Automation Lead (Presales) (KZN)

PROVIDE leadership and strategy to the Automation COE team and ongoing Automation COE developments as the next Automation Lead, sought by a dynamic Internet Service & Network Specialist to join its Durban team. You will also be responsible for the utilization and billability of team members, regularly following up on individual performance goals, serving as the point of escalation for Automation COE, and applying the proper delivery model to ensure efficiency.

The ideal candidate must have Matric / Grade 12, a relevant Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience of at least 5-10 years in sales, presales, and delivery, with the ability to drive software architectural patterns and possess in-depth knowledge of Automation COE and its systems.

DUTIES:

1. Lead a team of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and service delivery staff, including offshore-based team members.
2. Coordinate resource planning with the Professional Services Head for all requirements.
3. Continuously enhance own and team’s competence and technological knowledge.
4. Manage the utilization and billability of team members to meet organizational targets.
5. Ensure weekly organizational hygiene for time reporting and zero missing hours.
6. Set and review individual performance and development goals to support domain growth objectives.
7. Apply effective delivery models to improve automation service delivery capabilities.
8. Support service transformation initiatives with expertise.
9. Act as the point of escalation for Automation COE issues, collaborating to resolve critical problems.
10. Manage stakeholder relationships, including vendors, subcontractors, and partners.
11. Drive software architectural patterns and knowledge sharing within the team.
12. Develop and manage implementation frameworks.
13. Align internal teams with developments within the domain.
14. Represent the business on OEM Advisory boards.
15. Facilitate application portfolio evaluation and simplification.
16. Review and approve third-party proposals and quotations.
17. Build strong relationships within verticals to understand broader business needs.
18. Leverage Automation COE expertise to develop, engineer, and implement functionalities.
19. Advise senior stakeholders on capabilities and solutions to business challenges.

REQUIREMENTS:

Qualifications:

• Matric or Grade 12 (minimum schooling).
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience.

Experience / Skills:

• Proven leadership with 5-10 years in sales, presales, and delivery roles.
• Drivers license and own reliable vehicle.
• Deep knowledge of Automation COE and its systems.
• Experience managing Automation COE systems, support, and projects.
• Experience managing diverse teams, including offshore resources.
• Strong track record in delivering Automation COE portfolios and solutions.
• Ability to manage utilization and billability targets effectively.

Advantages:

• Graduate Degree.
• OEM Certifications.

Attributes:

• Strong interpersonal, cultural, social, and presentation skills.
• Experience working in high-energy, customer-centric, and performance-driven organizations.
• Proven leadership with the ability to deliver significant impact.
• Promotes knowledge sharing and mentoring.
• Experience leading and supervising resources across multiple countries.