Software Engineering Manager - Data Analytics
Location:
Office based Workshop 17, Cape Town
Job Summary:
We are seeking a motivated Software Engineering Manager to join our dynamic Software Engineering team and data scientists focused on delivering advanced data analytics products in Cape Town. This role will leverage Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI), large language models (LLMs), and cutting-edge analytics tools such as Microsoft Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, and Databricks to understand worker behaviors, operational challenges, and opportunities, driving organizational and employee performance.
Responsibilities:
- Lead a team of software engineers, data scientists, and Quality Engineers in delivering high-quality, scalable data analytics products.
- Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture focused on innovation, continuous learning, and problem-solving.
- Provide mentorship, coaching, and career development for team members.
- Manage daily operations, resource allocation, and project timelines to ensure quality and timely delivery.
- Work with Product teams to align technical initiatives with organizational goals related to employee and organizational performance.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business needs into data products and solutions.
- Oversee integration of Machine Learning, LLMs, AI, and analytics tools into the data architecture for real-time decision-making.
- Ensure data validation, cleaning, and integrity for accurate analytics solutions.
- Establish and enforce best practices in software engineering, including code reviews, automated testing, CI/CD.
- Define key metrics to measure the impact of analytics products.
- Stay updated on industry trends in data analytics, ML, AI, LLMs, and BI platforms.
- Promote adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance analytics quality and performance.
- Encourage experimentation and innovation in data pipelines, models, and outputs.
- Engage with stakeholders to ensure analytics meet business requirements.
- Communicate technical concepts effectively to non-technical stakeholders.
- Provide project updates, identify risks, and propose mitigation strategies.
- Ensure compliance with data governance, privacy, and security standards.
Essential Skills & Experience:
- 5+ years in software engineering, including 2+ years in leadership roles managing teams and delivery.
- Experience with Agile methodologies and managing agile teams.
- Proven leadership in high-performing teams, talent development, and coaching.
- Strong project management skills, including prioritization and timeline management.
- Understanding of how data analytics, AI, and LLMs can improve organizational performance, with ability to translate business needs into technical solutions.
- Ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders to deliver impactful data products.
Desirable:
- Experience with analytics platforms like Microsoft Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, and Databricks.
- Hands-on experience with Machine Learning and AI, including model development and deployment.
- Familiarity with large language models (LLMs) and their applications.
- Advanced degree in relevant fields or demonstrable related experience.
- Proficiency in data engineering, pipelines, and processing technologies.
- Strong programming skills in Python, R, or SQL.
- Deep understanding of ML/AI algorithms and their business applications.
- Experience with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP) and tools like Databricks and Power BI.
We value diversity and are committed to employment equity. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including people with disabilities. Due to high application volumes, lack of feedback within three months indicates an unsuccessful application. Your CV may be stored for future opportunities unless you request otherwise by emailing recruitment@surgo.co.za.