ENVIRONMENT:

Our client operates as a development company with offices in Stellenbosch and Johannesburg, specializing in the advancement of state-of-the-art agricultural technologies. They are seeking a Data Controller who is essentially an introduction to the group’s ecosystem. This role serves as the first line of support for the business, managing operational exceptions and support queries through the HubSpot support desk. By working closely with the Operational Team Lead and the Operations Analyst, as well as the wider operations, data, and product development teams, you will gain a deeper understanding of how their platform works. A key focus of this role is to identify and assist in moving processes towards automation, working with your team to improve efficiency. You will be responsible for clearly articulating support issues to the Operations Analyst and Operational Team Lead to ensure root causes are identified. This role sets the foundation for a potential future role in the data team as a data analyst or a role in the core operations of the business, e.g. an operations analyst or account manager.

DUTIES:

• Manage and resolve first-line support queries via the Hubspot support desk, ensuring issues are logged, prioritised, and escalated correctly.
• Work closely with the Operations Analyst and Operational Team Lead to articulate and document complex support issues and data errors.
• Proactively identify repetitive tasks and operational pain points that are candidates for automation.
• Order loading for various buyers on the platform.
• Pack planning and yield estimations.
• Reconciliation between loaded and processed orders to ensure data is accurate and timely.
• Understand the internal and external business processes (to identify areas of improvement).
• Develop an understanding for how their platform works.
• Provide feedback to developers (via the Operational Team Lead and Operations Analyst) based on identified system issues and support trends.
• Determine how business processes translate into data flows – which lead to strategic initiatives for platform users.
• Develop an understanding for the data acquisition process in both the front-end and back end (ETL) of the platform.
• Determine root-cause of data processing errors and setup configurations to resolve them.
• Exception-manage missing, incomplete, erroneous & illogical data sets.
• Identify missing and problematic data integration points and implement solutions.

REQUIREMENTS:

Formal Qualifications

• Preferably a degree in Industrial Engineering. However, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Business Administration (BBA) or BCom/Agricultural Economics degrees will also be considered.
• Driver’s licence (This role will include some travelling)

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Advanced level of computer literacy (especially Excel)
• Proven ability to be part of a team and collaborate across departments
• Excellent problem solving and organisational ability
• Strong numerical and analytical skills
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and influence credibly and effectively at all levels
• Ability to work under pressure
• Proven verbal and written communication skills in English
• Must be able to build strong internal client relationships
• Excellent attention to detail

Job Related Experience

• Not necessary.
• Beneficial 1 - 2 years’ experience in a logistics provider, perishable commodity agent / retailer or commercial farming company in a planning, operational, logistics or solutions role.
• Experience in managing client / supplier relationships
• Experience in analysing operational processes and/or logistics operations

Languages

• English
• Afrikaans (Beneficial)

ATTRIBUTES:

• Someone to enhance the positive company culture with a high emphasis on morals, values and diversity
• Preferably someone with a passion for/experience in the agriculture and /or logistics & technology industries