AI & Automation Specialist (Stellenbosch)

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
ENVIRONMENT: A highly talented AI & Automation Specialist is wanted by a growing dynamic Investment and Commercial Property Management Firm with approximately 4–5 years’ relevant experience, with a strong focus on AI, automation, workflow optimisation and Microsoft 365-based solutions. You will be responsible for helping divisions and individuals streamline processes, reduce manual work, build practical agents and automation solutions, and improve the way the business uses technology to save time, improve accuracy and create measurable operational and financial impact. This is not a pure IT support role. The successful candidate must be comfortable assessing the timesaving, efficiency and financial impact of proposed solutions and who can think out of the box. You will require a Degree or Diploma in: Information Systems\/Computer Science\/Software Engineering\/AI with 4–5 years’ experience in a technology, systems, Microsoft 365, automation or solutions-focused role including working knowledge of Microsoft 365, Copilot Studio, Power Pages, Power Automate, Visual Studio and SharePoint.   DUTIES: AI, Automation & Business Process Improvement - ·        Work with divisions and individuals to understand pain points, repetitive tasks and workflow bottlenecks, then translate these into practical AI, automation and Microsoft 365 solutions. ·        Build, test and improve agents, workflows and digital tools using Copilot Studio, Power Automate, Power Pages, SharePoint and related Microsoft 365 tools. ·        Streamline processes to reduce duplication, improve turnaround times, remove unnecessary manual steps and support better user adoption. ·        Assess the business impact of solutions, including time saved, cost avoided, productivity gains, reduced risk and improved operational control. ·        Apply out-of-the-box thinking to identify smarter, simpler and more scalable ways of working across the business.   Workflow Discovery & Solution Design – ·        Engage with departments, teams and individual users to understand how work is currently being done and where delays, duplication or manual effort exist. ·        Map processes and identify where AI, automation, agents or Microsoft 365 tools can simplify work and improve outcomes. ·        Design fit-for-purpose workflow improvements that are practical, scalable and easy for users to adopt. ·        Prepare clear solution outlines showing the problem, proposed solution, expected time saving, business benefit and implementation requirements.   AI Agents, Automation & Tool Build - ·        Develop and maintain AI and automation solutions that support divisional and individual productivity, including agents, automated workflows and user-facing tools. ·        Build, test, troubleshoot and continuously improve Copilot Studio agents, AI-enabled workflows and automation solutions. ·        Maintain current automation projects, monitor effectiveness, resolve issues and ensure solutions remain relevant as business needs change. ·        Evaluate the timesaving, cost-saving and efficiency impact of automation initiatives and communicate this clearly to stakeholders.   Microsoft 365, Licensing & Technical Enablement - ·        Understand and advise on the Microsoft 365 licences, tools and permissions required to deliver AI and automation solutions effectively. ·        Configure and support solutions using Copilot Studio, Power Automate, Power Pages, SharePoint sites, Visual Studio and Azure-related Power Pages functionality. ·        Ensure solutions are secure, user-friendly, well documented and aligned with available licences and business requirements. ·        Identify when additional technical support, development input or licensing changes are required to complete a solution.   Impact Assessment & Business Case Support – ·        Assess the expected and actual impact of solutions, including time saved, cost avoided, productivity improvement and risk reduction. ·        Quantify benefits where possible and present the business case for automation initiatives in a simple, practical way. ·        Track realised benefits after implementation and use this feedback to improve future solutions.   Project Pipeline, Support & Exco Reporting - ·        Maintain a clear pipeline of AI, automation and systems projects, including current initiatives, planned improvements, priorities and dependencies. ·        Troubleshoot current projects, coordinate fixes, track deliverables and ensure implemented solutions are maintained properly after launch. ·        Prepare clear Exco-level updates on project pipeline, current projects, risks, benefits, time savings, financial impact and next steps. ·        Understand the Microsoft licenses, tools and technical resources required to deliver solutions in a secure, cost-effective and scalable way.   REQUIREMENTS: Qualifications – ·        Degree or Diploma in: Information Systems \/ Computer Science \/ Software Engineering \/ AI Or equivalent practical experience.   Experience\/Skills - ·        4–5 Years’ experience in a technology, systems, Microsoft 365, automation or solutions-focused role. ·        Proven ability to translate business needs into practical AI, automation, workflow and system solutions. ·        Working knowledge and hands-on experience with: Ø  Microsoft 365 licenses, user permissions and administration basics  Ø  Copilot Studio, including building, testing and improving agents  Ø  Power Pages, including Azure-related setup, permissions and support  Ø  Power Automate workflows and process automation  Ø  Visual Studio, SharePoint sites, basic integrations, APIs and data structures  ·        Ability to coordinate with Developers, vendors and internal stakeholders on technical tasks and system improvements. ·        Strong project management and problem-solving ability. ·        Strong practical understanding of development, configuration and troubleshooting principles. ·        SQL database experience and ability to support reporting or data-related troubleshooting. ·        Ability to assess and explain the operational, time-saving and financial impact of proposed technology solutions. ·        Comfortable preparing management or Exco-level project updates and communicating progress, risks and ·        business benefits clearly.   Advantageous – ·        Experience supporting AI adoption, digital transformation, automation rollouts or internal efficiency projects. ·        Experience working across multiple business divisions or with operational teams to improve workflows. ·        Stronger exposure to Microsoft Power Platform tools, including Power Automate, Power Pages and Copilot Studio. ·        Experience with Azure, particularly where linked to Power Pages, permissions, authentication or integrations. ·        Exposure to Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, Python or other reporting and development tools.   ATTRIBUTES: ·        Strong commercial and operational awareness. ·        Systems thinker with a structured approach to problem-solving. ·        Ability to communicate effectively between technical and non-technical stakeholders. ·        Highly organised with strong execution focus. ·        Proactive, solutions-driven mindset. ·        Creative, out-of-the-box thinker who can simplify complexity and identify better ways of working. ·        Functions well in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities and multiple concurrent projects.