Data Lead

Role Overview: The Lead of Data – Lightstone Auto is responsible for leading the delivery and evolution of data capabilities within the Auto business, ensuring high-quality, scalable, and reliable data solutions that support business objectives. The role focuses on the design, development, and optimisation of data platforms, structures, pipelines, and models, while working closely with business, product, and engineering teams to translate requirements into effective data solutions. The successful candidate will combine strong technical leadership with a practical, delivery-focused mindset, ensuring that data solutions are robust, efficient, and aligned to business needs. This role will be reporting to the Head of Data. Key Responsibilities: Data Delivery & Technical Leadership · Lead the design, development, and optimisation of data pipelines, models, and platforms · Translate business requirements into scalable and efficient data solutions · Provide technical leadership and guidance to data engineers and analysts · Ensure data solutions are maintainable, well-structured, and aligned to best practices Data Architecture & Platform Development · Design and implement data architectures, including data marts, integration layers, and APIs · Ensure efficient data ingestion, transformation, and integration across systems · Contribute to platform evolution, including performance optimisation and scalability improvements Data Quality & Operational Excellence · Implement and maintain data quality controls, validation processes, and monitoring · Ensure reliability, accuracy, and availability of data across key datasets · Identify and resolve data issues, and continuously improve data processes Data Governance & Compliance · Implement and uphold data governance practices within Auto data domains · Support data classification, retention, and lifecycle management processes · Ensure compliance with applicable regulations (e.g. POPIA, PAIA) and internal policies Stakeholder Collaboration · Work closely with Product, Business, and Engineering teams to deliver data solutions aligned to business needs · Translate data and technical concepts into clear, practical insights for stakeholders · Support client-facing and internal initiatives where data expertise is required Team Leadership & Development · Lead and mentor a team of data engineers and analysts · Support team development through coaching, knowledge sharing, and technical guidance · Foster a culture of ownership, quality, and continuous improvement Continuous Improvement & Innovation · Stay up to date with emerging data technologies and practices · Contribute to improving data capabilities, tools, and processes within the business · Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency, scalability, and data usability Qualification & Experience: Relevant Degree (Data, Engineering, Computer Science, Business or similar) 10–15+ years’ experience in data-related roles 5+ years in Data Management Leadership roles Experience in: Data discipline and related problems solving, decision making and influencing across teams Data platforms, engineering, or architecture Data governance and compliance Data product, commercial environments Stakeholder collaboration, engagement and advisory skills Advantageous: Automotive, financial services, or consumer data experience AI/ML concepts and the practical application of advanced analytics to solve business problems and enhance data products. Technical & Domain Skills: Experience implementing data strategies and operating models aligned to business needs Understanding of end-to-end data lifecycle management, including retention, archiving, and deletion aligned to legal and business requirements Strong understanding of modern data architectures, data platforms, and integration patterns (ETL/ELT, APIs) across on-prem and cloud environments Proficiency in SQL-based environments and experience with data pipeline development, automation, and performance optimisation Solid grounding in data governance, data quality, and regulatory compliance (including POPIA) Ability to translate data into commercially valuable products and support client-facing use cases Experience working across technical, business, and regulatory stakeholders Understanding of automotive, mobility, or consumer data environments advantageous Awareness of emerging trends in AI/ML and data innovation Non-Technical Skills & Competencies: Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with attention to detail. (Core to the role) Excellent communication and teamwork abilities, especially with the ability to effectively communicate with non-technical people Enjoy supporting technical implementations. Able to build strong networks and relationships, internally and with customers. Can effectively multi-task and manage conflicting priorities, coupled with good attention to detail. Aptitude for providing timely and accurate responses to client inquiries and managing client expectations. A passion to learn and extend knowledge outside of the work sphere. Capable of identifying, embracing and initiating change in an agile and fast-paced environment. Demonstrates strong ownership and a proactive, outcome-driven approach, consistently taking initiative to identify opportunities, address challenges, and deliver results with minimal supervision. Operates with sound judgement, effectively prioritising work and aligning efforts to business objectives. Shows resourcefulness in navigating complexity, anticipates risks, adapts to change, and maintains resilience and focus in a dynamic environment. What we offer: Market-related salary 25 days Leave The opportunity to work with an experienced data team across the group and within a group of proven successful data business in South Africa A leadership team that focusses on a care and growth style to leadership and cares deeply for their people Access to rich, unique data assets in South Africa A leadership role within a high-growth data business An opportunity to be part of a cutting-edge data business Hybrid working model and flexible culture Company Overview: Lightstone is an intelligent solutions company with strong, industry-specific expertise and core capabilities in data management, GIS, analytics, and software development. We specialize in delivering integrated, online knowledge solutions, batch and real-time data quality solutions. We hire exceptional people and provide them with the environment where they can excel. Our non-corporate culture encourages flexibility, collaboration, and innovation. We pride ourselves in our core values to Encourage Participation, Respond to Changing Needs and Win Together, which are reflected in each development, project, product, or service we undertake to deliver.