Global Service Team Manager & Digital Data Platform Architect

Sappi; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A global wood fibre solution company is looking for a Digital Data Platform Architect in Johannesburg. This senior role involves leading the strategy and architecture of the enterprise data platform, enabling advanced analytics, and managing a global team of data engineers. Candidates should have a degree in Computer Science and strong experience with cloud data platforms, preferably Google Cloud. Join us and contribute to innovation and sustainability goals in a multicultural environment.

Benefits

Access to thousands of online training courses

Multicultural environment with colleagues from 68 nationalities

Opportunity to contribute to sustainability goals

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science, Information Management, or equivalent experience.
• Strong experience in cloud data platforms (GCP preferred).
• Proven leadership in enterprise data architecture.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the enterprise data platform strategy and architecture.
• Design and evolve a self-service, cloud-based data platform.
• Establish standards for data modelling, integration, governance, and security.

Skills

Cloud data platforms

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership in data architecture

Communication skills

Experience in global environments

Education

Degree in Computer Science or equivalent

Tools

Google Cloud Platform

Azure

AWS

Job description

Overview

Global | Hybrid | Senior Leadership Role

We are hiring!

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Digital Data Platform Architect to lead the strategy, design, and evolution of our global enterprise data platform.

This senior role is responsible for defining Sappi’s data platform architecture and roadmap, enabling advanced analytics and BI, and aligning data products with our broader Digital and business strategy. You will lead a global team of data engineers, partner with senior stakeholders, and work closely with key technology vendors to deliver scalable, secure, and future-ready data solutions.

Responsibilities

As a Digital Data Platform Architect, you will be responsible for:

• Define and lead the enterprise data platform strategy and architecture
• Design and evolve a self-service, cloud-based data platform
• Establish standards for data modelling, integration, governance, and security
• Enable advanced analytics and BI capabilities across the business
• Lead and develop a global data engineering team
• Partner with business, IT domain teams, and vendors (notably Google Cloud)

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science, Information Management, or equivalent experience
• Strong experience in cloud data platforms (GCP preferred; Azure/AWS considered)
• Proven leadership in enterprise data architecture and analytics platforms
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Ability to operate in a global, multicultural environment

Benefits

• An excellent opportunity to work, learn & grow with us. With our culture of learning & development, you can access thousands of online trainings
• A multi-cultural & international environment to share and collaborate with colleagues from more than 68 nationalities in 31 locations globally.
• A unique opportunity to join a global wood fibre solution company. We are constantly innovating toward a circular economy, working to achieve our sustainability goals & reduce our carbon footprint.