Overview
Innovation & Digital Transformation Manager Jobs in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa at ExecutivePlacements.com
Title: Innovation & Digital Transformation Manager
Company: ExecutivePlacements.com
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Recruiter:
Immploy
Job Ref:
Innovation & Digital..
Date posted:
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Location:
Cape Town, South Africa
Salary:
Dependant on experience
SUMMARY:
Innovation & Digital Transformation Manager – Pinelands, Cape Town
POSITION INFO:
Job Title: Innovation & Digital Transformation Manager
Location: Pinelands, Cape Town
Key Duties & Responsibilities of the Role:
Core Technical Delivery:
People Management
- 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 and continuous learning within the team
- Manage team capacity, resource allocation and succession planning
Innovation Strategy & AI Application
- Define and execute the organisation''s innovation and AI roadmap aligned to the overall IT and business strategy
- Identify, evaluate and pilot new technologies including Generative AI, automation and predictive analytics
- Translate AI capabilities into practical, production-ready business solutions
- Lead proof-of-concept and proof-of-value engagements with technology partners
- Build business cases for technology investments and present to executive leadership
Digital Transformation Programme Management
- Drive the digital transformation programme across business units
- Identify and prioritise process automation, digitisation and optimisation opportunities
- Manage multiple innovation and digital projects simultaneously within agreed timelines and budgets
- Establish governance frameworks for innovation project selection and delivery
- Report on transformation progress, value delivered and lessons learned to executive leadership
Data Strategy & Governance
- Oversee the organisation''s data projects and system including architecture, quality, governance and democratisation
- Hands-on delivery and involvement in data projects
- Ensure data assets are managed as a strategic resource aligned to business priorities
- Drive adoption of self-service analytics and data-driven decision-making
- Ensure compliance with POPIA, data privacy regulations and information security policies
- Partner with rest of the IT team on data infrastructure, cloud platforms and enterprise data stack
Technical Competencies:
- People leadership and talent development
- Performance management and coaching
- Change management in technology-driven environments
- Applied AI / ML: LLMs, generative AI, machine learning, and intelligent agents
- Innovation frameworks: Design Thinking, Lean Startup, Agile
- Strategic planning and business case development
- Programme and project management (Agile, PRINCE2 or equivalent)
- Enterprise data platforms: Microsoft Fabric, Azure, Power BI or equivalent
- Data engineering fundamentals (ETL/ELT): data extraction, transformation, and integration
- Data visualisation and storytelling: dashboards, reporting, and insight generation
- Data architecture and cloud platforms
- POPIA and data privacy compliance
Qualifications:
Required:
- Bachelor''s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, Business or related field
- 5+ years experience in digital transformation, technology management or innovation roles
- Proven track record of leading data teams and delivering AI or advanced analytics projects
Preferred:
- Certification in AI, Cloud Architecture or Digital Strategy (e.g. Azure AI, AWS, Google Cloud)
- Experience in pharmaceutical, life sciences or FMCG sector
Experience needed to deliver the role seamlessly:
- Demonstrated ability to apply AI solutions in live operational contexts
- Experience managing and developing a data or digital team
- Deep understanding of AI/ML, large language models, automation and practical business application
- Deep understanding of Microsoft Azure, Power Platform, Microsoft Fabric or equivalent enterprise data stacks
- Strong project management and innovation lifecycle management experience
- Senior and executive level stakeholder management
Preferred:
- Knowledge of GxP, GMP or pharmaceutical regulatory compliance requirements
- Experience with AI vendor management, PoC pilots and innovation labs
- Understanding of POPIA compliance and information security in a regulated environment