Logo-of-Sabenza-It-hiring-for-jobs-in-South-Africa-on-GrabJobs

Innovation & Digital transformation Manager

icon building Company : Sabenza It
icon briefcase Job Type : Full Time

Number of Applicants

 : 

000+

Click to reveal the number of candidates who applied for this job.
icon loader
Apply Now
icon loader Apply Now

Let AI Supercharge Your Job Hunt!

JobCopilot scans 500,000+ company career sites daily to find jobs for you

Never miss an opportunity Save hours by auto-filling applications forms Land more interviews with tailored applications
happy man
thunder iconActivate JobCopilot

Job Description - Innovation & Digital transformation Manager

WE ARE HIRING!

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.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE

People Leadership & Team 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, innovation and continuous learning
  • Manage team capacity, succession planning and resource allocation

Innovation Strategy & AI Enablement

  • 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

Digital Transformation Programme Management

  • 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

Data Strategy & Governance

  • 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

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

  • 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


Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED

Required:

  • 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

Preferred:

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

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DELIVER THE ROLE SEAMLESSLY

Essential:

  • 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

Preferred:

  • 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


Original job Innovation & Digital transformation Manager posted on GrabJobs ©. To flag any issues with this job please use the Report Job button on GrabJobs.
Apply Now
Share Job
Share Job

Auto-Apply to Manager Jobs with your AI JobCopilot

thunder icon Auto-Apply with AI

Similar Manager Jobs in South Africa

GrabJobs is the no1 job portal in South Africa, connecting you to thousands of jobs fast! Find the best jobs in South Africa, apply in 1 click and get a job today!

Mobile Apps

Copyright © 2026 Grabjobs Pte.Ltd. All Rights Reserved.