Senior PHP Developer

Job description

Senior PHP Developer – Book Now Zambia

About Us
Book Now Zambia Ltd is a subsidiary of Dot Com Zambia, an award-winning Zambian ICT company founded in 2009. We design, build, and operate high-volume transaction systems, including tolling platforms, fuel management solutions, and digital payment technologies. Our platforms process millions of transactions every month, powering critical infrastructure and enabling commerce for both the public and private sectors.

We are a company where technical excellence drives impact. Developers at Book Now Zambia work on systems that shape how people move, pay, and transact across the country — with the scale and complexity to challenge and grow even the most experienced engineers.

The Role and Project Scope
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior PHP Developer to take ownership of backend development in PHP, ensuring our PHP-based platforms are robust, secure, and high-performing. You will be responsible for delivering well-structured, maintainable code, optimising existing applications, and ensuring smooth integration with other systems.

You will collaborate closely with other developers, designers, and stakeholders to:

Lead backend development for PHP-based systems (Laravel, bare-bone PHP)
Maintain and enhance existing PHP applications to improve reliability, scalability, and performance
Implement best practices in code structure, security, and documentation for PHP projects
Integrate PHP applications with APIs, databases, and third-party services
Ensure effective CI/CD pipelines and version control processes are in place
Oversee and contribute to testing processes to maintain high-quality releases
Mentor and guide junior developers on PHP-related tasks and workflows

Technical Skills We Value
Candidates must have strong PHP expertise and experience working with large-scale, high-availability systems. Additional skills in the following areas are advantageous:

Backend: PHP (Laravel, bare-bone) – Required; Java (Spring Boot); JavaScript (Node.js); Python (Django)
Frontend: React, Bootstrap, Figma, responsive design
APIs: REST, GraphQL
Databases: MySQL, MongoDB
Mobile: Native iOS and Android, React Native
Version Control: GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket
Cloud: AWS
AI: Experience integrating AI technologies into software systems is a plus

What We Are Looking For

Minimum of 5 years’ professional software development experience, with significant work in PHP-based systems
Proven track record as a lead developer on end-to-end projects
Strong leadership and mentoring abilities
Excellent project management skills, with the ability to deliver within deadlines
Ability to work effectively with diverse technologies and innovate when needed
Strong communication and collaboration skills

Salary
Senior developers at Book Now Zambia are competitively compensated. Final compensation is determined on an individual basis, taking into account technical expertise, leadership experience, prior earnings history, and demonstrated ability to deliver results at a senior level. We reward results and outcomes. Developers who deliver high-impact solutions, lead successful initiatives, and drive measurable value for the organisation have significant upside potential.

Application Requirements
Send your application to hr@booknowzambia.com by 28 August 2025, including:

Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent professional experience)
Resume or CV highlighting relevant roles, projects, and technologies
Portfolio of PHP projects (GitHub or similar) showcasing your work
References from previous employers or project leads

Cover Letter – Please include:

Your PHP development specialisation and a brief example of your best PHP project, including your role and why it stands out
If you could lead your dream project, what would it be and why?
Your response to this: “There is a perception that software development talent in Zambia is limited in depth and global competitiveness.” How would you challenge that view?

Application Process
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The selection process typically has two stages:

Initial Interview – May include IT team members, HR, and a business lead to assess communication, problem-solving, and role fit.
Technical Review – A session with the IT team involving code review, technical challenges, and a walkthrough of a project of your choice to demonstrate coding style, documentation, and best practices.