Lead AI Applied Engineer: RA SC SFP (Lynnwood) (JG 11)
Sanlam Group · Pretoria, Gauteng
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- 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