Head: Data Engineer ● REF NO: FPR 36/26
Summary
Lead the City of Cape Town's Data Analytics Hub as Head of Data Engineering: direct the design, build and operation of the data platforms, pipelines and data products powering analytics and AI for the city. The role blends hands-on open-source data engineering (cloud and on-prem) with team leadership and executive-level strategy.
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Finance Policy & Strategy
TCOE Salary: R 1 552 377 – R 2 098 744 PER ANNUM
(Candidates who previously applied for FPR 24/26 need not to reapply)
LOCATION: Civic Centre, Cape Town
How do you turn data into something that improves life in a city of millions? That's the question this role exists to answer.
The City of Cape Town is looking for a Head: Data Engineering to lead a team of data engineers. Sitting within the City’s Data Analytics Hub, you'll lead the design, development and operation of the data infrastructure, pipelines, platforms and data products that power analytics and AI across the organisation; and ultimately deliver real benefit to the residents of Cape Town.
Our stack is built predominantly on open-source technologies, so you'll be leading a team that works in the open, embraces community-driven tooling and chooses the right tool for the job.
This is a leadership role for someone who's as comfortable shaping architecture as they are growing a team and influencing strategy at the highest levels of the organisation.
Requirements
- A relevant tertiary qualification (honours or 4-year degree), preferably in Computer Science, Engineering or a related technical field
- At least 8 years’ relevant experience
- Solid hands-on experience working with open-source technologies and software across the data engineering lifecycle
- Deep technical grounding in modern data engineering (infrastructureas-code, containerisation, observability, APIs) paired with proven leadership
- Strong communication skills and the ability to tailor your message to technical, operational and executive audiences
Key Performance Areas
- Lead the architecture and delivery of scalable, reliable, cost-effective data platforms (ingestion, transformation, storage and serving) across cloud and on-premise environments
- Drive the development, deployment and monitoring of data products and APIs that answer the City's most important questions
- Establish governance, standards and best practice for the City's data analytics and AI community, including the City Data Product Catalogue
By submitting your application for a position at the City of Cape Town, you are consenting to the use of your personal information provided as part of your application and/or Recruitment process for Recruitment and Selection purposes. In addition, you may be required to undergo, including but not limited to, Criminal and Security Checks, Personal Verification, and Lifestyle Audits, throughout your recruitment process and/or subsequent employment.
Closing date: 19 October 2026