Analytics Lead – Merchant Support Services

Analytics Lead – Merchant Support Services | Contract/Permanent | Cape Town

About the Role

A leading South African retailer is introducing clear domain ownership across its analytics function – moving away from a flat, reactive model where analysts cover too many areas at once. This role owns the analytics capability for Merchant Support Services outright.

You’ll lead a small team, set the priorities for the domain, and ensure the analytical work delivered creates genuine operational value. This is a long-term ownership role – not a contractor mentality, not ticket-clearing.

Due to the high volume of applications expected, candidates who have not received feedback within two weeks of applying should consider their application unsuccessful.

Team You’ll Lead

• Data Analysts
• 1 Data Scientist

Key Responsibilities

• Own the analytics agenda and priorities for the Merchant Support Services domain
• Lead and develop the team of data analysts and data scientist
• Partner with business stakeholders to translate operational needs into high-value analytics
• Ensure analytical outputs are robust, trusted, and built for ongoing use – not once-off deliverables
• Collaborate with the central Data Management Lead on shared models, metric definitions, and data quality
• Build a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement within the team

Requirements

• Proven experience leading analytics or BI teams – ideally in a retail, store operations, or multi-site environment
• Ability to set clear priorities and deliver insight that supports operational decision-making
• Hands-on proficiency with Power BI, SQL, and related analytics tools
• Experience managing both analysts and data science resources
• Comfortable working on-site in Cape Town in a predominantly office-based environment

Role Details

• Employment type: Contract or Permanent
• Location: Cape Town (on-site)
• Annual package circa R1 350 000.00