Innovation & Digital Transformation Manager

SUMMARY:
Innovation & Digital Transformation Manager - Pinelands, Cape Town

POSITION INFO:

Job Title: Innovation & Digital Transformation Manager

Location: Pinelands, Cape Town

Key Duties & Responsibilities of the Role:

Core Technical Delivery:

People 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 and continuous learning within the team
• Manage team capacity, resource allocation and succession planning

Innovation Strategy & AI Application

• Define and execute the organisation''s innovation and AI roadmap aligned to the overall IT and business strategy
  
• Identify, evaluate and pilot new technologies including Generative AI, automation and predictive analytics
• Translate AI capabilities into practical, production-ready business solutions
• Lead proof-of-concept and proof-of-value engagements with technology partners
• Build business cases for technology investments and present to executive leadership

Digital Transformation Programme Management

• Drive the digital transformation programme across business units
• Identify and prioritise process automation, digitisation and optimisation opportunities
• Manage multiple innovation and digital projects simultaneously within agreed timelines and budgets
• Establish governance frameworks for innovation project selection and delivery
• Report on transformation progress, value delivered and lessons learned to executive leadership

Data Strategy & Governance

• Oversee the organisation''s data projects and system including architecture, quality, governance and democratisation
  
• Hands-on delivery and involvement in data projects
• Ensure data assets are managed as a strategic resource aligned to business priorities
• Drive adoption of self-service analytics and data-driven decision-making
• Ensure compliance with POPIA, data privacy regulations and information security policies
• Partner with rest of the IT team on data infrastructure, cloud platforms and enterprise data stack

Technical Competencies:

• People leadership and talent development
• Performance management and coaching
• Change management in technology-driven environments
• Applied AI / ML: LLMs, generative AI, machine learning, and intelligent agents
• Innovation frameworks: Design Thinking, Lean Startup, Agile
• Strategic planning and business case development
• Programme and project management (Agile, PRINCE2 or equivalent)
• Enterprise data platforms: Microsoft Fabric, Azure, Power BI or equivalent
• Data engineering fundamentals (ETL/ELT): data extraction, transformation, and integration
• Data visualisation and storytelling: dashboards, reporting, and insight generation
• Data architecture and cloud platforms
• POPIA and data privacy compliance

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor''s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, Business or related field
• 5+ years experience in digital transformation, technology management or innovation 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 in pharmaceutical, life sciences or FMCG sector

Experience needed to deliver the role seamlessly:

• Demonstrated ability to apply AI solutions in live operational contexts
• Experience managing and developing a data or digital team
• Deep understanding of AI/ML, large language models, automation and practical business application
• Deep understanding of Microsoft Azure, Power Platform, Microsoft Fabric or equivalent enterprise data stacks
• Strong project management and innovation lifecycle management experience
• Senior and executive level stakeholder management

Preferred:

• Knowledge of GxP, GMP or pharmaceutical regulatory compliance requirements
• Experience with AI vendor management, PoC pilots and innovation labs
• Understanding of POPIA compliance and information security in a regulated environment