Head of Software Engineering

Our client is searching for a Head of Software Engineering, to join their team in Sandton (Hybrid)Job Purpose: The Head of Software Engineering will lead all aspects of software engineering and quality assurance (QA) across the company. As infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data analytics shift into the company's Group, this role becomes the technical delivery owner for company's product platforms and internal systems. The successful candidate will drive modernisation of legacy systems, support Agile practices, mentor cross-functional development teams, and work closely with business and product stakeholders to align technology delivery with organisational goals.Role Responsibilities: Development & QA LeadershipLead, structure, and coach multi-disciplinary development teams (Natural Adabas, C#, Java, Flutter, Delphi).Manage and grow the internal QA capability (manual and automated).Implement and enforce modern SDLC processes, including CI/CD, testing frameworks, and DevOps alignment.Platform ModernisationOwn the modernisation roadmap of legacy systems, including Natural/Adabas, Delphi, and Sybase.Drive the adoption of PostgreSQL, .NET Core, Flutter, and Azure-native services.Oversee catch-up modernisation of PeopleWare to align desktop and web platformsDelivery GovernancePartner with product managers, scrum masters, and BAs to ensure Agile delivery within sprint cycles.Plan and track delivery against resource plans, ensuring on-time, high-quality outcomes.Participate in architecture reviews, ensure proper documentation, and enforce version control standards.Strategic SupportWork with the CIO on annual budgeting, capacity planning, and vendor assessments.Align development efforts to business strategies (e.g., PeopleWare turnaround, TRX platform upgrades).Align the technology platform with the strategic objectives of the companyReport on team performance, risk, dependencies, and roadmap progression.Compliance & Security SupportEnsure secure coding practices and QA processes are aligned with audit findings and ISO goals.Collaborate with group security, infrastructure, and audit teams on issues like access management and patchingTechnology EnvironmentLanguages/Frameworks: Natural/Adabas, Delphi, C#, Java, Dart (Flutter)Databases: Sybase, MS SQL Server, PostgreSQLTools: GitHub, SonarQube, Azure DevOps, ComponentOne, TelerikHosting: On-prem, Citrix Cloud, Azure, AWS (via Group IT)Team Structure, Products, and Environment OverviewThe Head of Software Engineering will lead a blended team of approximately 35 staff and contractors, comprising developers across Natural/Adabas, C#/.NET, Delphi, Java, and Flutter, alongside a growing QA team responsible for both manual and automation testing. Scrum Masters and Product Managers support delivery, with the role reporting directly to the CIO.This role manages:Development streams across platforms (Natural, .NET, Java, Flutter, Delphi).QA team (automation and manual).Reports to CIO and works alongside Scrum Masters, Product Managers, and Support leadsYou will be accountable for the stability, scalability, and evolution of several mission-critical platforms:Natural/Adabas Core Platform – legacy high-volume EFT and DebiCheck engine, integrated with RM payments and mandate orchestration.Alchemy (C#/.NET) – AVS and DebiCheck mandate management platform with external bank integrations.OPS and APS (Delphi/Java) – client onboarding and transaction processing portals.PeopleWare – an internal HR, payroll, and compliance system under modernisation, with active plans to align the legacy desktop platform to a web-based architecture.File-based integrations – including SFU, SFTP, and email-driven workflows with limited validation layers, requiring uplift and replacement with API-based solutions.The role collaborates closely with Product Management, QA, Business Analysts, and group-aligned teams in Cybersecurity, Infrastructure, and Data & Reporting. Delivery spans on-prem systems and cloud integrations, with multiple custom codebases and overlapping logic paths. Development maturity is uneven across platforms, with known gaps in SDLC governance, deployment control, audit readiness, and test coverage.Key challenges and opportunities include:Establishing consistent Agile delivery and QA practices.Closing material audit findings (ITGC, SDLC, access control).Leading modernisation of Natural.Uplifting PeopleWare to support compliance and onboarding workflows across web and desktop layers.Introducing CI/CD, standardised release governance, and traceable deployment pipelines.Success in the first 6 months will involve stabilising delivery cadence, uplifting engineering discipline, closing priority audit items, and delivering MVPs for strategic initiatives. Tooling includes Azure DevOps, GitHub, SonarQube and Jira, with support from the enterprise infrastructure team and group technology leadership.This is a high-impact leadership role requiring technical depth, architectural understanding, and the ability to lead through complexity while driving platform evolution and business alignmentPreferred Requirements: QualificationsTertiary qualification in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field. Bonus/PreferredCertifications in Cloud Architecture (e.g., Azure Solutions Architect, AWS Architect).Architecture frameworks like TOGAF or certifications in secure SDLC.Prior experience in financial services, especially payments, collections, or onboarding systems.Knowledge of COBIT 2019, ISO 27001, or NIST frameworks. Desired skills and experience: 6+ years in software development with experience leading teams or development streams.Demonstrated success in modernising legacy systems and improving platform stability.Experience delivering under Agile SCRUM, with Jira or Azure Boards.Strong QA integration background (manual and automation testing strategies). Personality Attributes: Exceptional written and verbal communication skillsSound communication skillsCritical thinking skillsNegotiation skillsConfidentialityAble to work independently and in a teamAble to cope under pressure to perform multiple tasksShould exhibit excellent time management and organisational skills to complete the assigned work effectivelyShould have good logical problem-solving ability and should be able to comprehend the given informationUnderstands the business ethics and values