Johannesburg North: Senior-Level Backend PHP Developer posted by Network Finance

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, development, and maintenance of scalable backend services and RESTful APIs using modern PHP frameworks (Laravel or similar)
• Architect robust, secure, and high-performance backend systems aligned to best practices
• Collaborate with frontend developers to ensure seamless system integrations across the full stack
• Build clean, maintainable, and well-tested code aligned to coding standards
• Design, manage, and optimise MySQL databases, including schema design, migrations, and query performance tuning
• Troubleshoot, debug, and resolve complex application and system issues across environments
• Integrate third-party APIs and external data services
• Conduct code reviews and mentor mid-level and junior developers
• Support CI/CD processes and work closely with DevOps to ensure smooth deployments
• Identify performance bottlenecks and implement scalable, efficient solutions
• Contribute to architectural planning, technical strategy, and engineering best practices

Requirements:

• 6+ years’ professional experience in PHP development
• Strong understanding of object-oriented programming (OOP) and MVC architecture
• Extensive experience with Laravel or similar modern PHP frameworks
• Advanced MySQL skills, including query optimisation and database design
• Experience working with Git and collaborative version control workflows
• Extensive experience building and consuming RESTful APIs (JSON/XML)
• Strong understanding of unit and feature testing in PHP
• Proven experience mentoring developers and conducting code reviews
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently and within a team
• Experience working with caching and messaging tools such as Redis or RabbitMQ
• Exposure to Docker or containerised environments
• Basic understanding of frontend technologies such as Vue.js or React
• Exposure to CI/CD pipelines and automated deployments
• Experience working with secure data or financial integrations (advantageous)
• Experience with cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud (advantageous)

Technical & Professional Skills:

• Advanced PHP development (Laravel or equivalent frameworks)
• Strong SQL and database optimisation skills
• Experience with RESTful API development and integration
• Knowledge of software design principles and clean architecture
• Understanding of caching strategies and asynchronous processing
• Exposure to cloud and container environments
• Familiarity with modern DevOps practices and deployment pipelines
• Strong debugging and performance optimisation capabilities
• Experience with software architecture and design patterns

Preferred Qualifications:

• Tertiary qualification in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field
• Relevant PHP or software development certifications (advantageous)
• Experience working in a fast-paced, agile development environment

Key Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• High attention to detail and commitment to code quality
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a dynamic environment
• Proactive, solution-driven mindset
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and knowledge-sharing approach
• Passion for continuous learning and technical improvement

For more exciting IT vacancies, visit:
Network Recruitment International IT Jobs

We also specialise in recruiting for:

• Software Developers (Back-End, Front-End, Full Stack)
• Mobile Developers
• Business & Systems Analysts
• BI & SQL Experts
• UI/UX Professionals
• Data Scientists & Data Analysts
• Big Data Professionals
• Cloud Experts
• Infrastructure Specialists
• DevOps & SecOps Engineers
• Cybersecurity Specialists
• SEO / Digital Designers

Please note: If you have not received feedback within two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful. Your profile will remain in our database for future opportunities.

For more information, contact:
Reinie Du Preez
Senior Specialist Recruitment Consultant
.za