Data Platform SME at Sanlam Group

What you will do:

The Data Platform SME on the Sanlam Group BI and Analytics program (BI) is responsible for the technical feasibility and vitality of the core data management technologies in the platform. Your primary focus will be on the Data Lake technologies used - Cloudera / Hadoop and Teradata. You need to make sure these technologies are properly installed, configured, maintained and integrated into the Sanlam technology landscape.

You also need to make sure integrated technologies used in tandem with Cloudera and Teradata are properly set up to enable the efficient use of the Data Lake. These technologies currently include SAP HANA, Attunity Replicate and Compose, SAP Data Services, SAS Enterprise Miner, IBM Data Stage, RStudio and Jupyter, but the list keeps expanding. You need to work with the technical experts supporting these tools to build a robust ecosystem that supports Sanlam’s BI and Analytical needs. Support developers interacting with the platforms in troubleshooting, performance tuning, and application design.

You will take guidance from the GBI and GTI architecture teams in creating detailed technical designs to run a successful Data Lake. Ensure the platform meets the SLA required by the business in terms of high availability, failover, and disaster recovery. Ensure the platform integrates into the required supporting group technology platforms, such as identity and access management systems. Assist the operational support teams by building robust monitoring and support processes for the running of the platform by enabling the required reporting functionality and data feeds. Remain aware of the impact of any designs on the cost-efficiency of the platform.
In order to succeed in this role you will need knowledge of:

• Linux
• Hadoop / Cloudera
• Data warehouse systems
• Data System management (monitoring / backup / recovery)
• Identity and access management technologies (LDAP / Kerberos / SAML / IBM IAM products)
• Network configuration
• Distributed system
• Scripting: bash/Python
   

You will need to stay abreast of the latest developments in the industry to ensure Sanlam’s Data Lake technology platform remains viable.

What will make you successful in this role:
The following are the key outcomes expected from this role:

• The planning, designing and building of the IT infrastructure and technology architecture to support the Group BI and Analytics program (BI). This includes computer hardware, server hardware, storage and backup, operating systems, utilities software and data storage / management software as well as integration between the components of the platform.
• The specification, product selection and design of infrastructure components to implement a systems architecture.
• The identification of new and emerging software technologies, methodologies and products, and ICT methods and techniques and the ongoing assessment of their relevance and potential value to the organisation.
• Applying mainly Development Management Technologies and methodologies, such as Application Life Cycle Management (ALM) e.g. Agile, Waterfall or other pattern, practices, and development frameworks.
• Utilising mainly a combination of relevant Architecture Models such as Technology, Data, Access, Identity, Security Management Models and Change Management Models.
• Acts as the technical subject matter expert (SME) in the BI Platform technical domain by providing solutions and advice to business across multiple complex problem sets.
• Manages and controls the technical IT domain solution in both project and production support environments.
• Provides a service that combines all the elements of consultancy, facilitation and implementation, thus providing an end-to-end enablement and implementation service.
• Participates in the planning, development and implementation of the IT Domain projects and enhancements.
• Monitors projects throughout all phases to ensure compliance to design standards.
   

The following areas of expertise are key to the successful delivery of the above outcomes:
Logical access principles for databases / data platforms

• SAP HANA,
• Qlik formerly Attunity Replicate and Compose,
• SAP Data Services
• SAS Enterprise Miner
• IBM Data Stage
• RStudio & Jupyter

Ancillary technologies (used in BI platform)

• Linux
• Hadoop/ Cloudera
• Data warehouse systems
• Data System management (monitoring / backup / recovery)
• Identity and access management technologies (LDAP / Kerberos / SAML / IBM IAM products)
• Network configuration
• Distributed systems
• Scripting: bash/Python
   

Qualifications
Qualification & Experience

• Degree/diploma/certificate in Information Technology related discipline.
• Matric.
   

Experience

• 5+ years related experience
• Extensive working knowledge and experience in Databases/Data platforms
• Experience working with Hadoop is preferred and highly advantageous.
   

Knowledge And Skills

• Strategic data management
• Requirement planning and feasibility studies
• Business Requirements Definition
• New technologies in hardware and software
• Development methodologies

Personal Attributes

• Organisational savvy - Contributing through others
• Manages complexity - Contributing through others
• Strategic mindset - Contributing through others
• Tech savvy - Contributing through others