Automation Specialist

The Automation Specialist is responsible for leading the design, development, and implementation of approved automation solutions and ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes in alignment with company standards and guidelines.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Input and Resource Planning

• Provide strategic input into data-automation and analytics policies, procedures, and strategies in line with company and departmental goals.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in collaboration with the Analytics team.
• Contribute to automation-related resource and budgetary requirements to support annual planning and project forecasting.

Solution Development and Delivery

• Collaborate with business units and Analytics team members to identify automation requirements and translate them into clear project objectives and deliverables.
• Manage the full life cycle and successful implementation of approved automation projects.
• Manage resources, delegate responsibilities, and provide guidance and support to direct reports to ensure project goals are achieved within allocated budgets and timelines.
• Ensure seamless integration of automation frameworks and automated feedback loops between analytical models, reporting systems, and operational business units.
• Track and report on project progress, budget adherence, and delivery timelines.
• Identify potential risks or delays and propose proactive solutions to mitigate them.
• Monitor the performance of implemented automation solutions, addressing any emerging issues to ensure ongoing operational success and stability.

Data Governance, Compliance, and Quality Assurance

• Contribute to the development of, and manage adherence to, data management and governance practices to ensure data quality, integrity, and accessibility across analytics systems.
• Monitor compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) requirements, and internal data governance policies.
• Contribute to the creation and safeguarding of data dictionaries, overseeing the secure storage of datasets, code, and analytical outputs in designated repositories to ensure data hygiene, reproducibility, and knowledge retention.
• Collaborate with Analytics team members to align automation practices with enterprise data-governance standards and metadata requirements.

People Management

• Clarify role expectations, priorities, and standards for direct reports through regular reviews of job profiles.
• Lead the performance management cycle by setting goals, conducting regular appraisals, and providing timely feedback.
• Coach and mentor direct reports to build capability, support individual development plans, identify skills gaps, and coordinate targeted training and professional growth opportunities.
• Allocate work effectively, balance workloads, set delivery timeframes, and maintain team capacity through proactive leave management.
• Partner with HR on workforce planning, participating in recruitment, selection, onboarding, and probation management.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and respectful team climate that supports wellbeing, safety, and constructive collaboration.
• Oversee adherence to HR policies and South African labour legislation in all people practices.
• Address performance, conduct, and attendance issues promptly, managing grievances and initiating disciplinary steps when necessary in line with company procedures.
• Encourage continuous improvement and the adoption of enabling tools and technology to enhance team effectiveness.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or a relevant field (NQF Level 7).
• 5+ years of relevant automation-related experience at a specialist level.
• 3+ years of managerial or team-leading experience.
• Relevant experience in the banking industry is highly advantageous.

Skills and Attributes

• Uncompromising integrity, honesty, and professional ethics.
• Respectful and professional conduct at all times.
• Strong personal accountability and ownership.
• A steadfast commitment to excellence in every deliverable.
• High levels of resilience and perseverance when facing obstacles.
• Self-motivation and the ability to operate independently.
• A passion for continuous learning and strong intellectual curiosity.
• Loyalty to team objectives and organizational success.

Technical Stack and Phase Targets

Phase 1: Core Data & BI Engineering

• Target Skills & Algorithms: Database optimization, automated ETL pipelines, stored procedures, advanced data modeling, context filtering, row-level security, cloud deployment, statistical profiling, macro migration, and legacy predictive validation.
• Tech Stack: SQL Server (SSMS, SSIS), Power Query, Power BI (DAX), Tableau, and SAS.

Phase 2: Predictive AI & Automation

• Target Skills & Algorithms: Binary classification, feature engineering for upsell/cross-sell propensity modeling, regression trees, ensemble learning, automated lead generation scoring engines, survival analysis, lifetime value (LTV) estimation, and Natural Language Processing (NLP) for service ticket intent.
• Tech Stack: Python (scikit-learn, XGBoost, lifelines, HuggingFace), R, SQL Server, and Power Query.

Phase 3: Advanced Optimization & Geospatial

• Target Skills & Algorithms: Location allocation algorithms, spatial clustering, spatial regression, constrained optimization, attribution modeling, and marketing mix modeling (MMM).
• Tech Stack: ArcGIS, Python (GeoPandas, PySAL, SciPy.optimize), and R.
• Ecosystem Integration: Bridging deep technology with executive business decisions and setting robust architectural patterns for full ecosystem transformation.

How to Apply

If you meet the requirements and wish to apply for this exciting opportunity, please forward your updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).