AI Innovation Hub Lead

Kaelo; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaelo is seeking an Innovation Hub Manager in Gauteng to build and run its R&D capability. You will guide a portfolio from idea through proof of concept to production, focusing on AI-based capability and emerging tech that creates commercial advantage.

This is a leadership role, enabling the AI Architect and enforcing stage‑gate governance. You will lead a largely greenfield team, align with the IT Executive, and ensure disciplined experimentation, responsible AI, and measurable benefits from

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years in technology, incl. 3+ years leading teams in R&D, innovation, or advanced engineering.
• Proven track record taking tech concepts from idea to production.
• Strong knowledge of AI landscape including LLMs and ML/ops.
• Experience establishing governance for exploratory work and portfolio decisions.
• Proven ability to engage executives and secure sponsorship for speculative investment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Innovation Hub in line with IT Executive direction.
• Prioritise initiatives and maintain disciplined experimentation culture.
• Develop and retain AI, analysis and design talent.
• Set objectives, monitor performance, manage budget and vendors.
• Maintain SOPs for stage-gate, experimentation and handover.
• Enforce responsible AI and data protection policies.
• Report portfolio progress and realised benefits to leadership.

Skills

Decisiveness

Managing Through Others

Stakeholder Influence

Team Development

Intellectual Honesty

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, Data Science or related field

Postgraduate qualification or formal AI/innovation management training

Job description

Kaelo is seeking an Innovation Hub Manager in Gauteng to build and run its R&D capability. You will guide a portfolio from idea through proof of concept to production, focusing on AI-based capability and emerging tech that creates commercial advantage.

This is a leadership role, enabling the AI Architect and enforcing stage‑gate governance. You will lead a largely greenfield team, align with the IT Executive, and ensure disciplined experimentation, responsible AI, and measurable benefits from