IT Systems Manager (Data Analytics)

Introduction Are you a seasoned Data & Analytics leader with a passion for turning complex retail data into meaningful business insights? We are looking for an experienced IT Manager (Data & Analytics) to lead the development and execution of a data strategy focused on Master Data Management (MDM), Data Governance, and Advanced Analytics within a modern Google Cloud environment. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping data-driven decision-making, driving governance standards, and leading a multidisciplinary team responsible for delivering impactful business outcomes Duties & Responsibilities Data Strategy & Governance • Own and drive the Merchandise Master Data strategy and lifecycle, including Product, Vendor, Pricing and Inventory data. • Develop and enhance data governance frameworks to ensure data quality, security, lineage and compliance. • Translate business objectives into a long-term data and analytics roadmap. • Lead the evolution of advanced analytics and AI capabilities across the business. Analytics & Technology Leadership • Manage and optimise the Google Cloud Platform (GCP) data ecosystem. • Oversee BigQuery as the central data warehouse. • Drive executive and operational reporting through Looker and Looker Studio. • Support predictive modelling, machine learning initiatives, and cloud-based data integration. • Ensure efficient and cost-effective management of cloud infrastructure and data services. Team & Stakeholder Management • Lead a team of Data Engineers, Data Scientists, Analysts and Reporting Specialists. • Build strong relationships across IT and business functions to ensure alignment on strategic data initiatives. • Manage vendor relationships and oversee commercial engagements related to data and analytics services. • Champion innovation and emerging technologies within the retail environment Desired Experience & Qualification Essential Requirements • Degree in Information Systems or a related field. • 8+ years' experience in IT within a retail environment. • Strong experience in Merchandise Master Data Management (MDM), including hierarchy management, attributes and lifecycle management. • 5+ years of leadership experience managing successful analysis or data-focused teams. • Deep understanding of Google Cloud Platform and cloud-native data solutions. • Experience managing cloud spend, consulting contracts and technology vendors. • Strong stakeholder management and communication skills. Technical Expertise • Advanced SQL skills. • Strong understanding of Data Warehousing and Data Lake architectures. • Experience with data architecture design principles. • Hands-on experience with Looker Studio. • Knowledge of POPIA and data privacy regulations. • Exposure to Agile delivery environments and tools such as Jira or Azure DevOps