Lead Data & AI Engineer

Lead Data & AI Engineer

Hybrid – South Africa, Zimbabwe, or Kenya

A leading digital solutions provider operating across Africa is seeking a Lead Data & AI Engineer to take ownership of its data strategy and innovation roadmap. This organisation serves a broad network of financial services clients and is committed to advancing digital infrastructure and financial inclusion across emerging markets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership for a small, agile data engineering team
• Design, deploy, and maintain scalable data pipelines using tools like Python, SQL, and Airflow
• Develop intelligent automation and AI-driven systems to support both internal processes and customer-facing solutions
• Oversee data quality, system architecture, and security standards
• Build and present meaningful dashboards using PowerBI and ensure efficient data access through MySQL
• Guide the organisation’s approach to generative AI, including rapid prototyping of AI tools

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or similar technical field
• Hands-on expertise with Python, SQL, and cloud-based data pipelines (preferably AWS)
• Familiarity with modern AI/ML libraries and practical experience implementing them
• Proficiency in Airflow for orchestration and PowerBI for reporting
• Experience working with relational databases, especially MySQL
• Strong communicator, comfortable engaging both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Prior leadership experience is advantageous but not required – mentoring and team guidance will be expected

This is a high-impact opportunity to work at the forefront of data innovation and help shape digital ecosystems in rapidly evolving markets.

Salt is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.