Phillip Papi
Lead Product Engineer
Johannesburg South,GP
Summary
I am a dynamic Lead Software Engineer with a proven track record at ABSA and FNB, excelling in code development and systems support. Adept at mentoring teams and driving innovative solutions that enhance customer satisfaction.
I am skilled in Mainframe applications and work well with other team members.
I effectively communicate project statuses and align technical strategies with organizational goals.
I have a strong business acumen not just in regards to technology but encompassing finance and business optimization capabilities to deliver a sustainable long term business model.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
Work History
Lead Software Engineer
ABSA
06.2017 - 12.2025
- Advised in Architecture forums.
- Engaged with Product Owners and Scrum masters on the objectives of new requirements and/or improvements to the systems with the aim of aligning to the direction of the organization.
- Performed team management duties of time sheet approvals, time offs and system access approvals.
- Ran the project planning and software design sessions for projects before they would be handed to the team for coding, testing and deployment.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver comprehensive solutions for clients' needs.
- Led a team of two software engineers and two testers to successfully complete projects within set deadlines, ensuring high-quality end products using Agile methodologies.
- Conducted thorough code reviews to maintain efficiency, consistency, readability and adherence to best practices.
- Gave support to Run the Bank / Production Support team to troubleshoot complex issues while maintaining clear communication with affected parties.
- Designed, coded, tested, debugged and deployed following SDLC process.
- Gave support to Operations team on client calls where technical advise was required.
- Provided guidance and direction to less experienced staff in resolution of highly complex technical problems.
- Contributed significantly towards company growth by developing innovative features that drove customer satisfaction and retention.
- Align cost allocation for systems with the help of Magic Orange and Service Now for correct billing and costing metrics.
- Communicated project status updates, risks or blockers and mitigation plans to Product management.
Senior Software Engineer
FNB
06.2013 - 05.2017
- Worked on multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining strict deadlines and high-quality standards.
- Delivered unit-tested changes within customer-prescribed timeframes.
- Coordinated and executed deployments of new feature updates and fixes.
- Designed, coded, tested, debugged and documented system changes within the Hogan environment.
- Performed callout duties during standby weeks.
- Adhered to the SDLC process for project deliveries.
- Updated business on the progress of projects.
- Collaborated with multiple teams to build and deliver on various projects.
Senior Software Engineer
Wipro Technologies
04.2012 - 05.2013
- Mentored junior and new developers from Wipro, fostering professional growth and enhancing team productivity.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining strict deadlines and high-quality standards.
- Maintained comprehensive system documentation of development work, facilitating knowledge sharing among team members.
- Regularly reviewed peers' code contributions, offering constructive feedback to enhance overall product quality.
- Performed callout duties during standby week.
- Prioritized incidents according to urgency and impact to clients.
Programmer
ABSA
01.2001 - 03.2012
- Worked with the Cobol development language. Core activities included design, coding and testing solutions to meet client requirements for functionality, scalability, and performance.
- Developed and deployed using the TSO and VC4U tools.
- Worked on Mainframe systems using DB2, IMS, MVS, JCL, Easytrive, Shandi, CICS.
- Participated in peer code reviews and the learnings assisted me later in my career to review code from junior members within my teams.
- Performed callout duties during standby weeks.
- Supported vendor application which was used for Billing customers.
- Supported vendor application which created transaction files for the LDC system. This application was built for SMMEs.
- Learnt and mastered the SDLC process.
- Gave regular feedback to management on projects.
- Updated incidents with investigations and root cause analysis
Education
No Degree - Electrical Engineering
UJ
Johannesburg, South Africa 04.2001 -
No Degree - Computer Information Systems
ITBIP
TDF 04.2001 -
Skills
Code review proficiency
API development using ZoS connect
JCL
DB2
IMS
COBOL
CICS
HOGAN
Service Now
Jira
Azure
ISPW
Certification
Kanban
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Kanban
11-2025
People Management
10-2024
Lead Software Engineer
ABSA
06.2017 - 12.2025
Senior Software Engineer
FNB
06.2013 - 05.2017
ITIL IT Service Management
09-2012
Senior Software Engineer
Wipro Technologies
04.2012 - 05.2013
Line Manager Development
10-2010
No Degree - Electrical Engineering
UJ
04.2001 -
No Degree - Computer Information Systems
ITBIP
04.2001 -
Programmer
ABSA
01.2001 - 03.2012