Full Stack Tech Lead

Overview

Our client is seeking a Tech Lead (Full Stack) to own technical architecture and hands-on delivery across its product portfolio. This role has been scoped to focus on system architecture, engineering delivery and client-facing communication, rather than formal team management. Our client operates as a small, tight-knit team where everyone contributes across the full software development lifecycle, and this role is no exception.

The successful candidate will take end-to-end ownership of features and fixes, from an initial client or internal request through to design, build, testing and deployment, while acting as the primary technical point of contact for clients in meetings and workshops.

This role requires someone based in Johannesburg, South Africa, working hybrid — 2 to 3 days per week from the Ravonia office. This is a permanent, full-time role.

Key Responsibilities

• Own technical delivery across our clients's product portfolio and client projects, end to end.
• Take full responsibility for the software development lifecycle — from initial request, through architecture and build, to testing and deployment.
• Work closely with the CTO on architecture, technology strategy and product roadmaps.
• Act as the primary client-facing technical lead in meetings, workshops and solution discussions — identifying problems raised by clients and resolving them directly.
• Manage project priorities, timelines and technical execution.
• Conduct code reviews and maintain development standards and best practices.
• Oversee DevOps, cloud infrastructure, deployments, monitoring and security.
• Design and manage APIs, integrations and system architecture.
• Coordinate with product, sales and support teams to ensure successful delivery.
• Drive continuous improvement across development processes and product quality.

Required Skills & Experience

Technical Skills — Core Non-Negotiables

• PHP and Laravel (Advanced)
• Angular and Ionic (Advanced)
• MySQL / SQL and Database Design
• REST APIs and Systems Integration

Technical Skills — Also Required

• Azure Cloud Infrastructure
• CI/CD Pipelines and DevOps Practices
• Linux Server Administration
• Git and Modern Development Workflows

Leadership & Business Skills

• Confident, comfortable client-facing communicator — not awkward or hesitant in front of clients.
• Able to identify problems in a client environment and see them through to resolution.
• Ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions.
• Comfortable owning delivery across the full lifecycle without a supporting management structure.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Advantageous Experience

• AI and LLM integrations
• SaaS product development
• FMCG, retail, logistics or field sales technologies
• Product management experience

Reporting Structure

Reports directly to the CTO & Co-Founder.

What Success Looks Like

• Consistent delivery of high-quality products and projects, managed end to end.
• Excellent client relationships, with clients confident in the person's ability to identify and resolve issues directly.
• Stable, scalable and secure technology platforms.
• Full ownership of delivery that allows the CTO to remain focused at a strategic level.