Data Unit Manager

Afrigis; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A data services company in Pretoria seeks a skilled Data Manager to lead its data function. The role involves overseeing the data team, developing strategic data science frameworks, and integrating AI-driven analytics to support business decisions. Ideal candidates have extensive experience in data management and a strong technical background in AI and predictive modeling.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in data management or data science.
• 3+ years in a leadership capacity.
• Proficient in Python, R, SQL for data processing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the data team.
• Lead the data team, providing mentorship and direction.
• Develop data science framework to support AI-driven decision-making.

Skills

Data management

AI-driven analytics

Predictive modelling

Python

R

SQL

Data cleaning

Data analysis

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Data Science

Master's degree

Tools

QGIS

MapInfo

ArcGIS

PostGIS

SQL Server

Oracle

Job description

IntroductionWe are seeking a Data Manager that will lead the Data function, bringing deep technical expertise and strategic oversight to ensure optimal data management, utilisation and advancement in data science.

This role demands a highly skilled professional with extensive experience in data, AI-driven analytics, and predictive modelling. The Data Manager will play a pivotal role in developing and scaling data science capabilities within the company, integrating AI and advanced data modelling to drive strategic decision-making and business innovation.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred) in Computer Science, Data Science or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in data management, data science or a similar role, with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity.
• Background in AI model development, machine learning, and predictive analytics.
• Proficiency in programming languages (Python, R, SQL) for data processing and automation.
• Extensive experience in data cleaning and data mining principles.
• Strong background in data analysis, visualisation, and predictive modelling.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex spatial data to non-technical stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related spatial data would be advantageous, including GIS software (QGIS, MapInfo, ArcGIS) and spatial databases (PostGIS, SQL Server, Oracle).

Roles & Responsibilities

Departmental Management Activities

Oversee the daily operations of the data team, ensuring efficiency, resource allocation, and continuous optimisation. Conduct regular standup meetings with the team to ensure alignment and to identify obstacles. Preparation of management reports; pile and submit Capex requests to enable monthly and quarterly data releases; pile data usage reports.

Team Leadership & Development

Lead the data team, providing mentorship, development opportunities, and strategic direction. Responsible for team performance management and ensuring team contributions are recognised and aligned with organisational objectives. Foster a collaborative, results-driven culture focused on quality, innovation, and problem-solving. Champion the integration of AI and machine learning within the data science function.

Data Science & AI Strategy

Develop a robust data science framework to support AI-driven decision-making and business intelligence. Oversee the implementation of AI-powered data analytics and automation across the data science function. Lead research and development initiatives in AI modelling, machine learning, and predictive analytics, as this applies to the GIS space and other relevant data sets / models.

Data Management & Strategy

Oversee the end-to-end management of data, including collection, processing, storage, and distribution. Responsible for monthly and quarterly data releases. Ensure that all datasets align with organisational needs and adhere to quality standards. Research and evaluate additional datasets to enhance the company's data science offerings. Manage data service providers to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and technical standards.

Data Analysis & Problem-Solving

Oversee and contribute to complex data analysis tasks, including data modelling and the creation of detailed visualisations to inform decision-making. Oversee identification of shortcomings and data quality problems within internal and external datasets. Oversee and contribute to technical team leads on data product development and project delivery.

Technology & Tools Implementation

Drive the adoption of best-in-class data science tools and technologies. Evaluate, implement, and maintain platforms, GIS software, and related tools in alignment with company needs and budget. Perform regular technology, data, and AI model quality reviews to drive cost optimisation. Provide technical recommendations and oversee creation of support documentation to enhance data science processes.

Client Engagement

Ensure high-quality results are delivered on time and within budget. Oversee all data deliveries to clients, ensuring contract obligations are met. Provide technical support to the Sales team.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

Work closely with internal teams, including Product Development, Operations, IT and Sales to integrate data solutions that support broader business objectives. Gather requirements and develop project plans, including effort estimates. Serve as a primary point of contact for all data-related queries.

Specialised Data Solutions

Oversee and contribute to custom data workflows, automation, and analytics tailored to business needs.

Business Intelligence Integration

Oversee and contribute to translation of data insights into actionable business intelligence by integrating data with internal analytics and reporting systems, such as business dashboards compliance & Data Governance.

This may involve advanced data processing, 3D modelling or data visualisations.

Compliance & Data Governance

Develop and enforce data governance policies for data, including security, privacy, metadata standards, and compliance with any relevant regulations. Work closely with stakeholders to understand risk assessment requirements and translate them into data solutions. Ensure data compliance with regulatory standards and internal quality benchmarks.

Data Modelling

Manage and maintain high-quality datasets used in risk modelling processes. Collaborate with analysts and developers to ensure accurate data integration into risk and other models. Oversee data validation, cleansing, and transformation procedures to support model reliability. Support the development of dashboards and reporting tools to communicate risk insights. Lead periodic audits and reviews of data used in modelling to identify gaps or inconsistencies. Document data management workflows, risk data definitions, and metadata clearly for team-wide use. Design and contribute to the development of derived measures and data sets based on client requirements and company strategic objectives.

Should you be interested please send your CV to