Lead Android Developer (Java/Kotlin/Compose) Hybrid – Centurion at Datafin Recruitment

ENVIRONMENT:

• A leading Security Solutions provider in Centurion is seeking a Lead Android Developer to join its consumer application team in Centurion. This is a hybrid, permanent role within an established organisation that values high-quality, stable, and scalable mobile experiences.
• You will work alongside cross-functional teams including product managers, designers, and backend engineers in a collaborative environment that emphasises technical excellence, mentorship, and continuous improvement.

DUTIES

• Lead the end-to-end development of Android consumer applications using Kotlin and Jetpack Compose.
• Collaborate with product, design, and backend teams to define, design, and ship new features.
• Mentor and guide junior Android developers, conducting code reviews and promoting best practices.
• Integrate with external data sources and RESTful APIs, handling JSON data efficiently.
• Continuously discover, evaluate, and implement new tools and libraries to maximise development efficiency.
• Work closely with UI/UX designers to implement pixel-perfect designs that align with brand standards.
• Ensure all Android applications are stable, high-performing, scalable, and maintainable.
• Debug complex issues, optimise application performance, and lead technical decision-making.
• Own the technical roadmap for the Android codebase, including architecture and dependency management.

REQUIREMENTS

• Experience in role: 6+ years of Android development experience.

Must-have technical skills:

• Java – solid foundational knowledge.
• Kotlin – expert-level proficiency for production Android development.
• Jetpack Compose – proven experience building UI with Compose.
• Android expertise: Strong understanding of Android design principles, user experience patterns, and mobile app lifecycle.
• API integration: Practical experience with RESTful APIs and JSON data handling.
• Version control: Proficient with Git.
• Leadership experience: Proven track record of leading a team of developers (technical mentoring, code reviews, task delegation).
• Debugging: Strong problem-solving and debugging skills, including performance and memory optimisation.

ATTRIBUTES

• Technical leader– Confident in driving architectural decisions and setting coding standards for the team.
• Mentor– Enjoys growing junior developers through pairing, coaching, and constructive feedback.
• Detail-oriented– Committed to implementing designs faithfully and maintaining brand consistency.
• Proactive learner– Actively seeks out new technologies to improve development velocity and app quality.
• Collaborative communicator– Able to articulate technical trade-offs to designers and product managers.
• Quality-focused– Takes pride in delivering stable, performant, and scalable applications.
• Resilient problem-solver– Remains effective when debugging complex or ambiguous issues under deadline pressure.