Innovation & Digital transformation Manager

Department: Information Technology

We are looking to appoint a hands-on, dynamic, passionate, confident, proactive and meticulous Innovation & Digital Transformation Manager to join a high-performing and goal-oriented team. The successful candidate will lead the organisation’s digital innovation strategy, drive AI-enabled transformation initiatives and oversee enterprise data and digital capabilities to unlock business value and operational excellence.

• Lead, manage and develop the data and innovation team including Data Scientists, Analysts and Digital Project resources
  
• Set clear performance objectives and provide ongoing coaching, mentoring and feedback
  
• Build team capability in emerging technologies with emphasis on AI literacy and practical application
  
• Foster a culture of experimentation, innovation and continuous learning
  
• Manage team capacity, succession planning and resource allocation
  

• Define and execute the organisation’s innovation and AI roadmap aligned to business and IT strategy
  
• Identify, evaluate and pilot emerging technologies including Generative AI, predictive analytics and automation solutions
  
• Translate AI capabilities into practical, scalable business solutions
  
• Lead proof-of-concept and proof-of-value engagements with technology partners
  
• Develop business cases and present strategic technology investment recommendations to executive leadership
  
• Drive continuous improvement through innovative digital initiatives
  

• Lead and coordinate digital transformation initiatives across business units
  
• Identify and prioritise opportunities for digitisation, automation and process optimisation
  
• Manage multiple innovation and transformation projects within agreed timelines and budgets
  
• Establish governance frameworks for innovation project delivery and prioritisation
  
• Track, measure and report on transformation outcomes, business value and lessons learned
  

• Oversee organisational data projects, systems, governance and data quality initiatives
  
• Participate hands-on in strategic data and analytics initiatives
  
• Ensure enterprise data assets are managed as a strategic business resource
  
• Drive adoption of self-service analytics and data-driven decision-making practices
  
• Ensure compliance with POPIA, data privacy regulations and information security standards
  
• Collaborate with broader IT teams on cloud platforms, enterprise data architecture and infrastructure
  

• Leadership, coaching and talent development
  
• Performance management and team enablement
  
• Change management in technology-driven environments
  
• Applied AI/ML including Generative AI, LLMs and intelligent agents
  
• Innovation methodologies including Design Thinking, Agile and Lean Startup
  
• Strategic planning and business case development
  
• Programme and project management methodologies (Agile, PRINCE2 or equivalent)
  
• Enterprise data platforms including Microsoft Fabric, Azure and Power BI
  
• Data engineering fundamentals including ETL/ELT processes
  
• Data visualisation, dashboarding and storytelling
  
• Enterprise cloud and data architecture principles
  
• POPIA and data privacy compliance
  
• Vendor and stakeholder management
  

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, Business or related field
  
• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in digital transformation, technology management or innovation-focused roles
  
• Proven track record of leading data teams and delivering AI or advanced analytics projects
  

• Certification in AI, Cloud Architecture or Digital Strategy (e.g. Azure AI, AWS, Google Cloud)
  
• Experience within pharmaceutical, life sciences or FMCG environments
  

• Demonstrated ability to apply AI solutions in live operational environments
  
• Experience managing and developing data, analytics or digital transformation teams
  
• Strong understanding of AI/ML, Large Language Models (LLMs), automation and practical business applications
  
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Azure, Power Platform, Microsoft Fabric or equivalent enterprise data platforms
  
• Proven programme and project management capability
  
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills at senior and executive leadership level
  
• Experience translating innovation concepts into scalable, production-ready solutions
  
• Experience driving organisation-wide digital transformation initiatives
  
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
  

• Knowledge of GxP, GMP or pharmaceutical regulatory compliance requirements
  
• Experience with AI vendor management, proof-of-concept pilots and innovation labs
  
• Understanding of POPIA compliance and information security within regulated industries