Data and Insights Manager

PricewaterhouseCoopers; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A global professional services firm in South Africa is looking for a Business Application Consulting Generalist to lead data governance and analytics initiatives. This role requires 5-7 years of experience, along with a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field. You will collaborate with stakeholders to maintain data quality, guide analytics delivery, and expand services. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential, and candidates familiar with data platforms like Azure are preferred.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years in data governance, analytics or data management roles, preferably within professional services or shared services environments.
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g. Power BI, Tableau) and data platforms (e.g. Azure, Snowflake) is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of workforce and learning management principles.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with data stewards and system owners to maintain high standards of data quality.
• Guide the team in designing and delivering dashboards, reports and predictive models.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to expand data services across territories.

Skills

SQL

Data Collection

GCP

Master Data Management

R

Data Management

Clinical Trials

User Acceptance Testing

Data Warehouse

SAS

Oracle

Data Analysis Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in data science, information systems, business analytics or a related field

Master's degree or relevant certifications (e.g. CDMP, CIPP, PMP)

Job description

Job Description & Summary

At PwC our people in business application consulting specialise in consulting services for a variety of business applications helping clients optimise operational efficiency. These professionals analyse client needs, implement software solutions and provide training and support for seamless integration and utilisation of business applications, enabling clients to achieve their strategic objectives.

As a business application consulting generalist at PwC you will provide consulting services for a wide range of business applications, leveraging a broad understanding of various software solutions to assist clients in optimising operational efficiency through analysis, implementation, training and support.

Growing as a strategic advisor you will leverage your influence, expertise and network to deliver quality results. You will motivate and coach others, coming together to solve complex problems, and as you increase in autonomy you will apply sound judgment recognising when to take action and when to escalte. You are expected to solve through complexity, ask thoughtful questions, and clearly communicate how things fit together. Your ability to develop and sustain high‑performing, diverse and inclusive teams, and your commitment to excellence will contribute to the success of our Firm.

Skills, Knowledge and Experiences

• Craft and convey clear, impactful and engaging messages that tell a holistic story.
• Apply systems thinking to identify underlying problems and/or opportunities.
• Validate outcomes with clients; share alternative perspectives and act on client feedback.
• Direct the team through complexity, demonstrating composure through ambiguous, challenging and uncertain situations.
• Deepen and evolve your expertise with a focus on staying relevant.
• Initiate open and honest coaching conversations at all levels.
• Make difficult decisions and take action to resolve issues hindering team effectiveness.
• Model and reinforce professional and technical standards (e.g. refer to specific PwC tax and audit guidance, the Firm's Code of Conduct and independence requirements).

About PwC SATIC and the role

PwC's South Africa Technology & Innovation Centre (SATIC) is a strategic hub designed to deliver innovative tech‑enabled solutions to global clients. The Data Cluster Lead plays a pivotal leadership role within Business Services, overseeing a portfolio of data governance, analytics and compliance services. This includes ensuring the protection, quality and strategic use of internal firm data to drive business insights and operational excellence.

Summary

This role is responsible for leading the Data Clusters strategic execution, service delivery and innovation agenda. The incumbent will collaborate with the Business Services Lead and cross‑functional stakeholders to ensure data privacy compliance, enable analytics capabilities and foster a culture of data‑driven decision‑making.

Qualifications / Certifications Required

• Bachelors degree in data science, information systems, business analytics or a related field.
• A masters degree or relevant certifications (e.g. CDMP, CIPP, PMP) is advantageous.

Experience Required

5–7 years in data governance, analytics or data management roles, preferably within professional services or shared services environments.

Proven experience in implementing data privacy frameworks (e.g. GDPR, POPIA) and managing compliance audits.

Strong understanding of data lifecycle management, data quality frameworks and analytics platforms.

Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage complex data initiatives.

Experience with data visualization tools (e.g. Power BI, Tableau) and data platforms (e.g. Azure, Snowflake) is highly desirable.

High adaptability to fast‑paced evolving environments.

Strong understanding of workforce and learning management principles and experience applying them in a business context.

Demonstrated ability to lead and manage diverse teams effectively.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels.

Experience in the introduction and management of HR automation and AI tools is highly desirable.

Demonstrated leadership of diverse cross‑territory teams.

Responsibilities of the Role

Data Quality & Lifecycle Management

Collaborate with data stewards and system owners to maintain high standards of data quality, access control and lifecycle management.

Analytics & Insights Delivery

Guide the team in designing and delivering dashboards, reports and predictive models that support strategic decision‑making.

Service and Territory Expansion

Identify and pursue opportunities to expand data services across territories. Align team capabilities with emerging business needs.

Stakeholder Engagement

Maintain a regular cadence with territory stakeholders. Manage client relationships and ensure alignment with strategic goals.

Service Onboarding

Oversee onboarding of new services into the cluster, streamline processes and ensure quality integration.

Career Planning

Support team leads in career development initiatives. Ensure skills mapping and alignment with growth objectives. Ensure succession planning for key roles.

Reporting

Provide monthly performance, quality assurance and strategic progress reports to the Business Services Steerco.

Strategy Execution & Industry / Service Awareness

Drive execution of strategic initiatives in alignment with SATIC goals. Keep informed on emerging trends in data governance, analytics and AI. Translate industry insights into actionable strategies that enhance service quality and consistency.

Automation and AI Introduction

Lead integration of automation and AI to improve efficiency. Promote adoption of innovative tools and methodologies.

Risk Management

Identify and mitigate risks within the cluster. Implement risk assessment protocols to ensure continuity.

Leadership and Collaboration

Foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

Promote best practices and new technologies. Drive a culture of innovation and operational excellence.

Desirable Skill Sets

• Strategic thinking and execution
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement
• Operational and project management
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Strong people leadership experience
• Adapted in identifying innovative opportunities

Role Related Attributes

• Detail‑oriented and results‑driven
• Proactive, adaptable and solution‑focused
• Comfortable working with ambiguity and managing change
• Culturally competent with a global mindset
• High integrity and professional accountability
• High levels of resilience
• Self‑starter

Travel Requirements

Up to 20%

Key Skills

• SQL
• Data Collection
• GCP
• Master Data Management
• R
• Data Management
• Clinical Trials
• User Acceptance Testing
• Data Warehouse
• SAS
• Oracle
• Data Analysis Skills

Employment Type

Full‑Time