Senior Software Developer

Job description

SENIOR SOFTWARE 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
As a Senior Developer, you will be a central figure in driving selected projects forward, often as the lead on specific initiatives. You will have the freedom to propose, design, and lead technical solutions, from architecture choices to implementation strategies, and to influence how our products evolve.

You will collaborate closely with other developers, designers, and stakeholders to:
• Guide the design, development, and deployment of scalable web and mobile applications.
• Oversee the maintenance and enhancement of existing systems to improve reliability and performance.
• Contribute to the architecture and optimisation of our cloud infrastructure (AWS).
• Ensure effective CI/CD pipelines and version control processes are in place.
• Support and oversee testing processes, ensuring high-quality releases.
• Participate in mobile application development for iOS, Android, and cross-platform frameworks.
• Work with NFC and RFID technologies to expand our product capabilities.
• Explore opportunities to integrate AI into existing software to enhance automation, analytics, and decision-making.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business requirements into effective technical solutions.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to other developers.

TECHNICAL SKILLS WE VALUE
We welcome candidates with a strong foundation in several of the following areas. Please indicate your specialisations and share examples of significant projects you have led or contributed to.

Frontend: React, Bootstrap, Figma, responsive design.
Backend: PHP (Laravel, bare-bone) – Required; Java (Spring Boot); JavaScript (Node.js); Python (Django).
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, including machine learning models, natural language processing, or AI-driven analytics.
Broader experience in software architecture, security best practices, and system integration is an advantage.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
• Minimum of 5 years’ professional software development experience.
• 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. Given the breadth of responsibilities and technical specialisations that fall under senior development, salary ranges can vary significantly. 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. Strong performers in our team have advanced rapidly, both in responsibility and in earnings, reflecting the tangible impact of their work.

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 projects (GitHub or similar) showcasing your work.
• References from previous employers or project leads.

COVER LETTER – PLEASE ADDRESS

Please keep your cover letter focused and address the following:

Your primary technical specialisations and a brief example of your best 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.