastructure (such as AWS or Azure), SQL databases, API integrations, and enterprise ticketing systems like Jira Service Desk, ServiceNow, or Zendesk would be beneficial. Proven experience in managing multiple stakeholder relationships is critical. A foundational understanding of IT infrastructure, networking, cloud technologies, and software systems, along with a solid grasp of incident, problem, and change management processes, will set candidates apart. Experience with GoodQuery (GBQ) in a high-load environment is also a key requirement.

In South Africa, Software Engineering Manager roles in the e-commerce sector often command competitive salaries, reflecting the critical nature of the position and the required expertise. Major online retailers and logistics companies are typical employers for this type of role, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and advancement within rapidly evolving digital environments.

• A solutions-oriented, can-do attitude and high-energy
• Strong analytical and critical thinking, using data to inform decisions
• 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
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma in Computer Science, Engineering, or any related area of study
• Good SQL/GBQ experience in a high-load environment.
• Experience with e-commerce-based applications is advantageous.
• Exposure to cloud infrastructure (AWS/Azure), SQL databases, API integrations, and enterprise ticketing systems (e.g., Jira Service Desk, ServiceNow, Zendesk) is advantageous.
• Proven experience managing multiple stakeholder relationships.
• Exposure to IT infrastructure, networking, cloud technologies, and software systems.
• Solid understanding of incident, problem, and change management processes.