Development Tech Lead (API Governance & Lifecycle Management)

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
We are a leading tech consulting company seeking an experienced Development Tech Lead with strong expertise in API Lifecycle Management and Governance for an initial 3?month contract . This is a high-impact role supporting the implementation and oversight of governance frameworks within a large-scale enterprise API programme, working across multiple operating companies. About the Role You will play a critical role in ensuring standardisation, compliance, and maturity across the full API lifecycle. As a Development Tech Lead , you will provide technical leadership while acting as a bridge between technical and business teams, driving consistency, identifying gaps, and supporting continuous improvement across distributed environments. This role requires a strong combination of hands-on API expertise, governance leadership, and technical oversight . Key Responsibilities API Governance & Standards Ensure adherence to enterprise API governance frameworks, standards, and best practices Monitor compliance across the full API lifecycle Support the rollout and refinement of policies, standards, and guidelines API Lifecycle Oversight Govern end-to-end API lifecycle processes including design, development, testing, deployment, monitoring, and retirement Provide technical guidance across API design and implementation Ensure consistent lifecycle practices across multiple OpCos Collaborate with API platform teams (Apigee, MuleSoft, Azure API Management, etc.) Technical Leadership Act as the technical lead for API governance and lifecycle best practices Guide development teams on API design standards, integration patterns, and governance requirements Support alignment between architecture, development, and governance frameworks Gap Analysis & Continuous Improvement Assess current practices and identify gaps, risks, and inconsistencies Document findings and drive remediation plans through to closure Recommend and implement improvements to governance and processes Operating Model Alignment Support implementation of API operating models (centralised, federated, hybrid) Ensure clarity in roles, responsibilities, and accountability Align governance structures with business and technical operating models Stakeholder Engagement Act as a liaison between business and technical teams Facilitate governance forums, workshops, and decision-making sessions Reporting & Risk Management Maintain governance documentation, standards, and reporting artefacts Track compliance, maturity, risks, and adoption metrics Support audit activities and ensure alignment with security and regulatory requirements What We’re Looking For Strong experience as a Tech Lead with API and governance exposure Proven experience in IT Governance and API Lifecycle Management Deep understanding of API lifecycle stages and API-first strategies Experience with API platforms (e.g. MuleSoft, Apigee, Azure API Management, Kong) Solid knowledge of REST APIs, microservices, and integration patterns Experience with governance frameworks (e.g. ITIL, COBIT, TOGAF advantageous) Proven ability to conduct gap analyses and drive remediation plans Strong stakeholder management across multiple business units (OpCos exposure beneficial) Excellent communication, facilitation, and documentation skills Analytical, structured thinker with strong attention to detail Qualifications (Preferred) Degree in IT, Computer Science, or related field Certifications in API Management, TOGAF, ITIL, or COBIT Agile \/ SAFe experience (advantageous) Experience in multi-entity or multi-country environments Role Details ? Contract: Initial 3 months ? Location: South Africa ? Environment: Enterprise, multi-OpCo programme   If you’re passionate about API leadership, governance, and driving technical standards at scale , we’d love to hear from you.