WE ARE HIRING!

Innovation & Digital Transformation Manager

Department:
Information Technology

We are looking to appoint a hands-on, dynamic, passionate, confident, proactive and meticulous
Innovation & Digital Transformation Manager
to join a high-performing and goal-oriented team. The successful candidate will lead the organisation’s digital innovation strategy, drive AI-enabled transformation initiatives and oversee enterprise data and digital capabilities to unlock business value and operational excellence.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE

People Leadership & Team Management

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  Lead, manage and develop the data and innovation team including Data Scientists, Analysts and Digital Project resources
• 
  Set clear performance objectives and provide ongoing coaching, mentoring and feedback
• 
  Build team capability in emerging technologies with emphasis on AI literacy and practical application
• 
  Foster a culture of experimentation, innovation and continuous learning
• 
  Manage team capacity, succession planning and resource allocation

Innovation Strategy & AI Enablement

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  Define and execute the organisation’s innovation and AI roadmap aligned to business and IT strategy
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  Identify, evaluate and pilot emerging technologies including Generative AI, predictive analytics and automation solutions
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  Translate AI capabilities into practical, scalable business solutions
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  Lead proof-of-concept and proof-of-value engagements with technology partners
• 
  Develop business cases and present strategic technology investment recommendations to executive leadership
• 
  Drive continuous improvement through innovative digital initiatives

Digital Transformation Programme Management

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  Lead and coordinate digital transformation initiatives across business units
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  Identify and prioritise opportunities for digitisation, automation and process optimisation
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  Manage multiple innovation and transformation projects within agreed timelines and budgets
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  Establish governance frameworks for innovation project delivery and prioritisation
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  Track, measure and report on transformation outcomes, business value and lessons learned

Data Strategy & Governance

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  Oversee organisational data projects, systems, governance and data quality initiatives
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  Participate hands-on in strategic data and analytics initiatives
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  Ensure enterprise data assets are managed as a strategic business resource
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  Drive adoption of self-service analytics and data-driven decision-making practices
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  Ensure compliance with POPIA, data privacy regulations and information security standards
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  Collaborate with broader IT teams on cloud platforms, enterprise data architecture and infrastructure

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

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  Leadership, coaching and talent development
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  Performance management and team enablement
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  Change management in technology-driven environments
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  Applied AI/ML including Generative AI, LLMs and intelligent agents
• 
  Innovation methodologies including Design Thinking, Agile and Lean Startup
• 
  Strategic planning and business case development
• 
  Programme and project management methodologies (Agile, PRINCE2 or equivalent)
• 
  Enterprise data platforms including Microsoft Fabric, Azure and Power BI
• 
  Data engineering fundamentals including ETL/ELT processes
• 
  Data visualisation, dashboarding and storytelling
• 
  Enterprise cloud and data architecture principles
• 
  POPIA and data privacy compliance
• 
  Vendor and stakeholder management

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED

Required:

• 
  Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, Business or related field
• 
  Minimum 5+ years’ experience in digital transformation, technology management or innovation-focused roles
• 
  Proven track record of leading data teams and delivering AI or advanced analytics projects

Preferred:

• 
  Certification in AI, Cloud Architecture or Digital Strategy (e.g. Azure AI, AWS, Google Cloud)
• 
  Experience within pharmaceutical, life sciences or FMCG environments

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DELIVER THE ROLE SEAMLESSLY

Essential:

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  Demonstrated ability to apply AI solutions in live operational environments
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  Experience managing and developing data, analytics or digital transformation teams
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  Strong understanding of AI/ML, Large Language Models (LLMs), automation and practical business applications
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  Strong knowledge of Microsoft Azure, Power Platform, Microsoft Fabric or equivalent enterprise data platforms
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  Proven programme and project management capability
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  Strong stakeholder engagement skills at senior and executive leadership level
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  Experience translating innovation concepts into scalable, production-ready solutions
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  Experience driving organisation-wide digital transformation initiatives
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  Strong analytical, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills

Preferred:

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  Knowledge of GxP, GMP or pharmaceutical regulatory compliance requirements
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  Experience with AI vendor management, proof-of-concept pilots and innovation labs
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  Understanding of POPIA compliance and information security within regulated industries