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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.