Data & AI Senior Manager

KPMG South Africa; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Job summary

KPMG South Africa is seeking a Data and AI Senior Manager to lead the design and delivery of large-scale Azure data platforms, BI and analytics solutions for clients. The role combines hands-on technical leadership with strategic client engagement across engagements.

You will mentor teams, drive architecture standards, oversee data governance, and shape data strategy and roadmaps. Travel abroad when required and communicate effectively in English.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years in a senior data/AI consulting role or equivalent.
• Proficient in designing and delivering Azure-based data platforms and BI solutions.
• Strong communication, leadership, and client-facing skills.

Responsibilities

• Architect and oversee end-to-end Azure Data Platforms design, deployment, and delivery.
• Lead presales, estimation, and proposal writing for data projects.
• Mentor and guide delivery teams to ensure quality and governance.
• Translate business requirements into reporting and data analytics functionality.
• Collaborate with clients to develop data strategies and roadmaps.

Skills

Azure Data Platform

Azure Synapse Analytics

Azure Databricks

Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2

Azure SQL Database

Azure Data Factory

Power BI

Microsoft Fabric

Azure Purview

CI/CD

Data Governance

Master Data Management

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Graduate-level degree in Computer Science or related field

Equivalent professional qualification

Formal training/certifications in related technologies

Tools

SSIS/SSRS/SSAS

Job description

Data and AI Senior Manager

Number of positions: 1

Function and Business Unit: Strategy and Operations: Technology & Innovation (JHB / DBN)

KPMG is looking for an experienced and talented Data and AI Senior Manager who will help to grow our data delivery team by architecting, designing and implementing large‑scale Data Platform, Business Intelligence (BI) and Analytics solutions for our clients. The role is highly technical and requires a robust understanding and hands‑on expertise of Microsoft Azure cloud technologies, data architecture and modelling concepts. It also demands strong analytical, problem‑solving and planning skills, as well as communication and collaboration skills to achieve results in a dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and oversee end‑to‑end design, deployment, and delivery of Azure Data Platforms, across Data Lakes, Data Warehouses, Data Lakehouses, pipelines, BI and Data Analytics solutions.
• Presales, estimating and proposal writing, responding to RFPs.
• Stay up to date with new and emerging technologies.
• Work with clients to develop data technology strategy and roadmaps, and plan delivery.
• Oversee and support delivery team outputs.
• Model, design, and build data structures.
• Enforce technical architecture and documentation standards, policies, and procedures.
• Analyze, implement, and resolve issues with existing Azure Data Platforms.
• Work with business experts and customers to translate business requirements into reporting and data analytics functionality.
• Assist in scoping, estimation, and task planning for assigned projects.
• Follow project work plans to meet functionality requirements, project objectives, and timelines.
• Provide accurate and complete technical architectural documents.
• Address customer queries and issues promptly.
• Mentor and provide hands‑on guidance to other team members.

Business Development

• Identify, shape, and qualify new opportunities across existing and new clients.
• Lead proposal development, including solutioning, estimation, and presentation of approach and value proposition.
• Support go‑to‑market initiatives, thought leadership, and sales campaigns.
• Build long‑term client relationships and contribute to practice growth targets.

Skills and Experience Required

• Minimum of 8 years in a similar senior role, with consulting experience an advantage.
• Experience designing and implementing Azure Data solutions using services such as Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Databricks, Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2, Azure SQL Database, Azure Data Factory, Azure DevOps, Azure Stream Analytics, Microsoft Power BI, and Microsoft Fabric.
• Familiarity with Azure Purview.
• Understanding of Master Data Management and Data Governance frameworks.
• Experience with CI/CD development approaches.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to lead and work as part of a diverse technical team.
• Customer‑service orientation.
• Flexibility to work in a fast‑paced, changing environment.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Willingness to travel abroad when required.
• Graduate‑level education in Computer Science or a relevant field, or an equivalent professional qualification.
• Formal training and/or certification in related technologies is highly valued.
• Knowledge of Common Data Models or Industry Data Models considered an asset.
• Experience in OLAP technology and Microsoft on‑premises BI stack (SSIS/SSRS/SSAS) is useful but not mandatory.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics 365 products and the Microsoft Power Platform considered an asset.
• Certification in data engineering, data science, or analytics considered advantageous.

Personal Attributes

Self‑motivated, quick learner, and able to work in diverse teams.