{"id":1451467,"url":"https://alion.io/job/simplify-hr-proprietary-limited-ai-and-automation-engineer","title":"Head of AI","company":{"id":1891733,"name":"Simplify HR","domain":"simplify.hr","url":"https://alion.io/company/simplify-hr","size_band":"1001-5000","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":null,"truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":75,"open_postings":425,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":1,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":33,"computed_at":"2026-10-26T05:57:25Z"}},"role":"Leadership","role_family":"Leadership","seniority":"head","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["South Africa"],"countries":["ZA"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":34000,"max_usd":76000,"period":"year","method":"global_role_cell_scaled_by_country","sample_n":4188},"experience_years_min":null,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"Master Data Management","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-02-09T00:00:00Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-09-29","last_verified_at":"2026-09-29T13:23:43Z","board_verified":false,"closed_at":null,"days_open":259,"trust":{"level":"stale","repost_count":0,"flags":["stale"],"days_open":259},"description":"Core Group is looking for an experienced and commercially minded Head of AI to establish and lead our AI capability across Core Group, iStore and the broader Group of businesses.\nThis is a new role and, initially, you will be the AI function.\nWe are looking for someone who has worked in a complex enterprise environment and understands how to implement AI and automation solutions across an organisation, while still being comfortable operating with a start-up mindset.\nOur environment is fast-moving, entrepreneurial and hands-on. You will work closely with teams across retail, ecommerce, finance, supply chain, operations, customer experience, marketing, HR and technology.\nThis is not about AI for the sake of AI. You will need to connect technology, data and business needs and turn them into practical solutions that create measurable value.\nAs the capability grows, you will define and build the AI team around you.\nWhat you’ll be responsible for\nAI strategy and opportunity\nUnderstand how the Group operates and identify where AI, automation and data can have the biggest impact\n\nIdentify repetitive or manual processes that can be simplified or automated.\n\nPrioritise opportunities based on business value, feasibility and impact.\n\nDevelop and maintain a practical AI and automation roadmap.\n\nAI implementation and automation\nLead AI initiatives from business problem through design, implementation, adoption and improvement.\n\nBuild and implement solutions that improve efficiency, productivity and customer experience.\n\nEnsure solutions integrate effectively with existing systems, applications and data.\n\nDrive adoption across different business units.\n\nEnsure AI initiatives deliver measurable business outcomes.\n\nData and enterprise integration\nWork with structured and unstructured data to support AI solutions.\n\nImprove data quality, governance and the foundations required for AI at scale.\n\nTake ownership of the Group’s approach to Master Data Management.\n\nIntegrate AI solutions with existing enterprise systems, APIs and data sources.\n\nEnsure solutions are secure, scalable and supportable.\n\nBuild the AI capability\nEstablish the AI capability for Core Group and iStore from the ground up.\n\nDefine the technology, standards, governance and operating model required.\n\nDetermine which capabilities should be built internally and where external partners should be used.\n\nRemain hands-on during the early stages of the function.\n\nBuild the internal AI team over time as the business need develops.\n\nGovernance and responsible AI\nEstablish practical AI governance across the Group.\n\nEnsure solutions comply with POPIA, privacy requirements and information security standards.\n\nPut appropriate controls around data access, security and responsible AI use.\n\nAssess new AI tools and platforms before wider adoption.\n\nAI adoption\nHelp teams understand how AI can improve the way they work.\n\nDrive adoption of approved AI tools across the business.\n\nDevelop practical training, guidance and support.\n\nHelp leaders manage the change associated with automation and new ways of working.\n\nExperience & Background\nWe are looking for someone who has worked with AI and data in a complex enterprise environment and understands what it takes to implement new technology across an organisation.\nYou should ideally have:\nA relevant Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Information Technology or a related field.\n\nStrong experience across AI, data, automation, technology or digital transformation.\n\nExperience working within a large or complex enterprise environment.\n\nProven experience implementing AI or automation solutions across multiple teams or business units.\n\nStrong experience with enterprise data, data architecture, quality and governance.\n\nExperience implementing and managing modern AI platforms and tools.\n\nStrong understanding of Large Language Models and generative AI.\n\nExperience integrating AI solutions with enterprise applications, APIs and data sources.\n\nExperience taking AI initiatives from concept through implementation and adoption.\n\nExperience working with senior stakeholders and translating technology into commercial outcomes.\n\nExperience driving technology adoption across non-technical teams.\n\nExperience within retail, ecommerce, wholesale, distribution or consumer technology would be a strong 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