Strategic Projects Associate (Innovation Lead)

We are looking for a Special Projects & Innovation Associate to help identify, shape, and deliver high-impact initiatives across Lightstone Retail that will design the next wave of products and solutions and deliver 3x growth over the next 4 years.

• This is a problem-solving, execution-focused role suited to a junior–mid level management consultant who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys building from first principles, and wants to see ideas translated into real commercial outcomes.
• You will work directly with senior leaders on priority projects spanning innovation, product development, go-to-market strategy, operational improvement, and new growth opportunities. The role offers steep learning, high visibility, and a clear pathway into broader leadership roles within the business.

This role reports to the Lightstone Retail Managing Director

Key Responsibilities:

Leading Strategic and Innovation Projects

• Lead and support cross-functional special projects aligned to strategic priorities
• Break down ambiguous business problems into structured workplans and hypotheses
• Conduct market, customer, and competitive analysis to inform decision-making
• Develop business cases, financial models, and implementation roadmaps
• Drive projects from concept through to execution, ensuring tangible outcomes

Driving Innovation and New Growth Opportunities

• Identify opportunities for new products, services, or commercial models
• Support the design, testing, and launch of innovative data-led offerings
• Work closely with product, analytics, and sales teams to validate ideas in the market
• Translate insights into clear recommendations for senior leadership
• Support experimentation, pilots, and proof-of-concept initiatives

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Strong academic background with a relevant tertiary qualification
• Background in management consulting or a similarly rigorous problem-solving environment
• 2–5 years’ experience in a Tier 1 or Tier 2 management consulting firm or equivalent
• Demonstrated experience solving complex, unstructured business problems
• Exposure to strategy, growth, operations, or innovation-related engagements
• Experience working with senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams

Technical Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel (storytelling and modelling)
• Strong analytical and structuring capability
• Ability to quickly understand data, analytics, and technology concepts
• Experience developing business cases and implementation plans

• Exposure to data, technology, or analytics-driven environments is advantageous

What we offer

• Exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making
• Opportunity to shape innovation and growth initiatives end-to-end with real impact on the business
• Steep learning curve across data, analytics, product, and commercial strategy
• Flexible working environment and non-corporate culture
• Clear pathways into leadership, product, strategy, or commercial roles
• Provident Fund, Life and Disability Insurance
• Professional Development/Study Assistance
• Training and Progression: There is a strong emphasis on skill development, career progression, and "care and growth"
• Flexibility/Hybrid working arrangement
• Office Perks: In-office benefits have included "wellness days" and monthly "Braai day" celebrations
• Leave: 25-days annual leave entitlement
• 2-month paid sabbatical every 5 years of continued service
• Employee Wellness Programme

About the Company

Lightstone Retail is high-growth data-tech business that designs and builds data-driven solutions for the Retail and Consumer facing Industry. We combine geo-spatial data and consumer insights, advanced analytics and deep market insights to help our clients make better location, strategy and marketing decisions.

Our primary clients are in retail, media, telecommunications and commercial property.

We are the youngest company in the well-known Lightstone stable with a defined track record and ambitious growth prospects to propel the group forward with a 3x growth plan over the next 4 years. Lightstone is a well-known brand in building data solutions that solve industry needs across the property and Automotive industries, with Retail as a key growth driver for the future.

We set high standards and hire exceptional people and provide them with the environment where they can excel. Our non-corporate culture encourages flexibility, collaboration and innovation.