AI Solutions Lead (Durbanville OR Centurion)

Datafin; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic Engineering Service Provider located in Cape Town seeks an AI Solutions Lead to identify high-impact opportunities for Artificial Intelligence. This role focuses on driving operational strategy through collaboration with third-party experts. Applicants should have a Master's or Bachelor's degree in Business or Engineering, along with 5+ years of relevant experience. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills and a flare for innovation, promoting a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Operations, Product Development, Innovation, or Business Transformation.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify high-impact AI opportunities and lead implementation efforts.
• Develop clear, ROI-driven business cases aligned with operational goals.
• Promote innovation and build a culture open to experimentation.
• Lead implementation and change initiatives across units and external partners.
• Promote AI innovation and build a culture of experimentation and improvement.

Skills

Fluent English

Leadership

Cross-functional initiative management

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Attention to detail

Discretion with confidential info

Organizational skills

Travel readiness

Education

Masters/Bachelors Degree in Business, Engineering, or related field

Job description

AI Solutions Lead (Durbanville OR Centurion) IT - Software Development
Cape Town - Western Cape - South Africa

ENVIRONMENT

A forward-thinking & business-oriented professional is sought by a dynamic Engineering Service Provider to fill the role of an AI Solutions Lead. You will be responsible for identifying high-impact opportunities for Artificial Intelligence across the organisation and driving real-world implementation through collaboration with third-party experts and internal coordination. This position is business-driven and focused on operational strategy and innovation and is not a software or coding position. It is specifically not suited to those pursuing Programming or Data Science, as it does not involve coding or technical model development. Applicants must possess a Masters/Bachelors Degree in Business/Engineering/Innovation or a related field with 5+ years of experience in Operations, Product Development, Innovation, Continuous Improvement, or Business Transformation.

DUTIES

Identify High-Value Use Cases

• Walk the floor, engage teams, and map workflows to determine where AI can unlock productivity, business insights, or automation and competitive advantages.
• Develop a wide and deep understanding of industry and business trends, identify and translate opportunities and challenges into structured problem and solutions statements.
• Use your understanding of physical processes, constraints, and technology to assess viability.

Build the Business Case

• Prioritize opportunities based on business impact, effort, and speed to value.
• Develop clear, ROI-driven business cases that align with operational goals.
• Present and communicate these opportunities to senior leadership and stakeholders.

Engage the Right Expertise

• Scout, evaluate, and collaborate with third-party AI vendors, domain experts, and technology providers.
• Serve as the internal Project Lead translating business needs to external providers and ensuring delivery stays aligned with outcomes.
• You dont build the tech you guide the vision, manage the outcomes, and ensure it solves the right problem.

Lead Implementation & Change

• Coordinate implementation efforts across business units and external partners.
• Define success metrics, monitor progress, and remove roadblocks to execution.
• Develop and lead training efforts to build awareness and capability around the new tools or workflows.

Promote Innovation Across the Organization

• Champion a practical understanding of AI what it is, what it isnt, and where it can help.
• Host workshops, lead internal demonstrations, and empower teams to think differently.
• Help build a culture that is open to experimentation and continuous improvement.

REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

• Masters or Bachelors Degree in Business, Engineering, Innovation, Operations, or a related field.

Experience/Skills

• 5+ Years of experience in Operations, Product Development, Innovation, Continuous Improvement, or Business Transformation.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and manage external technology partners.
• Fluent in English, with exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, capable of engaging confidently across technical and executive audiences.
• Able to influence across technical and business domains.
• Has strong business instincts.
• Naturally curious, hands-on, and relentless about solving real problems.
• Not afraid of technology, but more focused on what it enables rather than how it works under the hood.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Outstanding organisational and time management skills.
• Willingness to travel internationally.

Nice to Have (But Not Required)

• Familiarity with AI/ML applications in Operations or Manufacturing.
• Experience working with Technology Vendors, Solution Providers, or Consultants.
• Exposure to innovation frameworks like Lean, Six Sigma, Design Thinking, or Agile.

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