Data Engineering Test Lead

PBT Group; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

PBT Group in Cape Town is seeking a seasoned Data QA/Testing Lead to drive quality across data pipelines, ETL/ELT processes and BI reporting. You will blend hands-on data/SQL testing with test leadership and UAT coordination, engaging Business, SMEs and technical teams.

The role requires 5–8 years in data/QA testing, 2+ years in a lead/coordination position, and strong SQL, data warehousing concepts, plus cloud tooling exposure. Contract engagement with Cape Town base.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree/diploma in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering or related (or equivalent experience)
• 5–8 years in data/QA testing with 2+ years in a lead/coordination role
• Advanced SQL, ETL/ELT testing and data warehousing concepts (Kimball/Data Vault)

Responsibilities

• Define and own the test strategy across SIT, data validation, regression and UAT for data and BI solutions.
• Design and execute data reconciliation, validation and quality checks (source-to-target, row counts, transformation logic, business rules).
• Build repeatable test frameworks and automated data quality checks where possible.
• Manage defect logging, triage, root-cause analysis and resolution tracking.
• Lead and mentor a small team of testers / QA analysts; coordinate testing resources and priorities.
• Plan and coordinate UAT with business users and SMEs — scope, entry/exit criteria, scenarios, execution tracking and business sign-off.
• Manage testing risks, dependencies and readiness for go-live.
• Engage Business, Internal teams and SMEs in a structured, professional manner.

Skills

Advanced SQL

Data testing

Test leadership

UAT coordination

Data quality

Education

Bachelor's degree / diploma in CS/IS/Engineering

Tools

Power BI

Qlik

Snowflake

Azure

AWS

Job description

Be part of our team of Data Specialists and embark on a career of the future!

To lead the quality assurance and testing of data pipelines, ETL/ELT processes and reporting solutions, ensuring data is accurate, reliable and fit for business use. The role blends hands-on data/SQL testing with test leadership, UAT coordination and structured stakeholder engagement across Business, SMEs and technical teams.

Key Responsibilities

1. Testing & Data Quality

Define and own the test strategy across SIT, data validation, regression and UAT for data and BI solutions.

Design and execute data reconciliation, validation and quality checks (source-to-target, row counts, transformation logic, business rules).

Build repeatable test frameworks and automated data quality checks where possible.

Manage defect logging, triage, root-cause analysis and resolution tracking.

Lead and mentor a small team of testers / QA analysts; coordinate testing resources and priorities.

Plan and coordinate UAT with business users and SMEs — scope, entry/exit criteria, scenarios, execution tracking and business sign-off.

Manage testing risks, dependencies and readiness for go-live.

3. Stakeholder Engagement

Engage Business, Internal teams and SMEs in a structured, professional manner.

Define test cases and communicate quality status clearly to non-technical stakeholders.

Build credibility and a \"big picture\" business acumen - not just query-writing.

Qualification: Bachelor's degree/diploma in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering or related (or equivalent experience)

Experience: 5-8 years in data/QA testing, with 2+ years in a lead/coordination role

Core Technical: Advanced SQL (mandatory), ETL/ELT testing, data warehousing concepts (Kimball/Data Vault)

Testing:

Domain: Short-term insurance / financial services exposure highly advantageous

Cloud / Tooling: Exposure to Azure / AWS / Snowflake, Power BI / Qlik; test/automation tools an advantage

Advantageous / Nice-to-Have

Guidewire, TIA or similar insurance platform data structures

Python for test automation / data validation

Experience in cloud migration or Medallion architecture initiatives

ISTQB or similar testing certification

Key Strengths (Ideal Candidate)

Strong SQL and data-testing capability with a quality-first mindset

Proven test leadership and UAT coordination

Structured stakeholder engagement and business acumen - commands respect and sees the bigger picture

Analytical, methodical problem-solver who can bridge business and technology

Location:

Cape Town

Engagement Type:

Contract

Skills

Data Warehousing Extract Transform Load (ETL) SQL System Integration Testing (SIT) Test Plans User Acceptance Testing (UAT)