About the position
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
- 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
- Define and execute the organisation’s innovation and AI roadmap aligned to business and IT strategy
- Identify, evaluate and pilot emerging technologies including Generative AI, predictive analytics and automation solutions
- Translate AI capabilities into practical, scalable business solutions
- 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
- Lead and coordinate digital transformation initiatives across business units
- Identify and prioritise opportunities for digitisation, automation and process optimisation
- Manage multiple innovation and transformation projects within agreed timelines and budgets
- Establish governance frameworks for innovation project delivery and prioritisation
- Track, measure and report on transformation outcomes, business value and lessons learned
Data Strategy & Governance
- Oversee organisational data projects, systems, governance and data quality initiatives
- Participate hands-on in strategic data and analytics initiatives
- Ensure enterprise data assets are managed as a strategic business resource
- Drive adoption of self-service analytics and data-driven decision-making practices
- Ensure compliance with POPIA, data privacy regulations and information security standards
- Collaborate with broader IT teams on cloud platforms, enterprise data architecture and infrastructure
TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
- Leadership, coaching and talent development
- Performance management and team enablement
- Change management in technology-driven environments
- 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
RequirementsQUALIFICATIONS 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:
- Demonstrated ability to apply AI solutions in live operational environments
- Experience managing and developing data, analytics or digital transformation teams
- Strong understanding of AI/ML, Large Language Models (LLMs), automation and practical business applications
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft Azure, Power Platform, Microsoft Fabric or equivalent enterprise data platforms
- Proven programme and project management capability
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills at senior and executive leadership level
- Experience translating innovation concepts into scalable, production-ready solutions
- Experience driving organisation-wide digital transformation initiatives
- Strong analytical, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
Preferred:
- Knowledge of GxP, GMP or pharmaceutical regulatory compliance requirements
- Experience with AI vendor management, proof-of-concept pilots and innovation labs
- Understanding of POPIA compliance and information security within regulated industries
Desired Skills:
- Azure AI
- AWS
- Google Cloud
Desired Qualification Level:
About The Employer:
