Lead AI Applied Engineer: RA SC SFP (Lynnwood) (JG 11)

Sanlam Group · Pretoria, Gauteng

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What will you do?

  • The candidate will be responsible for designing, building, and operationalising AI-enabled capabilities that accelerate SFP's modernisation agenda and enhance advisor productivity, client experience, and business performance.
  • This is a hands-on, delivery-focused role at the intersection of business, data, and technology, with duties comparable to Forward Deployed Engineer and AI Engineer roles.

Core Responsibilities

  • Design, build, and operationalise AI-enabled solutions across SFP platforms, systems, and advisor journeys.
  • Identify and deliver automation and process optimisation opportunities across the business.
  • Develop data, insights, and decisioning capabilities that support advisory, operational, and compliance needs.
  • Deliver AI responsibly, within Group and SFP governance, risk, and compliance frameworks.
  • Drive experimentation and innovation, contributing to an AI-first culture within SFP.
  • Collaborate with business, technology, data, and governance stakeholders across SFP and the Group.

What will make you successful in this role?

  • The successful candidate will combine strong technical capability with business acumen, translating high-value opportunities into practical AI-enabled solutions. Success in this role will require the ability to:
  • Convert business challenges into scalable AI, automation, and digital solutions that deliver measurable value.
  • Lead initiatives end-to-end, from ideation and experimentation through deployment, adoption, and continuous improvement.
  • Balance innovation with governance, ensuring solutions remain compliant, secure, and explainable.
  • Combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery across solution design, implementation, and optimisation.
  • Engage confidently with business, technology, data, compliance, and executive stakeholders.

Qualification and Experience

  • Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, or a related field. A Master's degree will be advantageous.
  • Minimum 5 years' hands-on experience building and deploying AI, machine learning, data, or advanced analytics solutions.

Knowledge and Skills

  • Applied AI/ML, automation, and advanced analytics techniques.
  • Modern programming, data engineering, and cloud technologies.
  • Solution design and business process analysis.
  • Working within regulated and governed environments.
  • Agile and product-based delivery approaches.

Personal Qualities

  • Cultivates innovation.
  • Strong business and commercial thinking.
  • Results-driven with a focus on value delivery.
  • Action-oriented, adaptable, and collaborative.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Key Deliverables

  • AI-enabled capabilities embedded into SFP platforms and operations.
  • Measurable productivity, efficiency, and client experience gains.
  • Delivery aligned to governance, risk, and compliance standards and SFP's modernisation roadmap.

The closing date for applications is 31 August 2026

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