AI Strategy & Innovation Lead (Durbanville)

SUMMARY:
A forward-thinking & business-oriented professional is sought by a dynamic Engineering Service Provider in Durbanville to fill the role of an AI Strategy & Innovation Lead.

POSITION INFO:

ENVIRONMENT:

A forward-thinking & business-oriented professional is sought by a dynamic Engineering Service Provider in Durbanville to fill the role of an AI Strategy & Innovation Lead. You will be responsible for identifying high-impact opportunities for Artificial Intelligence across the organisation and driving real-world implementation through collaboration with third-party experts and internal coordination. This position is business-driven and focused on operational strategy and innovation and is not a software or coding position. It is specifically not suited to those pursuing Programming or Data Science, as it does not involve coding or technical model development. Applicants must possess a Master’s/Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Engineering/Innovation or a related field with 5+ years of experience in Operations, Product Development, Innovation, Continuous Improvement, or Business Transformation.

DUTIES:

Identify High-Value Use Cases -

• Walk the floor, engage teams, and map workflows to determine where AI can unlock productivity, business insights, or automation and competitive advantages.
• Develop a wide and deep understanding of industry and business trends, identify and translate opportunities and challenges into structured problem and solutions statements.
• Use your understanding of physical processes, constraints, and technology to assess viability.

Build the Business Case –

• Prioritize opportunities based on business impact, effort, and speed to value.
• Develop clear, ROI-driven business cases that align with operational goals.
• Present and communicate these opportunities to senior leadership and stakeholders.

Engage the Right Expertise -

• Scout, evaluate, and collaborate with third-party AI vendors, domain experts, and technology providers.
• Serve as the internal Project Lead — translating business needs to external providers and ensuring delivery stays aligned with outcomes.
• You don’t build the tech — you guide the vision, manage the outcomes, and ensure it solves the right problem.

Lead Implementation & Change -

• Coordinate implementation efforts across business units and external partners.
• Define success metrics, monitor progress, and remove roadblocks to execution.
• Develop and lead training efforts to build awareness and capability around the new tools or workflows.

Promote Innovation Across the Organization –

• Champion a practical understanding of AI — what it is, what it isn’t, and where it can help.
• Host workshops, lead internal demonstrations, and empower teams to think differently.
• Help build a culture that is open to experimentation and continuous improvement.

REQUIREMENTS:

Qualifications –

• Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering, Innovation, Operations, or a related field.

Experience/Skills –

• 5+ Years of experience in Operations, Product Development, Innovation, Continuous Improvement, or Business Transformation.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and manage external technology partners.
• Fluent in English, with exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, capable of engaging confidently across technical and executive audiences.
• Able to influence across technical and business domains.
• Has strong business instincts.
• Naturally curious, hands-on, and relentless about solving real problems.
• Not afraid of technology, but more focused on what it enables rather than how it works under the hood.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Outstanding organisational and time management skills.
• Willingness to travel internationally.

Nice to Have (But Not Required):

• Familiarity with AI/ML applications in Operations or Manufacturing.
• Experience working with Technology Vendors, Solution Providers, or Consultants.
• Exposure to innovation frameworks like Lean, Six Sigma, Design Thinking, or Agile.

While we would really like to respond to every application, should you not be contacted for this position within 10 working days please consider your application unsuccessful.

COMMENTS:

When applying for jobs, ensure that you have the minimum job requirements. OnlySA Citizens will be considered for this role. If you are not in the mentioned location of any of the jobs, please note your relocation plans in all applications for jobs and correspondence. Apply here