Data Officer

What will make you successful in this role?

Job Title: Data Officer (Actuarial Background) Department: Information Technology / MIS Reporting To: Executive Head: Chief Information Officer (CIO) Location: Kosmosdal, Gauteng Type: Full-Time

Role Purpose

Lead the strategic transformation of data capabilities by integrating actuarial expertise with data governance, MIS oversight, and modern data architecture. This role is pivotal in driving enterprise-wide data governance, modernizing the data warehouse to a cloud-based solution, and enabling data-driven decision-making across the short-term insurance business.

Key Responsibilities

• Data Strategy and Transformation: Develop and execute a comprehensive data strategy aligned with business goals, regulatory requirements, and digital initiatives. Champion the shift from legacy systems to a modern, cloud-based data warehouse.

• Enterprise Data Governance: Establish and lead a company-wide data governance framework (policies, standards, stewardship). Ensure data quality, consistency, privacy, and compliance with South African regulations (e.g., POPIA).

• MIS Oversight: Lead the MIS function to deliver accurate, timely, and actionable insights. Enhance reporting capabilities via automation, self-service BI, and advanced analytics, ensuring alignment with actuarial models and regulatory submissions.

• Actuarial Integration: Apply actuarial knowledge to design database structures supporting pricing, reserving, and risk modelling. Translate actuarial outputs into business-relevant insights and align data strategies with the Head of Actuarial.

• Cloud Data Modernization: Lead the migration of the data warehouse to a scalable, secure cloud-based platform. Evaluate and implement modern data technologies (e.g., Azure, AWS, Snowflake, Databricks) to support real-time analytics and machine learning.

• Stakeholder and Culture: Engage with executive leadership, business units, and technical teams to deliver impactful solutions. Promote a data-driven culture and advocate for data literacy across the organisation.

• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of MIS analysts, data engineers, and governance specialists. Build internal capabilities for advanced analytics, data engineering, and governance.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science, Data Science, Computer Science, or related field.

• Qualified or nearly qualified actuary (ASSA or equivalent) is required.

• +5 years’ experience in short-term insurance, with exposure to MIS, data governance, and actuarial modelling.

• 3+ years management experience.

• Experience in cloud data platforms and data warehouse modernization.

• Proven leadership in data strategy and cross-functional collaboration.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of cloud data platforms (e.g., Azure Synapse, AWS Redshift, Snowflake).

• Proficiency in data tools (SQL, Power BI, Python, R).

• Deep understanding of actuarial principles and insurance operations.

• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and change leadership skills.

• Familiarity with data privacy and regulatory frameworks (e.g., POPIA, SAM).

Knowledge and Skills

Personal Attributes

Build a successful career with us

We’re all about building strong, lasting relationships with our employees. We know that you have hopes for your future – your career, your personal development and of achieving great things. We pride ourselves in helping  our employees to realise their worth. Through its five business clusters – Sanlam Fintech, Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Allianz, Santam, as well as MiWay and the Group Office – the group provides many opportunities for growth and development.

Core Competencies

Turnaround time

The shortlisting process will only start once the application due date has been reached. The time taken to complete this process will depend on how far you progress and the availability of managers.Deadline to apply: 17 November 2025.

Our commitment to transformation