AI Innovation & Operations Specialist at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Summary

• Lead the design and implementation of the strategic digital enablement roadmap.  Focusing on the AI solution roadmap to solve business problems and improve operational efficiencies.

Job Description

• The purpose of the role is to lead the design and implementation of the strategic digital enablement roadmap. Focusing on the AI solution roadmap to solve business problems and improve operational efficiencies. This business product manager works closely with data scientists and engineers to leveraging machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, other AI techniques. Integrating AI models into existing systems and driving innovation.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Accountable to deliver specific end to end features or projects on the Operations roadmap. Will engage with various stakeholders and collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business needs and design AI solutions.
• Creates and delivers a quality product and optimizes the operational metrics to enable self-service channels. This includes maximizing the outcomes for the project deliverables.
• Accountable to ensure the adherence to standards and best practices in delivering the outcomes. Schedules customer reviews and analyze large datasets to extract insights and key pain points to articulate further improvement opportunities.
• Delivers the commercial outcomes of a specific feature and makes recommendations to improve commercial and operational outcomes. Uses data insights to identify opportunities and make recommendations for investment
• Participates in continuous improvement projects and is a key member assigned to specific outcomes to drive continuous improvement. Stays in touch and continuously learns the emerging trends in digital transformation.
• Participates in innovation solutioning and provides input into problem solving. Contributes by providing alternatives and differing viewpoints. Accountable to continuously monitor, evaluate, and improve AI model performance.
• Works with functional specialist to deliver specific product and project outcomes. Ensures adherence to ethical and responsible use of AI technologies. Takes end to end accountability to deliver specific business metrics for the digital transformation tools under direct control

ESSENTIAL SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

• Results orientation
• Team work
• Customer focus
• Leadership
• Analytical
• Technical (ML, DL, Programming language, NLP, Big Data Technologies etc.)
• Creative innovative thinking
• Ethics & Governance
• Business acumen
• Interpersonal skills and effectiveness

TECHNICAL SKILLS REQUIREMENTS 

• Machine Learning: In-depth knowledge of various ML algorithms (e.g., regression, decision trees, neural networks, NLP techniques) and MLOps best practices
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Python or R, experience with ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-Learn), and knowledge of big data platforms (Hadoop, Spark).
• Analytical Skills: Ability to conduct exploratory data analysis and communicate findings effectively.
• Data Skills: Strong grasp of data preprocessing, data visualization (e.g., Matplotlib, Seaborn), and SQL for data extraction.
• Quantitative Analysis, Analytical and Systems thinking
• Proactive approach to continuous learning.
• Facilitation skills
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail
• Planning, organizing and project delivery
• Functional and operational strategy

EDUCATION AND MINUMUM REQUIREMENTS 

• Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Engineering or a related field or equivalent NQF level 7 qualification
• At least 3-5 years’ experience in a similar role

Education

• Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)