Group Data & AI Manager

Group Data & AI Manager Cape Town | Executive Leadership Opportunity | Manufacturing & Digital Transformation Build the Future of Data and AI. This is not another Data Manager role. We're looking for an exceptional leader to build a group-wide Data and AI capability that will transform how our business operates, makes decisions, and competes. Reporting directly to the Chief Information Officer, you will shape the organisation's enterprise data strategy, establish trusted information foundations, and lead the practical adoption of AI, automation and intelligent technologies across multiple business units. If you're excited by turning complex operational environments into data-driven, AI-enabled businesses—and enjoy delivering measurable commercial value—this is the opportunity you've been waiting for. The Opportunity You'll lead the strategy and execution of our Group Data & AI agenda, creating the foundations that enable better decisions, operational excellence and digital transformation. Your focus will include: - Developing and executing the Group Data & AI Strategy. - Building modern data platforms, enterprise data models and analytics capabilities. - Driving AI, Generative AI and automation initiatives that deliver measurable business outcomes. - Establishing enterprise data governance, reporting standards and trusted KPI frameworks. - Leading systems integration across manufacturing and business platforms. - Partnering with executives and operational leaders to identify high-value digital opportunities. - Building business cases, delivery roadmaps and governance that ensure successful adoption. This is a highly visible leadership role where strategy and execution go hand in hand. What Success Looks Like within your first year you will: - Deliver the Group Data, Integration and AI roadmap. - Launch high-impact AI and automation initiatives with measurable ROI. - Establish trusted enterprise reporting and KPI standards. - Deliver the first phase of our enterprise data platform. - Improve operational visibility across manufacturing, supply chain, finance and commercial functions. - Reduce manual processes through intelligent integration and automation. What You'll Bring We're looking for an experienced technology leader with a passion for solving business problems through data and AI. You'll have: - Proven success leading enterprise Data, AI, Analytics and Integration initiatives. - Strong experience within manufacturing, industrial or operational environments. - Expertise in data governance, master data, reporting and enterprise data architecture. - Experience delivering practical AI and Generative AI solutions that improve operational performance. - Strong commercial acumen with the ability to develop business cases, ROI models and digital roadmaps. - Outstanding stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence at executive level. - A collaborative leadership style with a hands-on approach to delivery. Technologies You'll Likely Know. Experience with several of the following will be advantageous: - Microsoft Azure - Microsoft Fabric - Azure Data Factory - Snowflake - Power BI - Qlik Sense - Azure OpenAI - Microsoft Copilot - OpenAI APIs - SQL - Python - PowerShell - Enterprise Integration Platforms - ERP, MES, MRP, WMS and related manufacturing systems Qualifications A degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Engineering, Information Systems, Engineering, Business Technology or a related discipline is preferred. Relevant certifications in Data Engineering, AI or Machine Learning will be advantageous. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered. Who You Are: - A strategic thinker who delivers. - Commercially minded and outcome focused. - Comfortable engaging with executives and operational teams alike. - Curious about emerging technologies while remaining grounded in business value. - Passionate about building high-performing data and AI capabilities. - Energised by leading transformation across complex organisations. Why Join Us? This is a rare opportunity to define and lead an enterprise-wide Data & AI capability from the ground up. You'll work alongside senior leadership, influence business strategy, modernise technology capabilities and deliver initiatives that will shape the future of our organisation. If you're looking for a role where your leadership, technical expertise and vision can have lasting impact, we'd like to hear from you.