A leading Digital Intelligence & Big Data company is seeking an experienced Head AI and Data Engineer to take full ownership of their proprietary data platform and drive innovation across their AI and data infrastructure in Cape Town. This is an exciting opportunity for a technically advanced, hands-on leader with an entrepreneurial mindset to turn big data into measurable revenue clarity by architecting scalable ETL/ELT pipelines, implementing data governance best practices, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to build cutting-edge data products. If you have significant experience in cloud-based data engineering, platform management, and leading a technical team, we want to hear from you!
Responsibilities:
- Own and manage the entire cloud-based Data Platform (warehousing, orchestration, streaming, etc.).
- Design and build resilient ETL/ELT pipelines for ingesting high-volume structured and unstructured data.
- Implement best practices for data validation, enrichment, and governance to ensure data integrity.
- Optimize the cost, speed, and performance of all data storage and compute resources.
- Develop internal tools and dashboards for reporting and advanced analytics.
- Establish and enforce documentation, SOPs, and processes for all data architecture.
- Lead incident resolution for pipeline failures, ensuring high data accuracy and uptime.
- Collaborate with AI and analytics teams to design revenue-driving data products.
- Mentor data engineers and analysts; oversee technical delivery and team growth.
- Provide after-hours availability for critical platform escalations and incidents.
Requirements:
- 5+ years of experience as a Data Engineer or Data Platform Lead.
- Advanced proficiency in a major Cloud Platform (e.g., Google Cloud Platform), specializing in cloud data warehousing, data processing, workflow orchestration, and messaging services.
- Strong coding expertise in Python (including ORMs like SQLAlchemy), SQL, and at least one other major language (Java or PHP).
- Demonstrated experience in data modeling, schema design, and performance tuning for high-volume data systems.
- Familiarity with AI/ML concepts and related tools (e.g., generative models, machine learning platforms) is a plus.
- Proven ability to manage complex data workflows, perform edge-case debugging, and ensure robust data security.
- Comfortable with cloud cost optimization and designing highly scalable, cost-efficient data architectures.
- Experience in lead generation, digital marketing, or performance media.
- History of building or significantly scaling a proprietary Data Management Platform (DMP/CDP).
- Familiarity with marketing and sales platform integrations (e.g., CRM, advertising APIs, analytics platforms).
- Relevant professional cloud certification (e.g., Professional Data Engineer).
Contact Hire Resolve for your next career-changing move.
- Our client is offering a highly competitive salary for this role based on experience.
- Apply for this role today, contact Adrienne Steyn at Hire Resolve on [Email Address Removed] or on LinkedIn
- You can also visit the Hire Resolve website: [URL Removed] or email us your CV: [Email Address Removed].com
We will contact you telephonically in 3 days should you be suitable for this vacancy. If you are not suitable, we will put your CV on file and contact you regarding any future vacancies that arise.
Desired Skills:
- Head AI and Data Engineer
- Head AI and Data Engineer
- Head AI and Data Engineer