Lead AI Applied Engineer: RA SC SFP (Lynnwood) (JG 11) at Sanlam Group

What will you do?

• The candidate will be responsible for designing, building, and operationalising AI-enabled capabilities that accelerate SFP’s modernisation agenda and enhance advisor productivity, client experience, and business performance.
• This is a hands-on, delivery-focused role at the intersection of business, data, and technology, with duties comparable to Forward Deployed Engineer and AI Engineer roles.

Core Responsibilities:

• Design, build, and operationalise AI-enabled solutions across SFP platforms, systems, and advisor journeys.
• Identify and deliver automation and process optimisation opportunities across the business.
• Develop data, insights, and decisioning capabilities that support advisory, operational, and compliance needs.
• Deliver AI responsibly, within Group and SFP governance, risk, and compliance frameworks.
• Drive experimentation and innovation, contributing to an AI-first culture within SFP.
• Collaborate with business, technology, data, and governance stakeholders across SFP and the Group.

What will make you successful in this role?

• The successful candidate will combine strong technical capability with business acumen, translating high-value opportunities into practical AI-enabled solutions. Success in this role will require the ability to:
• Convert business challenges into scalable AI, automation, and digital solutions that deliver measurable value.
• Lead initiatives end-to-end, from ideation and experimentation through deployment, adoption, and continuous improvement.
• Balance innovation with governance, ensuring solutions remain compliant, secure, and explainable.
• Combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery across solution design, implementation, and optimisation.
• Engage confidently with business, technology, data, compliance, and executive stakeholders.

Qualification and Experience:

• Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, or a related field. A Master’s degree will be advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years’ hands-on experience building and deploying AI, machine learning, data, or advanced analytics solutions.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Applied AI/ML, automation, and advanced analytics techniques.
• Modern programming, data engineering, and cloud technologies.
• Solution design and business process analysis.
• Working within regulated and governed environments.
• Agile and product-based delivery approaches.

Personal Qualities: 

• Cultivates innovation.
• Strong business and commercial thinking.
• Results-driven with a focus on value delivery.
• Action-oriented, adaptable, and collaborative.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Key Deliverables:

• AI-enabled capabilities embedded into SFP platforms and operations.
• Measurable productivity, efficiency, and client experience gains.
• Delivery aligned to governance, risk, and compliance standards and SFP’s modernisation roadmap.

The closing date for applications is 31 August 2026