Chief Operating Officer - Technology and Data Services

ARVO; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

A global technology firm in Paarl, South Africa is seeking an accomplished Chief Operating Officer to lead their technology and data services division. You will oversee data management, product development, and integration across global operations while managing a multi-disciplinary team. Applicants should have a degree in a relevant field and extensive experience in data and analytics. The position offers competitive remuneration and the chance to work in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Market-related, competitive remuneration

Opportunity to lead a high-performance team

Exposure to diverse industries and markets

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in data, analytics, data science, engineering, or software development.
• Experience in building data strategies and delivering AI/data science projects.
• E-commerce experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, product managers, and data specialists.
• Develop and implement a group-wide technology and data strategy.
• Drive projects in analytics, data science, AI, and software development.

Skills

Leadership and people management

Knowledge of BI and analytics tools

Proficiency in data science tools

Strong communication skills

Education

Degree in Data Science, Statistics, Engineering, Computer Science

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

Google Analytics

Python

R

MATLAB

pandas

Salesforce

HubSpot

Job description

Location:Paarl, South Africa (On-site, 5 days per week)
Employment Type:Full-time
Salary:Very competitive

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished and visionary Chief Operating Officer to lead their global technology and data services division. This team delivers data management, analytics, software development, e-commerce, and digital platforms across multiple international business units.

The COO will be responsible for driving the organisation’s technology strategy, overseeing data and product development, and ensuring integration across global operations. This is a senior leadership role with significant influence on business growth, innovation, and decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, product managers, data specialists, and designers (approx. 20 staff).
• Develop and implement a group-wide technology and data strategy.
• Oversee integration of software systems across global operations.
• Drive projects in analytics, data science, AI, and software development.
• Ensure compliance with international data protection laws (GDPR, POPIA).
• Collaborate with leadership teams across multiple countries to support digital transformation and operational efficiency.
• Manage technology projects, product development, and e-commerce platforms.
• Identify value-adding, data-driven insights to influence marketing, sales, and business operations.
• Represent the technology division at executive level and report to group leadership.

Qualifications

• Degree in Data Science, Statistics, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 10+ years’ experience across data, analytics, data science, engineering, or software development.
• Proven leadership and people management experience.
• Strong knowledge of BI and analytics tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Google Analytics).
• Proficiency with data science tools and programming languages (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB, pandas).
• Experience in building data strategies and delivering AI/data science projects.
• Solid background in software engineering and product development.
• Familiarity with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot).
• E-commerce experience preferred.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Willingness to travel internationally.

What We Offer

• Market-related, competitive remuneration.
• The opportunity to lead an innovative, high-performance technology team with global reach.
• Exposure to diverse industries, markets, and international business units.
• A dynamic, collaborative environment with opportunities to shape the group’s digital and data future.