Head of Technical Embedded Developer

Deposita is a leading cash & payment solutions company. Our globally-implemented cash management, payment, e-payment, and self-service technologies reduce the risks associated with handling money business, currently has a vacancy for a Head of Technical Embedded Developer based at our office in Midrand, Gauteng and reporting to the Managing Director.

The successful incumbent is a self-starter with a proven track record in maintaining company policy, adopting best practices, and is able to exercise sound judgement in the pursuit of the achievement of the goals of the organisation, and understanding the role which the Head of Technical Embedded Developer plays within a successful business unit. The incumbent will be expected to be results driven and to live the values of the organisation.

Main Puprose of the Position

This role will be responsible for leading the strategy, development, deployment, and lifecycle management of all embedded technology and technical systems utilized in the company's cash processing operations. This senior leadership role ensures the technical platform is robust, compliant, secure, and drives operational efficiency and new business opportunities in a fast-paced security and cash management environment.

Key Performance Areas

Technical Strategy and Execution

• Define and execute the technical strategy for embedded systems (hardware and software) within all cash processing and smart safe technology platforms.
• Oversee the entire product lifecycle from concept, design, testing, deployment, to maintenance and end-of-life planning for technical products.
• Define and enforce the SSDLC workflow for all embedded and backend development, ensuring security, quality, and compliance at every stage of the software lifecycle.
• Oversee the integration and deployment of the company’s cash processing devices and technical systems into client environments, ensuring seamless operation within their existing solutions.
• Oversee all system interactions from the embedded device level through to transaction processing in CashOps via ActiveMQ, including backend switch management.
• Manage the full lifecycle of embedded firmware, Linux system development, hardware integration, and backend synchronization, ensuring reliable communication between device-level processes and enterprise backend systems.
• Provide technical guidance and oversight to the embedded engineering and technical support teams, ensuring best practices, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Operational Excellence and Compliance

• Ensure all embedded technical systems comply with relevant industry regulations, security standards, and internal quality requirements.
• Drive quality management processes, ensuring adherence to standards across all technical deployments and system updates.
• Monitor, manage, and report on operational metrics and performance of deployed technology, ensuring high availability and minimal downtime.
• Lead investigations into technical incidents, identifying root causes, implementing corrective actions, and ensuring awareness of non-compliance is addressed.

Business Development and Innovation

• Identify and evaluate new business opportunities and solutions where embedded technology can offer a competitive advantage and increase profitable margins.
• Optimize existing systems and processes, exploring cost-effective and high-performance solutions.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the competitor environment and market trends in cash technology to drive innovation.
• Act as the technical subject matter expert for customer needs analysis and the upsell of new products and services to customers.

Leadership and Management

• Oversee and manage the technical team's performance, development, and discipline.
• Embed health and safety awareness and responsible behavior within the technical operational team, reinforcing the drive to achieve zero harm.
• Ensure effective communication and shared best practice across technical teams and other regions.

Health and Safety

• Participate in the design/ development/ review/ implementation and monitoring of the departmental safety plans for each year
• Participate in safety forums created by the company for example safety meetings and safety talks
• Report all safety incidents to the relevant people
• Discuss all safety incidents
• Follow-up on any activities assigned through safety meeting/committee/representative/management
• Attend safety education and refresher programs
• Comply with safety policies and procedures at the workplace
  

Ideal Candidate

Qualification and Experience

• Grade 12 or equivalent.
• Relevant tertiary qualification (e.g., Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field).
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in specialised technical or engineering roles, with at least 3 years in senior leadership or management positions.
• Proven experience with embedded systems, IoT devices, and hardware integration in security or financial/cash processing environments.
• Strong background in C++ development for both device-level software and backend services, with experience leveraging open-source technologies.
• Demonstrated expertise in end-to-end system integration, including device-to-backend communication, message broker technologies (e.g., ActiveMQ), and enterprise transaction processing.
• Experience managing the full technical product lifecycle, SSDLC workflows, and backend infrastructure to ensure operational reliability and compliance.
• Track record of optimizing existing systems and implementing cost-effective, high-performance solutions

Skills and Attributes

• Computer Literacy (Google Workspace & MS Office) 
• Strong technical and IT proficiency, with deep understanding of embedded hardware, software development (C++), Linux systems, and backend architecture.
• Extensive experience with system integration, message broker technologies (e.g., ActiveMQ), and enterprise transaction processing.
• Excellent P&L management and business acumen, with a sound understanding of financial information.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Effective negotiation, leadership, and team management skills, with a proven ability to drive change and maintain a customer-centric focus.
• Knowledge of industry trends, competitive landscape, and market indicators relevant to cash processing, security, and embedded technology.

Technical Skills

• Programming Languages: C++, C, Python, Java, JavaScript (Node.js, Web)
• Databases: PostgreSQL / MSSQL
• Scripting & Automation: Bash
• Operating Systems: Linux systems administration, embedded Linux, system automation
• Technologies & Platforms: Cloud knowledge, networking fundamentals, APIs (design, integration, and backend service communication)
• Systems & Middleware: Embedded systems, device-to-backend communication, message brokers, backend integration, open-source technologies
  

Package Description

Remuneration and benefits will be commensurate with the seniority of the role and in compliance with company remuneration policy and practice.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, but SA citizens will have a distinct advantage