Software Development Manager at Salt South Africa

About the Role:

• We’re looking for an experienced Software Development Manager (SDM) to lead and manage multiple technical teams responsible for delivering high-impact software products and systems across the full product lifecycle. In this key leadership role, you’ll drive technical strategy, oversee execution, and ensure delivery excellence across mission-critical platforms.
• You’ll play a pivotal role in enabling innovation, enhancing system performance, managing technical talent, and aligning development delivery with business goals. If you’re passionate about leading agile teams and delivering scalable, secure, and performant solutions, this opportunity is for you.

Key Responsibilities:
Technical & Product Delivery

• Oversee the full lifecycle of software systems-from strategy to development, enhancements, and maintenance
• Drive timely delivery of high-quality software solutions aligned with business goals and SLAs
• Collaborate with Product Heads, Engineering CoE, and stakeholders to define and implement product-specific technical strategies
• Ensure system availability, performance, and security meet pre-defined standards
• Utilize modern DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and AWS cloud infrastructure

Risk, Compliance & Governance

• Ensure development practices align with internal standards, regulatory requirements, and audit findings
• Drive adherence to secure development principles and maintain risk and control compliance throughout the SDLC

Vendor & Third-Party Management

• Manage the full relationship lifecycle with third-party software providers-from sourcing and contracting to service delivery and SLA compliance
• Drive cost-effective supplier engagements and performance improvements through regular reviews and negotiations

People Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and grow a diverse team of software professionals and team leads
• Manage resourcing, recruitment, and retention to ensure delivery capacity
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and knowledge-sharing environment
• Support individual development through coaching, mentorship, performance reviews, and career planning

Budgeting & Financial Oversight

• Lead the software development budgeting process in collaboration with the Product Head
• Manage and monitor OPEX and CAPEX budgets, approve expenditures, and report financial performance
• Deliver monthly reporting on progress, budget usage, and performance against plans

Experience Required:

• 10+ years in software development management, preferably in financial services or high-complexity environments

Proven experience in:

• Leading agile development teams
• Roadmap planning and execution
• Budget management
• Technical leadership and mentoring
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship management

Education & Qualifications:

• Minimum: Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce or IT (Computer Science or similar)
• Preferred: Honours Degree in Commerce or IT

Key Knowledge Areas:

• Functional knowledge related to the product domain (e.g., Credit, App, Collections)
• Agile development principles and SDLC
• People development and performance management practices
• Business analysis and systems design
• Budgeting, financial reporting, and project management
• Experience with Capitec Bank systems and business model is a plus

Core Skills:

• Leadership and team empowerment
• Communication and interpersonal effectiveness
• Strategic decision-making
• Negotiation and influencing skills
• Stakeholder and vendor relationship management

Competencies & Values:

• Drive innovation and simplification
• Inspire trust, optimism, and persistence
• Attract and develop top technical talent
• Lead with clarity, empathy, and purpose
• Make smart, fast decisions that align with business goals