AI and Automation Engineer

Core Group ZA; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Core Group ZA is seeking an experienced AI & Automation Engineer to drive practical AI adoption. You will design and deploy enterprise AI solutions and automations, reducing manual effort and improving efficiency across our group of companies.

You will own master data governance, set technical standards, and ensure secure, scalable integrations while enabling teams through training and guidance. This role blends hands-on delivery with strategic oversight.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering or a related IT field.
• At least 6 years experience in IT roles.
• At least 4 years experience working with enterprise AI solutions and automation.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and deploy enterprise AI solutions that solve real business problems.
• Lead the rollout, testing and continuous improvement of AI solutions across the business.
• Define and maintain technical standards for AI and automation builds.
• Own and manage Master Data across Core Group with governance.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering or a related IT field

Tools

Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Fabric

Microsoft Foundry

Copilot Studio

ChatGPT

Gemini

Job description

About the role

Core Group is looking for an experienced AI & Automation Engineer to help drive real, practical AI adoption across the business. This role is hands‑on and impact-driven, you’ll be designing, building and rolling out enterprise AI solutions and automations that reduce manual effort, improve turnaround times and unlock efficiency across our group of companies.

You’ll play a key role in shaping how AI is used at Core Group: from building secure, scalable solutions, to enabling teams through training and guidance, and setting the standards for responsible AI use. This role will also take ownership of Master Data across the business, ensuring accuracy, governance and consistency.

If you enjoy turning new technology into tangible business outcomes (not just proof‑of‑concepts), this role is for you.

What you’ll be responsible for

AI solutions & automation

• Design, build and deploy enterprise AI solutions that solve real business problems.
• Deliver automations that reduce manual work, improve customer experience and speed up processes.
• Lead the rollout, testing and continuous improvement of AI solutions across the business.

Technical ownership

• Define and maintain technical standards for AI and automation builds.
• Ensure solutions are scalable as the business grows towards a dedicated AI capability.
• Integrate AI solutions with existing systems and approved data sources using secure access controls.

Master data ownership

• Own and manage Master Data across Core Group.
• Ensure data quality, consistency and governance across all entities.

Security, compliance & governance

• Ensure all AI solutions comply with POPIA and relevant data privacy legislation.
• Align AI usage with internal AI policies and responsible AI practices.
• Apply practical security controls around access, data protection and auditability.

AI enablement & capability building

• Help design and deliver training to upskill teams on AI tools.
• Support a culture of responsible AI adoption and self‑service innovation.
• Contribute to the growth and coordination of an enterprise AI team over time.

Experience & background

• A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering or a related IT field.
• At least 6 years’ experience in IT roles.
• At least 4 years’ experience working with enterprise AI solutions and automation.
• Strong hands‑on experience with:
  • Microsoft Azure
  • Microsoft Fabric
  • Microsoft Foundry
  • Copilot Studio
  • LLM platforms such as ChatGPT and/or Gemini
• Experience building AI solutions in retail or wholesale environments is a strong advantage.
• Comfortable working with APIs, integrations and secure deployments.
• Experience leading change and helping non‑technical teams adopt new technology.

You’ll thrive in this role if you

• Are curious, practical and excited by new technology.
• Have a strong bias for action and enjoy turning ideas into working solutions.
• Can work across different business units and levels.
• Care deeply about ethical AI, data security and doing things properly.
• Are comfortable working in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment.
• Communicate clearly and can lead, guide and influence others.

You’ll be working at the centre of the business’s AI journey, with the opportunity to shape how AI is used in a meaningful, responsible way, not just now, but into the future. This is a role with visibility, impact and room to grow as the AI capability expands.