Senior PHP Backend Developer

About the role

OneDayOnly is looking for a Senior PHP Backend Developer to design, build and maintain high‑performance services that power South Africa’s leading daily‑deals platform. You will work on a fast‑growing system that handles millions of shoppers and sellers, ensuring reliability, speed and security at scale.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and maintain scalable backend systems using PHP, Laravel and related technologies.
• Design, implement and optimise GraphQL and RESTful APIs.
• Improve database performance, write efficient SQL queries and manage caching strategies.
• Apply best‑practice security measures for authentication, authorization and data protection.
• Write clean, well‑documented code and enforce automated testing, debugging and CI/CD pipelines.
• Collaborate with product owners and stakeholders to gather requirements and define project scope.
• Troubleshoot production issues promptly and continuously refine architecture and processes.

Required profile

• At least 5 years of backend development experience, primarily with PHP and Laravel.
• Strong understanding of API design (RESTful, GraphQL) and database optimisation.
• Proven ability to deliver high‑quality, maintainable code in a fast‑paced environment.
• BSc in Computer Science, Engineering or equivalent, or demonstrable expertise.

Required skills

• PHP
• Laravel
• GraphQL
• RESTful APIs
• MySQL / PostgreSQL
• SQL
• Docker
• CI/CD pipelines
• Git version control