Data Operations Specialist

Smollan Technologies; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 620,000; Full time

Job summary

Smollan Technologies in Cape Town is seeking a Data Operations Specialist to own day-to-day high-volume data workflows, integrations, and processing pipelines across our platforms. You will collaborate with Data Eng, Analytics, and Client teams to ensure deterministic processing, troubleshoot complex data challenges, and drive efficiency while maintaining data quality and security.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years in technical data operations, strong SQL, BI tools, and a problem-solving mindset,

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in technical data operations, data processing, or data analytics.
• Relevant tertiary Degree/Diploma or certification in Information Technology, Commerce, or a related field.
• High proficiency in SQL, Power BI or Tableau or Pyramid, advanced Excel, and a core understanding of data warehousing principles.
• Strong numerical, analytical, and troubleshooting skills with the capacity to adapt tools and techniques to resolve edge cases.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to engage internal engineering/analytics teams and external data providers.
• Delivery-focused with ability to manage multiple concurrent projects under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage Custom & Special Setups: Spec, design, and execute custom data setups while building and maintaining technical relationships with key data providers, distributors, and clients.
• Drive High-Volume Data Processing: Accurately process and manage data using specialised internal data platforms to ensure delivery within strict service-level agreements.
• Resolve Complex Technical Issues: Troubleshoot and resolve complex data processing and pipeline failures independently before joint escalations are needed.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Work directly with Client Success, Data Engineers, Data Integration, and Data Visualisation teams to translate operational requirements into scalable systems.
• Optimise Operations: Identify, recommend, and implement workflow enhancements and continuous process improvements across the data management cycle.
• Mentor & Lead: Train, mentor, and guide junior and trainee operations analysts on data management standards and system tools.

Skills

SQL

Power BI

Tableau

Pyramid

Excel

Data warehousing concepts

Analytical thinking

Communication

Delivery focus

Education

Relevant tertiary degree / diploma in IT or related field

Job description

At Smollan Technologies, we provide a unified, technology-driven suite of products that redefines how businesses handle data. We don’t just build applications; we build cloud-native, high-throughput engines that turn raw unstructured media into predictive intelligence. Our Engineering team is no different. We are moving away from monolithic backends and rigid systems, flipping the switch on next-gen applied AI and event-driven data platforms. By centralising our server-heavy architectures, inference job orchestration, and rich web interfaces within automated cloud workflows, we are transforming complex technical infrastructure into a forward-thinking strategic asset.

Our vision for our Data Operations Specialist is to carry day-to-day technical accountability for high-volume data management workflows, custom integrations, and the data processing pipelines that power our platforms. This isn't just about routine processing; it’s about deep-diving into end-to-end data structures, securing and onboarding complex new data sources, and executing custom setups with deterministic accuracy. The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking analyst who is not only fluent in SQL, reporting tools, and data warehousing concepts, but actively excited about troubleshooting intricate data challenges, driving operational pipeline efficiencies, and bridging the gap between external data providers and internal engineering teams.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Manage Custom & Special Setups: Spec, design, and execute custom data setups while building and maintaining technical relationships with key data providers, distributors, and clients.
• Drive High-Volume Data Processing: Accurately process and manage data using specialised internal data platforms to ensure delivery within strict service-level agreements.
• Resolve Complex Technical Issues: Troubleshoot and resolve complex data processing and pipeline failures independently before joint escalations are needed.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Work directly with Client Success, Data Engineers, Data Integration, and Data Visualisation teams to translate operational requirements into scalable systems.
• Optimise Operations: Identify, recommend, and implement workflow enhancements and continuous process improvements across the data management cycle.
• Mentor & Lead: Train, mentor, and guide junior and trainee operations analysts on data management standards and system tools.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Relevant Experience: At least 2 years of experience in technical data operations, data processing, or data analytics.
• Education: Relevant Tertiary Degree/Diploma or certification in Information Technology, Commerce, or a related field.
• Technical Mastery: High proficiency in SQL, Power BI or Tableau or Pyramid, advanced Excel, and a core understanding of data warehousing principles.
• Problem-Solving Ability: Strong numerical, analytical, and troubleshooting skills with the capacity to adapt tools and techniques to resolve edge cases.
• Communication & Stakeholder Management: Excellent interpersonal skills to engage both internal engineering/analytics teams and external client or data provider stakeholders.
• Delivery Focus: A results-driven mindset capable of managing multiple concurrent projects under tight deadlines.

We believe that when you hire unique, creative problem solvers and give them flexibility and independence, incredible things happen. Our culture is rooted in a foundation of trust. We foster a diverse, inclusive environment where our people are genuinely cared for, inspired, and empowered to thrive. We are looking for dreamers who love a challenge and want the autonomy to solve it.