AI Solutions Lead (Durbanville OR Centurion)
IT – Software Development
Cape Town – Western Cape – South Africa
ENVIRONMENT:
A forward-thinking & business-oriented professional is sought by a dynamic Engineering Service Provider to fill the role of an AI Solutions Lead. You will be responsible for identifying high-impact opportunities for Artificial Intelligence across the organisation and driving real-world implementation through collaboration with third-party experts and internal coordination. This position is business-driven and focused on operational strategy and innovation and is not a software or coding position. It is specifically not suited to those pursuing Programming or Data Science, as it does not involve coding or technical model development. Applicants must possess a Master’s/Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Engineering/Innovation or a related field with 5+ years of experience in Operations, Product Development, Innovation, Continuous Improvement, or Business Transformation.
DUTIES:
Identify High-Value Use Cases –
- Walk the floor, engage teams, and map workflows to determine where AI can unlock productivity, business insights, or automation and competitive advantages.
- Develop a wide and deep understanding of industry and business trends, identify and translate opportunities and challenges into structured problem and solutions statements.
- Use your understanding of physical processes, constraints, and technology to assess viability.
Build the Business Case –
- Prioritize opportunities based on business impact, effort, and speed to value.
- Develop clear, ROI-driven business cases that align with operational goals.
- Present and communicate these opportunities to senior leadership and stakeholders.
Engage the Right Expertise –
- Scout, evaluate, and collaborate with third-party AI vendors, domain experts, and technology providers.
- Serve as the internal Project Lead — translating business needs to external providers and ensuring delivery stays aligned with outcomes.
- You don’t build the tech — you guide the vision, manage the outcomes, and ensure it solves the right problem.
Lead Implementation & Change –
- Coordinate implementation efforts across business units and external partners.
- Define success metrics, monitor progress, and remove roadblocks to execution.
- Develop and lead training efforts to build awareness and capability around the new tools or workflows.
Promote Innovation Across the Organization –
- Champion a practical understanding of AI — what it is, what it isn’t, and where it can help.
- Host workshops, lead internal demonstrations, and empower teams to think differently.
- Help build a culture that is open to experimentation and continuous improvement.
REQUIREMENTS:
Qualifications –
- Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering, Innovation, Operations, or a related field.
Experience/Skills –
- 5+ Years of experience in Operations, Product Development, Innovation, Continuous Improvement, or Business Transformation.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and manage external technology partners.
- Fluent in English, with exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, capable of engaging confidently across technical and executive audiences.
- Able to influence across technical and business domains.
- Has strong business instincts.
- Naturally curious, hands-on, and relentless about solving real problems.
- Not afraid of technology, but more focused on what it enables rather than how it works under the hood.
- Attention to detail and accuracy in work.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
- Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
- Outstanding organisational and time management skills.
- Willingness to travel internationally.
Nice to Have (But Not Required):
- Familiarity with AI/ML applications in Operations or Manufacturing.
- Experience working with Technology Vendors, Solution Providers, or Consultants.
- Exposure to innovation frameworks like Lean, Six Sigma, Design Thinking, or Agile.