Item Coding Team Lead – DataOps & Team Leadership

Circana; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Job summary

Circana in Johannesburg, South Africa, is hiring an Item Coding Team Lead on a fixed-term contract through May 2028. You will oversee BAU operations, drive process improvements, and collaborate across data, client delivery and retail teams.

The role requires 4+ years FMCG experience, strong leadership, and expert Excel/Office skills; SQL knowledge is preferred. You will mentor team members and ensure timely delivery of high‑quality data.

Qualifications

• Degree or associates’ degree.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Strong attention-to-detail, while working in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong Leadership Skills.
• 4+ years FMCG experience.
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook; SQL knowledge preferred.

Responsibilities

• Take full accountability for all the Item Coding BAU process areas, leading his/her team to achieve company, department, team and personal objectives.
• Responsible for the recruitment, training and development of personnel, ensuring that all team members have effective development plans which are regularly reviewed and evaluated.
• Take full ownership of all assigned item coding client change requests and project management of expansions.
• Ensuring the highest quality of the central Circana Dictionary (Fusion) and related items.
• Establish and drive the operational item coding process and governance.
• Actively seeks out client product performance in the market to stay relevant.
• Maintain strong internal cross-departmental relationships.
• Display a solid understanding of the business and service offerings.
• Assist Data Production, Client Delivery, CPG and Retail teams with troubleshooting.
• Adhere to all relevant policies and procedures.
• Communicate issues and deadlines to stakeholders and Item Coding Manager.
• Able to work extra hours as required to meet deadlines.
• Conduct regular team knowledge shares.
• Mentor and develop operational and QA skills of team members.
• Oversee and guide new junior team members and assist in orientation/onboarding.
• Support Item Coding Manager with team management and strategic initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Time management

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Education

Degree or associates’ degree

Tools

SQL

Microsoft Office

Job description

Circana in Johannesburg, South Africa, is hiring an Item Coding Team Lead on a fixed-term contract through May 2028. You will oversee BAU operations, drive process improvements, and collaborate across data, client delivery and retail teams.

The role requires 4+ years FMCG experience, strong leadership, and expert Excel/Office skills; SQL knowledge is preferred. You will mentor team members and ensure timely delivery of high‑quality data.