Senior Data Engineer

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!

The Senior 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.

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

#LI-KM3

In accordance with the employment equity plan of Tiger Brands and its employment equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited, to candidates from under-represented designated groups.