Data Engineer at Tiger Brands

Job Description Summary

• The Data Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, optimizing, and maintaining robust data pipelines and analytical data models that support the FMCG value chain. The role ensures reliable, high-quality data for reporting, planning, forecasting, supply chain visibility, commercial insights, and operational decision-making across the organization.

Job Description
WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Data Engineering & Integration

• Design, build, and maintain scalable ETL/ELT pipelines using SQL Server and SSIS, following DevOps-aligned development practices.
• Develop integration solutions across ERP, supply chain systems, trade promotion systems, and partner data feeds.
• Implement automated testing, version control, and deployment using Azure DevOps Repos, Pipelines, Artifacts.

Data Modelling & Warehousing

• Design and optimize star schemas, fact tables, and conformed dimensions in SQL Server and SSAS.
• Build and maintain SSAS Tabular models with proper partitioning, incremental refresh, and data security.
• Ensure data warehouse structures follow CI/CD standards using Azure DevOps for controlled releases.

Reporting & Analytics

• Prepare optimized datasets and enterprise-grade semantic models for Power BI.
• Deploy Power BI datasets and reports .
• Implement row-level security, model governance, and performance improvements.
• Design and maintain business-centric semantic layers (e.g., Power BI datasets, SSAS Tabular models) to enable consistent, self-service analytics.

Data Platform Operations

• Ensure SQL Server environment stability including indexes, jobs, backups, partitioning, and performance tuning.
• Develop automated deployment processes for SSIS packages, SSAS models, and SQL scripts using Azure DevOps CI/CD pipelines.
• Implement monitoring and alerting for data jobs with DevOps dashboards and automation tools.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with business units to understand FMCG data needs and translate them into scalable solutions.
• Participate in sprint planning, backlog refinement, and DevOps ceremonies.
• Mentor junior engineers on DevOps practices, coding standards, and best practices.

Operational Support

• Lead the operational support of data platforms, pipelines, and analytics solutions, ensuring high system availability and rapid incident resolution.
• Proactively monitor, troubleshoot, and resolve complex data job failures, performance bottlenecks, and user issues.
• Drive root cause analysis and implement long-term solutions to prevent recurring incidents.
• Oversee scheduled maintenance, upgrades, and deployments, coordinating with cross-functional teams to minimize business disruption.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive operational documentation and mentor team members in best practices for incident response and platform reliability.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TABLE:

• 10+ years as a Data Engineer in a complex enterprise environment.
• Expert in SQL Server (T-SQL, performance tuning, indexing, security).
• Strong hands-on experience with SSIS, including complex ETL packages and optimization.
• Strong ability with SSAS Tabular (Multidimensional advantageous).
• Advanced Power BI (DAX, modelling, enterprise dataset design).
• Proven experience using Azure DevOps including:
• Pipelines for automated builds, deployments, and releases
• Automated package deployment for SSIS/SSAS/SQL
• Strong understanding of data warehousing methodologies (Kimball).

Business and FMCG

• Deep understanding of FMCG processes including:
• Procurement & Raw Materials
• Manufacturing, BOMs & Production
• Warehousing, Inventory, and Logistics
• Trade Promotions & Commercial
• Product & Customer hierarchies
• Finance (COGS, GL)
• Ability to design and model datasets that serve cross-functional FMCG needs

Soft Skills

• Strong communication and influence skills across IT and business teams.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex data issues quickly.
• Structured documentation and governance mindset.
• Experience mentoring and guiding technical teams.
• Deadline-driven, highly organized, and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Demonstrates strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently or collaboratively to deliver results under pressure.

Advantageous:

• ERP knowledge (Oracle EBS, SAP) in FMCG context
• Knowledge of MDM and data governance practices
• Previous experience on Oracle database in a data warehousing environment
• Previous experience with Strategy (MicroStrategy)

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems or related field.
• Microsoft certifications (SQL, Data Engineering, Power BI) beneficial.

Key Competencies:

• Technical depth & hands-on engineering approach
• DevOps mindset with focus on automation
• Strong problem-solving & analytical capability
• Business acumen in FMCG environments
• Discipline in code quality, documentation, and governance
• Ability to work independently and lead technical initiatives