Our Group Technology Team has an opportunity for a Development Manager.
The role will be responsible for leading and managing the front-end, back-end, and QA development teams. This role requires a strong technical background, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to drive the successful delivery of high-quality software products. The Development Manager will oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives and fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
(This role is based in Cape Town )
Responsibilities
- Team Leadership and Management:
- Provide strong technical leadership and guidance to both frontend and backend development teams.
- Manage team performance, including goal setting, performance reviews, and professional development.
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and innovative team culture.
- Recruit, onboard, and mentor development team members.
- Identify and address team needs, including training, tools, and resources.
- Facilitate effective communication and collaboration within and between the frontend and backend teams, as well as with other stakeholders (e.g., Product, Design, QA).
- Project Planning and Execution:
- Collaborate with Product Managers and other stakeholders to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
- Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.
- Scrum management and sprint process/ceremonies.
- Oversee the execution of development projects, ensuring adherence to timelines and quality standards.
- Monitor project progress, identify potential roadblocks, and implement effective solutions.
- Ensure the timely and efficient delivery of software releases.
- Technical Guidance and Architecture:
- Maintain a strong understanding of both frontend and backend technologies and best practices.
- Provide technical guidance and support to the development teams.
- Participate in architectural discussions and contribute to technical decision-making.
- Ensure the implementation of scalable, maintainable, and secure software solutions.
- Promote code quality, testing best practices, and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.
- Stakeholder Management:
- Communicate project status, risks, and issues to stakeholders effectively.
- Collaborate with Product Managers to prioritise features and manage the product backlog.
- Work closely with QA teams to ensure the delivery of high-quality software.
- Engage with other engineering teams and departments to ensure alignment and collaboration.
- Process Improvement:
- Identify and implement opportunities for process improvement within the development teams.
- Promote the adoption of agile methodologies and best practices.
- Track and analyse key development metrics to identify areas for optimisation.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
- Proven experience (typically 5+ years) in software development, with significant experience in both frontend and backend technologies.
- Demonstrated experience (typically 2+ years) in a management or leadership role, leading software development teams.
- Strong understanding of software development methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum, Kanban).
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
- Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
- Experience scaling development teams and processes.
- Certifications in project management or agile methodologies (e.g., PMP, CSM).
About Travelstart
Travelstart is Africa’s leading online travel agency (OTA) that helps today’s business and leisure travellers search, compare and book the best flight, bus, hotel, car hire, holiday packages and activities all in one place.
With a huge focus on affordable travel and simplifying the travel booking experience for our customers, visit the Travelstart website or download the Travelstart app, to find some of the lowest fares around. Pay quickly and safely online with your preferred payment method and you’re off!
Travelstart is part of the TravelLab Group.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.
- 5+ years proven experience in software development with significant frontend and backend experience.
- 2+ years demonstrated experience in a management or leadership role leading software development teams.
- Strong understanding of software development methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Kanban).
- Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
- Experience scaling development teams and processes.
- Certifications in project management or agile methodologies (e.g., PMP, CSM).
What We Do
The TravelLab Group is Africa's leading travel and fintech technology group. Based in Cape Town, the company aims to disrupt the travel ecosystem and adjacent financial markets across the continent through innovative technology. It maintains a diversified portfolio of brands and market leaders across various travel, fintech, and technology verticals, customer segments, and distribution models.
