AI Automation Manager

Stellenbosch, South Africa | Posted on 25/08/2026

Lead the Future of Work Drive Real Business Impact

Are you ready to shape how anentire organisation works smarter?

We are looking for a strategic,hands-on AI & Automation Manager to build and lead our AI &Automation function as a true business unit. This is not a pure strategy role,nor a pure delivery role — it is both. You will set direction, manage atalented team, own the project pipeline, and personally roll up your sleeves todeliver the larger, high-impact initiatives that move the needle.

If you thrive on turningcomplex operational challenges into elegant, practical solutions using AIagents, Microsoft Power Platform, Copilot Studio and intelligent automation —and you can prove the value in hours saved and costs avoided — this role was madefor you.

You will lead the AI and automation function with full accountability for strategy, team performance and measurable outcomes. Your mission: identify where AI, automation, intelligentagents and Microsoft 365 tools can eliminate repetitive work, free up humancapacity and create clear operational and financial value across every division of the business.

This is a strategic +hands-on leadership role . You will coach and prioritise your team whilepersonally owning and delivering the most complex projects — from business analysis and solution design through to build, testing, rollout and benefitrealisation.

• Manage, coach and develop AI and automation specialists— allocate work, set clear priorities, track delivery and hold the team accountable for results.
• Set the strategic direction so every hour of team effort is focused on initiatives that deliver measurable business value.

• Develop and own the company-wide AI and automationstrategy.
• Engage leaders across all divisions to uncover pain points, repetitive tasks and high-value opportunities.
• Personally lead larger, complex projects end-to-end:analysis, design, build oversight, testing, rollout and benefit tracking.
• Quantify impact — time saved, cost avoided,productivity gains, risk reduction — and communicate it clearly.
• Challenge the status quo and champion a culture ofsimplification, continuous improvement and responsible AI adoption.

• Design, build, test and improve solutions yourself —especially the high-stakes projects that need senior involvement.
• Work hands-on in Copilot Studio, Power Automate,Power Pages, Share Point and related tools.
• Maintain and optimise existing automations so theycontinue delivering value as the business evolves.
• Advise on Microsoft 365 licensing, permissions and technical enablement to