Data & Operations Specialist

This role offers a unique opportunity for a technically adept individual to significantly impact an organisation's operational efficiency and data integrity. The successful candidate will act as a crucial link between various departments, ensuring that data flows seamlessly and that automated processes support strategic objectives. If you have a passion for streamlining operations, building robust data pipelines, and leveraging technology to solve business challenges, this remote position could be an excellent fit.

The Scope of Your Responsibilities

As a Data & Operations Specialist, you will be at the forefront of designing, implementing, and maintaining the automated systems that underpin the organisation's core functions. This involves a blend of technical expertise and operational oversight.

Key duties will include:

• **Supporting Cross-Functional Teams:** You'll be the go-to person for departments such as admissions, education, career services, and billing, providing them with the data insights and automation solutions they need to excel.
• **Workflow Design and Maintenance:** You will be responsible for building and keeping up-to-date a variety of automation workflows. This will involve proficiency with tools like Zapier, Typeform, HubSpot, Google Apps Script, and database platforms such as Notion or Airtable, as well as integrating with external APIs.
• **Data Visualisation and Reporting:** A significant part of the role involves creating and maintaining business intelligence dashboards. You will use tools like Looker Studio (formerly Google Data Studio) and Google Sheets to transform raw data into actionable insights for stakeholders.
• **Database Management:** You’ll work with lightweight database solutions, such as Supabase, to structure and synchronise data across different internal processes, ensuring consistency and accuracy.

What You'll Bring to the Table

To excel in this role, a strong foundation in automation tools and a meticulous approach to data are essential. The organisation values candidates who can not only implement technical solutions but also understand the operational context and contribute to strategic improvements.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• **Proven Automation Experience:** Hands-on experience with key automation platforms and tools is paramount. This includes Zapier, HubSpot, Google Sheets, Google Apps Script, and API integrations.
• **Data Visualisation Skills:** Proficiency in a BI tool like Looker Studio, or similar platforms for dashboard creation and reporting, is expected.
• **Database Acumen:** A solid understanding of database principles is required. You should be comfortable working with no-code/low-code structured systems such as Airtable and Notion, and have a grasp of basic SQL, particularly within the context of platforms like Supabase.
• **Operational Workflow Knowledge:** Demonstrable experience in workflow automation and operations management is crucial.
• **A Plus, Not a Must:** Experience in financial, billing, or HR processes would be highly advantageous. Backgrounds in edtech, bootcamps, or online learning environments are particularly sought after. Familiarity with Python, n8n, or other automation platforms would also be considered a strong asset.
• **Personal Attributes:** A sharp, analytical, and detail-oriented mindset, coupled with a strong data-driven approach, is vital. Excellent organisational and communication skills are also key to collaborating effectively across teams.

In South Africa, a Data & Operations Specialist role, particularly one with this blend of technical and strategic responsibilities, can offer competitive remuneration depending on experience and the specific industry. Such positions are often found within tech startups, educational technology companies, and organisations focused on process optimisation. Career progression might lead to senior operations management, data analysis leadership, or specialised roles in business process automation.

• Strong hands-on experience with Zapier, Hubspot, Google Sheets, AppScripts, APIs, and process automation tools.
• Proficiency with Looker Studio (or similar BI tools for dashboarding and reporting).
• Solid understanding of databases; comfortable working with no-code/low-code structured systems (e.g., Airtable, Notion) and basic SQL (Supabase).
• Preferred: experience with Python, n8n, Lovable, or similar automation platforms.
• Proven background in workflow automation and operations management.
• Experience with finance, billing, or HR processes is a strong plus (bonus if in edtech, bootcamps, or online learning).
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and highly data-driven mindset.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.