Vice President AI, Data and Digital Innovation

Sasol; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Sasol is seeking a senior leader to drive its enterprise AI, data and digital strategy from Sandton, Gauteng. You will translate business priorities into scalable capabilities, embed responsible governance and partner with executives to improve performance, productivity and growth.

The role requires 16+ years in AI, data, analytics and digital transformation, with proven leadership delivering value at scale within a large organisation. An inclusive, diverse culture is emphasised.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in leading AI, data and digital initiatives at scale.
• Strong governance, risk and compliance awareness in data projects.
• Senior leadership experience delivering measurable business value.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive enterprise AI, data and digital strategy aligned to goals.
• Lead the architecture, governance and lifecycle of data and AI platforms.
• Partner with executives to prioritise initiatives and track benefits.
• Scale AI, analytics and automation across the organisation.
• Build and lead high-performing data and digital transformation teams.

Skills

Strategic leadership

AI strategy

Data governance

Stakeholder management

Data analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Job description

Sasol is a global integrated chemicals and energy company with a 75-year heritage. Through our talented people, we use our expertise and selected technologies to safely and sustainably source, manufacture and market chemical and energy products globally. When you join Team Sasol, you are joining a company that puts people at the center of everything we do. Sasol invests in its employees along every stage of the career path and offers development opportunities to help you cultivate your career in a culture that embraces diversity and inclusion.

Job Requisition ID 13201

Closing Date 2 October 2026

OME

CML: Information Management

Location Sandton, Gauteng

Purpose of Job

Lead Sasol’s enterprise data, AI and digital strategy by translating business priorities into scalable capabilities that deliver measurable value. The role is responsible for driving the adoption of data, AI, automation and digital solutions, embedding responsible governance, and partnering with executive leaders to enhance operational performance, productivity, decision-making and business growth.

Key Accountabilities

Enterprise AI, Data & Digital Strategy

• Define and execute the enterprise-wide AI, data and digital strategy aligned to business priorities and value creation.
• Establish strategic roadmaps, investment priorities and high-value AI, automation and digital initiatives.
• Drive AI adoption from concept to implementation, scaling and value realisation.

Business Value Realisation

• Ensure data, AI and digital initiatives deliver measurable business outcomes, productivity gains and operational improvements.
• Establish value tracking, adoption measurement and benefits reporting.
• Partner with business leaders to prioritise, scale, reshape or discontinue initiatives based on realised value.

AI, Data & Digital Technology Capability Enablement

• Lead the industrialisation and scaling of AI, analytics and automation solutions across the enterprise.
• Define data and AI architecture, platform standards, governance and lifecycle management practices.
• Ensure solutions are secure, reliable, cost-effective and aligned to enterprise standards.

AI and Data Governance

• Establish enterprise data governance, data quality, stewardship and lifecycle management practices.
• Lead Responsible AI governance covering ethics, risk, privacy, security, compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure trusted, accessible and fit-for-purpose data assets across the organisation.

Workforce Enablement & Capability Building

• Build enterprise AI and data literacy, adoption capability and communities of practice.
• Lead and develop high-performing data, AI, analytics and digital transformation teams.
• Foster a culture of data-driven decision-making, responsible innovation and continuous learning.

Innovation & Growth

• Identify and realise opportunities for revenue growth and commercial value through data, AI and digital capabilities.
• Partner with business leaders to develop scalable digital products, services and future business models.

Centre of Excellence Leadership

• Establish and lead the AI, Data and Digital Centre of Excellence.
• Define standards, reusable frameworks, delivery methodologies and best practices.
• Enable consistent, high-quality and scalable AI, data and digital delivery across the enterprise.

Formal Education

• A relevant University Bachelors Degree

Formal Experience

• 16+ years of relevant experience in artificial intelligence, data, analytics, and digital transformation, including senior leadership experience delivering AI and Data capability at scale in a large, complex organisation.
• Extensive and proven senior leadership experience in AI strategy development and execution, with demonstrable business value realised.

Required Personal And Professional Skills

• BC_Communicates Effectively
• TC_IM Data Analytics
• TC_IT Risk, Control, and Security
• BC_Manages Complexity
• BC_Tech Savvy
• TC_Compliance Management
• TC_Information Management
• BC_Ensures Accountability
• TC_G_Stakeholder Relationship Management
• TC_Business Acumen
• TC_I_Strategic Leadership
• TC_I_Data Governance
• LC_Drives Innovation
• TC_D_Digital Leadership

Sasol is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Inspired by our Purpose of “Innovating for a better world”, Sasol acknowledges that diversity is intrinsic to the fabric of our organisation and is the key to our growth and success. Sasol is committed to the full inclusion of all suitably qualified individuals. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups and people with disabilities according to Sasol’s Employment Equity Plan. This includes reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.