AI Architect / Product Manager (Senior Level)

iOCO Pty Ltd; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 950 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company is seeking a Senior AI Architect / Product Manager to lead AI solution design and development. This role requires a visionary professional with a strong background in AI technologies and proven experience in enterprise-level projects. The ideal candidate will collaborate cross-functionally to drive innovation and deliver measurable business value through AI. The position is based in Cape Town, South Africa, and offers a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in an AI Architect or Product Manager role.
• Proven track record in designing AI-driven solutions for enterprise projects.
• Strong background in data analytics and machine learning frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Design and oversee architecture of AI-based solutions for complex projects.
• Lead the lifecycle of AI product development from ideation to deployment.
• Develop AI strategies that align with organizational and client objectives.

Skills

AI Solution Design

AI Product Development

Strategic Planning

Data Analytics

Machine Learning

Team Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Education

NQF Level 6 or higher qualification in ICT

Cloud certification (Azure AI, AWS, or Google Cloud)

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Azure AI

AWS SageMaker

Google Vertex AI

Job description

At iOCO, we believe in shaping the future through intelligent, data-driven innovation. We are looking for a Senior AI Architect / Product Manager to lead the design, strategy, and implementation of advanced AI solutions across multiple business domains. This role is ideal for a visionary professional who can blend technical expertise with product strategy to drive measurable business value through artificial intelligence.

What you’ll do:

• AI Solution Design and Leadership
  • Design and oversee the architecture of AI-based solutions for complex, enterprise-level projects.
  • Lead the end-to-end lifecycle of AI product development, from ideation to deployment and continuous optimization.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (data engineers, developers, product managers, and stakeholders) to deliver scalable, secure, and high-performance AI solutions.
  • Ensure that AI initiatives are aligned with iOCO’s digital transformation strategy and client objectives.
• Strategy and Planning
  • Develop and implement AI strategies that align with organizational and client objectives.
  • Identify and assess opportunities for AI adoption, creating actionable roadmaps for AI project execution.
  • Provide thought leadership on AI trends, ethics, and governance, ensuring responsible and sustainable innovation.
• Innovation and Mentorship
  • Drive innovation by staying ahead of emerging technologies in AI, machine learning, and cloud computing.
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior and mid-level team members on AI methodologies, frameworks, and best practices.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, experimentation, and continuous learning within the AI and product teams.

Your Expertise:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in an AI Architect or Product Manager role.
• Proven track record in designing, developing, and managing AI-driven solutions for large-scale or enterprise projects.
• Experience in strategic planning, solution architecture, and AI lifecycle management.
• Strong background in data analytics, machine learning frameworks, and cloud-based AI platforms.
• Technical Competencies:
  • Proficiency with AI/ML tools (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Azure AI, AWS SageMaker, or Google Vertex AI).
  • Strong understanding of data pipelines, model deployment, and MLOps.
  • Familiarity with Python, R, or equivalent programming languages.
  • Ability to design scalable, secure, and maintainable AI architectures.

Qualifications:

• NQF Level 6 or higher tertiary qualification in Information Communication Technology (ICT) or related field (e.g., Computer Science, Information Systems, or Data Science).
• Cloud certification (e.g., Azure AI, AWS, or Google Cloud) is essential.

Key Attributes for Success:

• Strategic thinker with the ability to align technical solutions to business outcomes.
• Excellent leadership, mentoring, and stakeholder management skills.
• Innovative mindset with a passion for continuous improvement.
• Strong communication skills, able to simplify complex AI concepts for diverse audiences.
• Results-driven with a focus on delivering measurable value through technology.