Analytics Engineer (Data Platform)

The Takealot Group, South Africa's premier online retailer, is seeking a skilled Analytics Engineer to bolster its Data Platform team in Cape Town. This is an opportunity to join a rapidly expanding, dynamic organisation that thrives on innovation and problem-solving. With millions of satisfied shoppers relying on its services, Takealot offers a challenging yet rewarding environment where individuals can learn from industry leaders and accelerate their career development within the broader Takealot Group, which includes Mr D and TFS.

About the Role

As an Analytics Engineer within the Data Platform team, you will play a crucial role in transforming raw data into actionable insights that drive informed business decisions. This position involves end-to-end ownership of the enterprise data warehouse, data marts, and business intelligence reporting environments. You will be instrumental in the development, implementation, ongoing support, and performance optimisation of these critical data assets. Collaborating closely with stakeholders, Data Engineers, and BI Analysts, you will translate complex business needs into robust, scalable, and efficient technical solutions.

Your responsibilities will encompass the full data lifecycle, from design and implementation of analytical solutions to ensuring the seamless operation of data pipelines and supporting infrastructure. This includes providing operational support, addressing bugs, and implementing performance enhancements to maintain an efficient and reliable data ecosystem. A key aspect of the role involves maintaining and enhancing the company's event-driven architecture, which is built upon cutting-edge technologies like BigQuery, DataForm, and Looker.

The Analytics Engineer will be responsible for a wide range of technical tasks, including:

• **Data Solution Development:** Designing and implementing reporting and analytical solutions that meet business requirements.
• **Architecture Maintenance:** Contributing to the upkeep of a Kappa and Lambda event-driven architecture on Google Cloud Platform, specifically leveraging BigQuery, DataForm, and Looker.
• **Performance Optimisation:** Continuously monitoring and tuning the performance of data pipelines, data warehousing solutions, and reporting environments.
• **Operational Support:** Providing essential support, resolving issues, and implementing enhancements to ensure the smooth operation of the data platform.
• **Data Extraction and Automation:** Automating data extraction processes and report update schedules to improve efficiency.
• **Data Quality Assurance:** Performing data validation and integrity testing to ensure the accuracy and reliability of data.
• **Data Modelling:** Engaging in data cleansing, multidimensional data modelling, and optimising existing data models.
• **Stakeholder Collaboration:** Working closely with various teams to understand their data needs and deliver effective solutions.

What They're Looking For

To be successful in this role, candidates should possess a strong foundation in computer science principles and a proven track record in data engineering and analytics. Essential qualifications include:

• **Educational Background:** A Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Diploma in Information Systems, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Engineering. Alternatively, a minimum of 6 years of equivalent experience in a software or technology environment will be considered.
• **Professional Experience:** At least 4-6 years of relevant experience in a data-focused role.
• **SQL Proficiency:** A minimum of 4 years of extensive experience with SQL.
• **BI Tools:** A minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience with business intelligence reporting tools such as QlikView, Tableau, Microsoft Power BI, or Looker.
• **Cloud Experience:** Familiarity with or experience in Google Cloud Platform (GCP) or another major cloud provider, particularly concerning architecture and operations.
• **Data Warehousing Concepts:** Experience with OLAP and multidimensional cube design.
• **Technical Fundamentals:** A thorough understanding of computer science fundamentals, including object-oriented design, data structures, algorithms, and operating systems (Linux) and networking.

While not strictly mandatory, the following would be considered advantageous:

• 1-2 years of coding experience in Python and JavaScript.
• Direct experience with Looker, BigQuery, and Dataform.
• Familiarity with CI/CD tools like Jenkins or GitHub Actions.
• Experience with Domain-Driven Design (DDD).
• Experience working within Scrum and Sprint Agile methodologies.
• Prior exposure to the retail or e-commerce industry.

This role is ideal for a data professional looking to make a significant impact within a fast-paced, data-centric environment. In South Africa, analytics engineers with this level of experience and skill set are highly sought after, particularly within the booming e-commerce and technology sectors. Companies like Takealot often offer competitive remuneration packages, and there are significant opportunities for career progression, especially within larger, growing groups.

• Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Diploma in Information Systems, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering and a minimum of 3 years experience in a software/technology environment is required.
• In the event that a candidate does not have a Bachelor’s Degree or an Advanced Diploma (in Information Systems, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Engineering), an equivalent experience requirement must be met, which equates to a minimum of 6 years experience in a software/technology environment.
• 4 - 6 years related experience.
• 1 - 2 years of coding experience in Python and JavaScript (advantageous).
• Minimum 2 years’ experience using a BI reporting tools (e.g. QlikView, Tableau, Microsoft Power BI, Looker, etc.).
• Minimum 4 years SQL experience.
• A thorough understanding of computer science fundamentals, including object-oriented design, data structures and algorithms.
• A solid understanding of computer science fundamentals, including Linux and operating systems, networking.
• Experience using Looker, BigQuery and Dataform is advantageous.
• OLAP and multidimensional cube design experience.
• Familiar with CI/CD tools such as Jenkins, Github Actions.
• Have experience with Google Cloud, or another cloud provider (architecture, operations).
• High proficiency in working with large data sets and business models.
• Experience with Domain Driven Design (DDD) is advantageous.
• Experience working in Scrum and Sprint Agile methodologies is advantageous.
• Retail or e-commerce industry experience beneficial.