Data Officer

Sanlam; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services provider in Gauteng seeks a Data Officer with an actuarial background to integrate expertise with data governance. The role involves developing a comprehensive data strategy, leading MIS oversight, and managing cloud data modernization efforts. Ideal candidates should possess a relevant bachelor's degree, actuarial qualifications, and 5+ years of experience in the insurance sector.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in short-term insurance, with exposure to MIS, data governance.
• 3+ years management experience.
• Experience in cloud data platforms & data warehouse modernization.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic transformation of data capabilities.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive data strategy.
• Establish and lead a company-wide data governance framework.
• Manage and mentor a team of MIS analysts and data engineers.

Skills

Strong knowledge of cloud data platforms

Proficiency in data tools

Deep understanding of actuarial principles

Excellent communication

Familiarity with data privacy

Education

Bachelor's degree in Actuarial Science, Data Science

Qualified or nearly qualified actuary (ASSA or equivalent)

Tools

SQL

Power BI

Python

R

Job description

Who are we?

MiWay is a direct financial services company. We are passionate about service excellence, convenience and offering our clients superior value products. Our Vision is to be a world-class direct financial services business that offers a complete array of services under one convenient umbrella – all managed online. We are positive that with the right people on board, we will continue to grow and give our clients the freedom to do things their way – free from worry and most importantly at peace with all the “what-ifs” of the world. Company values that every employee subscribes to are: Energy, Freedom, Accountability and Attitude. The ideal candidate is one who has the courage to be bold and subscribes to MiWay’s core values! Do you have a positive attitude, love a challenge, treat your colleagues with respect and look for solutions, not problems? If yes, then MiWay is the place for you!

What will make you successful in this role?

Job Title: Data Officer (Actuarial Background) Department: Information Technology / MIS Reporting To: Executive Head: Chief Information Officer (CIO) Location: Kosmosdal, Gauteng Type: Full-Time

Role Purpose

Lead the strategic transformation of data capabilities by integrating actuarial expertise with data governance, MIS oversight, and modern data architecture. This role is pivotal in driving enterprise-wide data governance, modernizing the data warehouse to a cloud-based solution, and enabling data-driven decision-making across the short-term insurance business.

Key Responsibilities

• Data Strategy and Transformation: Develop and execute a comprehensive data strategy aligned with business goals, regulatory requirements, and digital initiatives. Champion the shift from legacy systems to a modern, cloud-based data warehouse.
• Enterprise Data Governance: Establish and lead a company-wide data governance framework (policies, standards, stewardship). Ensure data quality, consistency, privacy, and compliance with South African regulations (e.g., POPIA).
• MIS Oversight: Lead the MIS function to deliver accurate, timely, and actionable insights. Enhance reporting capabilities via automation, self-service BI, and advanced analytics, ensuring alignment with actuarial models and regulatory submissions.
• Actuarial Integration: Apply actuarial knowledge to design database structures supporting pricing, reserving, and risk modelling. Translate actuarial outputs into business-relevant insights and align data strategies with the Head of Actuarial.
• Cloud Data Modernization: Lead the migration of the data warehouse to a scalable, secure cloud-based platform. Evaluate and implement modern data technologies (e.g., Azure, AWS, Snowflake, Databricks) to support real-time analytics and machine learning.
• Stakeholder and Culture: Engage with executive leadership, business units, and technical teams to deliver impactful solutions. Promote a data-driven culture and advocate for data literacy across the organisation.
• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of MIS analysts, data engineers, and governance specialists. Build internal capabilities for advanced analytics, data engineering, and governance.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree: in Actuarial Science, Data Science, Computer Science, or related field.
• Qualified or nearly qualified actuary: (ASSA or equivalent) is required.
• +5 years’ experience: in short-term insurance, with exposure to MIS, data governance, and actuarial modelling.
• 3+ years management experience.
• Experience in cloud data platforms & data warehouse modernization.
• Proven leadership in data strategy and cross-functional collaboration.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of cloud data platforms: e.g., Azure Synapse, AWS Redshift, Snowflake.
• Proficiency in data tools: SQL, Power BI, Python, R.
• Deep understanding of actuarial principles and insurance operations.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, & change leadership skills.
• Familiarity with data privacy & regulatory frameworks: e.g., POPIA, SAM.

Knowledge and Skills

• Data Standards and Procedures
• Data analysis and interpretation and trend analysis within complex business environment
• IT Data Analysis and Architecture
• Statistical analysis and data of sales and marketing performance
• Trend analysis and data interpretation

Personal Attributes

• Develops talent - Contributing strategically
• Manages complexity - Contributing strategically
• Tech savvy - Contributing strategically
• Balances stakeholders - Contributing strategically

Build a successful career with us

We’re all about building strong, lasting relationships with our employees. We know that you have hopes for your future – your career, your personal development and of achieving great things. We pride ourselves in helping our employees to realise their worth. Through its five business clusters – Sanlam Fintech, Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Allianz, Santam, as well as MiWay and the Group Office – the group provides many opportunities for growth and development.

Core Competencies

• Being resilient - Contributing strategically
• Collaborates - Contributing strategically
• Cultivates innovation - Contributing strategically
• Customer focus - Contributing strategically
• Drives results - Contributing strategically

Turnaround time

The shortlisting process will only start once the application due date has been reached. The time taken to complete this process will depend on how far you progress and the availability of managers.Deadline to apply: 17 November 2025.

Our commitment to transformation

At MiWay we believe in cultivating a positive and dynamic working environment that gives you freedom and opportunity to succeed. MiWay is committed to transformation and embracing diversity. This is what drives us to achieve a multicultural workplace with employment equity as a key goal to create an inclusive workforce, reflective of the demographics of our society.