BI Operations Manager

Smollan; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Job summary

Smollan seeks a senior leader to architect and govern the end-to-end digital tool and BI ecosystem for the Business Unit. You will drive tactical integration of the Field Intelligence CoE platforms while enabling agile local analytics, workforce scheduling, and store-level tools to support client strategies and growth.

You will lead data governance, cross-functional collaboration, and predictive analytics initiatives, delivering executive dashboards and operational insights across the BU and

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include Grade 12, related diploma/degree and postgraduate BIS/Informatics.
• MS Office proficiency and SQL knowledge.
• Experience in FMCG sector preferred.
• Strong leadership and project management ability.

Responsibilities

• Architect and govern end-to-end digital tool and BI ecosystem.
• Drive integration of CoE platforms and localised analytics.
• Ensure data architecture compliance and platform governance.
• Lead cross-functional stakeholder management and client-facing analytics.
• Oversee budgeting and team capability development.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

SQL

Business systems

Education

Grade 12

Diploma or degree

Postgraduate BIS/Informatics

Tools

MS Office

Business systems

Job description

Job Summary

To architect, lead, and govern the Business Unit’s end-to-end digital tool and business intelligence ecosystem. This role is responsible for driving the tactical integration of Group Field Intelligence Centre of Excellence (CoE) platforms while maintaining localised agility to deploy custom analytics, optimised workforce schedules, and store-level execution tools that support BU-specific client strategies and commercial growth

Key Responsibilities and Deliverables

• Serve as the primary strategic liaison between the Business Unit and the Smollan Field Intelligence CoE to evaluate, pilot, and scale corporate technical innovations (e.g., automated workforce tools, next-gen systems features).
• Ensure that the BU strictly adheres to group-wide data architecture guidelines and platform compliance frameworks while successfully prioritising localised technical enhancements within the global IT backlog. End-to-End Operational Ecosystem & Master Data Stewardship
• Govern the overall reliability, system structure integrity, and processing workflows across the BU’s technical engine room - specifically overseeing

Master Data architectures, Mobility tools (SMART), and Workforce Scheduling platforms

• Accountable for cross-functional data accuracy protocols to ensure that staff-to-store links, secondary master repositories, call cycle structures, and survey logics sync seamlessly without downtime or operational disruption.

High-Impact Commercial Insights & Action-Standard Implementation

• Direct the analytical strategy for the business unit, transforming unstructured market data into cohesive, 360-degree performance visibility dashboards for both executive leadership and corporate clients.
• Champion the transition from traditional static reporting to active predictive modeling, highlighting performance anomalies, execution blockages, and commercial opportunities that drive localised field performance improvements.

Cross-Functional Client & Stakeholder Management

• Partner closely with the Client Development Lead, BU Operations Directors, and customer stakeholders to interpret complex business requirements and negotiate scalable, data-driven SLAs.
• Present high-level data diagnostics, operational audits, and performance narratives directly to client executives to validate execution accuracy and demonstrate continuous business value.

Financial Management, Team Capability Building & Mentorship

• Formulate, track, and manage the annual operational intelligence departmental budget, proactively mitigating expense variances and tracking operational tool costs.
• Provide leadership, clear performance targets, and professional mentorship to the tactical team leaders and specialised specialists, systematically upgrading the technical capability and analytical maturity of the team.
• Minimum Qualifications: Grade 12, Related diploma / degree, Post graduate qualification - BIS/Informatics. MS Office. Knowledge and understanding of SQL and Business systems
• Minimum Experience: 6 years’ experience in the FMCG industry within a systems / analytical environment.
• 3 years business and project management experience/manufacturing - Operational experience in the Retail Industry advantage
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Category brand knowledge
• Strong collaboration attitude. Innovative attitude andout-of-the-box thinking
• Ability to interpret and translate business requirements
• Management and leadership skills
• Communication skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Project Management skills

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