AI Automation Manager

Sabenza IT & Recruitment; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Sabenza IT & Recruitment in Stellenbosch, South Africa, seeks an AI & Automation Manager to build and lead an AI & Automation function as a business unit. You will set direction, manage a talented team, own the project pipeline, and personally deliver high-impact initiatives using AI and automation technologies.

You will drive strategy, identify high-value opportunities, and lead complex projects end-to-end from analysis to benefit realization.

Qualifications

• Experience leading AI/automation initiatives that deliver measurable business value.
• Ability to coach and manage a diverse automation team across projects.
• Proven track record of translating business challenges into practical automation solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow the AI and automation team, setting priorities and tracking delivery.
• Own the company-wide AI and automation strategy and stakeholder engagement across divisions.
• Deliver hands-on with Microsoft Power Platform and AI on high-impact initiatives.

Skills

Strategic leadership

People management

Cross-functional collaboration

AI & automation strategy

Business analysis

Tools

Microsoft Power Platform

Copilot Studio

Power Automate

Power Pages

SharePoint

Job description

Stellenbosch, South Africa | Posted on 25/08/2026

Lead the Future of Work Drive Real Business Impact

Are you ready to shape how anentire organisation works smarter?

We are looking for a strategic,hands-on AI & Automation Manager to build and lead our AI &Automation function as a true business unit. This is not a pure strategy role,nor a pure delivery role — it is both. You will set direction, manage atalented team, own the project pipeline, and personally roll up your sleeves todeliver the larger, high-impact initiatives that move the needle.

If you thrive on turningcomplex operational challenges into elegant, practical solutions using AIagents, Microsoft Power Platform, Copilot Studio and intelligent automation —and you can prove the value in hours saved and costs avoided — this role was madefor you.

Role Purpose

You will lead the AI andautomation function with full accountability for strategy, team performance andmeasurable outcomes. Your mission: identify where AI, automation, intelligentagents and Microsoft 365 tools can eliminate repetitive work, free up humancapacity and create clear operational and financial value across every divisionof the business.

This is a strategic +hands-on leadership role . You will coach and prioritise your team whilepersonally owning and delivering the most complex projects — from businessanalysis and solution design through to build, testing, rollout and benefitrealisation.

What You Will Do

Lead & Grow the AI & Automation Team

• Manage, coach and develop AI and automation specialists— allocate work, set clear priorities, track delivery and hold the teamaccountable for results.
• Set the strategic direction so every hour of teameffort is focused on initiatives that deliver measurable business value.

Own the Strategy & Drive Transformation

• Develop and own the company-wide AI and automationstrategy.
• Engage leaders across all divisions to uncover painpoints, repetitive tasks and high-value opportunities.
• Personally lead larger, complex projects end-to-end:analysis, design, build oversight, testing, rollout and benefit tracking.
• Quantify impact — time saved, cost avoided,productivity gains, risk reduction — and communicate it clearly.
• Challenge the status quo and champion a culture ofsimplification, continuous improvement and responsible AI adoption.

Hands-On Delivery with Microsoft Power Platform & AI

• Design, build, test and improve solutions yourself —especially the high-stakes projects that need senior involvement.
• Work hands-on in Copilot Studio, Power Automate,Power Pages, SharePoint and related tools.
• Maintain and optimise existing automations so theycontinue delivering value as the business evolves.
• Advise on Microsoft 365 licensing, permissions andtechnical enablement to