Lead Developer

About the Opportunity

Adzuna SA is seeking a dynamic and experienced Lead Developer to join their team in Johannesburg, Gauteng. This pivotal role involves steering the development lifecycle of crucial projects, ensuring their successful and timely delivery while adhering to budgetary constraints. If you have a passion for leading technical teams and a proven track record in managing complex software development initiatives, this position offers a significant opportunity to make a tangible impact. You'll be instrumental in driving innovation and maintaining the high quality of Adzuna SA’s technology solutions.

As the Lead Developer, your responsibilities will encompass a broad spectrum of project and team management duties. You will be tasked with meticulously planning and executing development projects from inception to completion. This includes defining project scope, setting realistic timelines, and allocating resources effectively. A key aspect of the role will be fostering a high-performing team environment by managing team performance, monitoring productivity, and providing constructive feedback and guidance.

Effective communication is paramount, and you will be responsible for ensuring seamless and transparent communication channels between all project stakeholders, including development teams, management, and any external partners. Proactive risk management will be another core function, requiring you to identify potential project risks, assess their impact, and develop robust mitigation strategies to safeguard project progress. Finally, you will be expected to rigorously track project milestones and overall progress, providing clear and concise reports to senior management to keep them informed of project status and any emerging challenges.

What They're Looking For

To excel in this Lead Developer position, Adzuna SA is looking for candidates who possess a strong foundation in software development principles and a demonstrated ability to lead. A relevant tertiary qualification, such as a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field, is typically expected.

Crucially, you should have a minimum of three years of progressive experience in a software development leadership role, where you have successfully guided teams and delivered projects. Strong leadership and organisational skills are essential, enabling you to motivate your team, delegate tasks effectively, and maintain project momentum. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are also vital, as you will be interacting with a diverse range of individuals, from technical staff to executive leadership. Proficiency in project management methodologies and relevant software tools is also a requirement, ensuring you can efficiently plan, track, and report on project progress.

In South Africa, a Lead Developer role often involves managing a team of developers and overseeing the technical direction of projects. Depending on the company and the complexity of the projects, salaries can range significantly, but typically fall within a competitive market range for experienced technical leadership positions. Common employers include technology consultancies, software houses, and larger corporations with in-house development teams. Career progression often leads to roles such as Engineering Manager, Architect, or Head of Development.

• Bachelor's degree in Project Management or related field
• 3+ years of experience in project management
• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficient in project management software