AI Solutions and Automation Specialist

• A distribution business on the East Rand is building something most companies are still only talking about, a dedicated AI and automation function, created from scratch, with a direct line to the Managing Director and a clear mandate to change how the business operates.
• This is not a support role buried in IT. It is a builder's role. The successful candidate will design and deploy custom AI-driven solutions that strip out repetitive manual work and give senior management their time back. Sales analysis is the starting point, with a structured rollout across the rest of the business to follow.

What's in it for you

• A rare opportunity to own an entire AI function from day one with no legacy systems or bureaucracy to navigate.
• Direct access to and reporting line with the Managing Director, meaning decisions get made fast.
• A defined roadmap with clear milestones, so the impact of the work is measurable and visible.
• The tools are already in place, including Claude and ChatGPT licences, with room to recommend what else is worth adopting.
• A permanent, full-time position in a business with real operational scale across distribution.

Minimum Requirements

• 3 or more years of hands-on experience in automation, data analysis, AI solution development or a closely related technical role.
• Proven experience building solutions using LLMs and APIs such as Claude, OpenAI or similar. This is the most critical requirement and must be demonstrable.
• Python or equivalent scripting ability, combined with strong Excel and data analysis skills.
• Experience extracting and transforming data from accounting or ERP systems such as Pastel or similar platforms.
• Solid understanding of data security, access control and POPIA compliance.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to train non-technical staff and manage change effectively.
• A tertiary qualification in IT, data, engineering or a related field, or equivalent proven experience.
• Own transport and willingness to work full-time on site.
• Experience with Sage Pastel Partner is advantageous.
• A background in sales or financial analysis is advantageous.
• Previous experience introducing AI into a business from the ground up is advantageous.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, test and deploy custom AI-driven solutions beginning with sales analysis, then rolling out across additional departments in a structured sequence.
• Automate reporting, data preparation and other repetitive management tasks that currently consume senior leadership time.
• Connect solutions to Pastel Partner data and Excel using available methods including exports, ODBC or other suitable approaches.
• Write a clear technical specification for each solution and test thoroughly for accuracy and security before going live.
• Run reasonability checks on AI outputs to ensure results are validated before being relied upon.
• Monitor, support and continuously improve solutions once deployed.
• Assess staff readiness for AI adoption, manage resistance and lead onboarding and training across the business.
• Create practical user guides and documentation for all tools deployed.
• Draft and maintain an AI and data-use policy for Managing Director approval, covering data security and POPIA requirements.
• Report regularly to the Managing Director on time saved, errors reduced and adoption progress.
• Stay current with emerging AI tools and best practice and make recommendations on what is worth implementing.
• Collaborate with the external IT provider where hardware or infrastructure is involved.