Thando Hlomuka

Full Stack Developer and E-Commerce Specialist with 8+ years of experience developing web applications, SaaS platforms, and e-commerce solutions for SMEs and corporate clients. Expert in JavaScript, TypeScript, React, Angular, Node.js, PHP, Python, and cloud deployment (Firebase, AWS, Google Cloud). Proven track record in building AI-powered platforms, multi-vendor marketplaces, and scalable web systems.

Strong background in digital marketing, SEO, Google Ads, and marketplace management (Takealot, Amazon, Makro). Experienced in project management, CRM implementation, and agile development methodologies.

Senior Lead Developer at Metra Innovations (2025 – Present)

• Develop, manage and maintain all projects
• Lead full-cycle development of web, e-commerce, and custom software projects - from architecture through deployment - for corporate and SME clients across South Africa
• Manage and mentor a cross-functional development team, setting technical direction, code standards, and sprint priorities using Agile/Scrum methodologies
• Own project delivery end-to-end: scoping, timelines, budgets, and client communication, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery across concurrent projects
• Architect and maintain cloud infrastructure (AWS, Google Cloud, Firebase) and CI/CD pipelines supporting company-wide deployments
• Drive adoption of AI-powered tooling and integrations (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) into client and internal products to improve efficiency and product capability
• Oversee quality assurance, code review, and technical documentation standards across all active projects
• Serve as primary technical point of contact for enterprise partnerships and new business development

E-Commerce Developer (Contract) at Maharajas Spices (2025 – 2025)

• Created and managed complete digital and e-commerce ecosystem including website (WordPress CMS), email system, VPS, and CRM (Zoho CRM)
• Managed third-party marketplace accounts (Takealot, Makro, Bobshop) and shipping platform (BobGo)
• Established revenue-generating e-commerce ecosystem within 4 months
• Acquired and retained 200+ customers through optimized digital marketing and customer experience strategies
• Implemented automated workflows for order processing, inventory management, and customer communications

E-Commerce Associate at Holdit Marketing and Manufacturing (2023 – 2024)

• Managed online store (Shopify), WordPress website, and third-party marketplace accounts (Makro, Takealot, Bobshop)
• Administered CRM system (Method), shipping tools (BobGo), and email marketing (Outlook, Mailchimp)
• Optimized product listings for SEO and conversion rate optimization
• Coordinated inventory management across multiple sales channels
• Implemented data analytics to track sales performance and customer behavior

Head Developer and Project Manager at Rekada Marketplace (2019 – 2022)

• Led end-to-end software development from product conception to distribution
• Developed e-commerce solutions and web projects using React, TypeScript, PHP, and Python
• Managed development team and coordinated project timelines using JIRA and Agile methodologies
• Built custom SaaS platforms and multi-vendor marketplace solutions
• Implemented payment gateways, inventory systems, and customer management features

Project Manager and Lead Developer (Freelance) at Leads Connection (2017 – Present)

• Developed AI-powered lead generation platform using Angular (TypeScript) and Node.js
• Created automated web scraping and data aggregation systems
• Managed website development and administration for lead generation platform
• Implemented Google Ads and Facebook Ads campaigns for client acquisition
• Built RESTful APIs and integrated third-party data sources

Marketing Manager and Workflow Systems Specialist at Chabod Energy (2015 – 2016)

• Developed and executed digital marketing strategies and SEO-optimized content
• Created and managed Google Ads and Facebook Ads campaigns
• Built internal marketing automation workflows to improve campaign efficiency
• Analyzed campaign performance using Google Analytics

BSc in Computer Science – University of the People (2024 – Ongoing)

Diploma in Information Technology Management – Alisson Academy (2024 – 2025)