Head of Engineering and Automation

We are X, bigly labs, Dis-Chems high-performance innovation hub; a place where bold ideas meet data, design, and radical customer focus to reimagine what healthcare can be.

Our mission is to power the future of healthcare by lowering costs, unlocking new possibilities, and improving access to healthcare for all South Africans. We do this through cutting-edge digital solutions that deliver smarter, more human, and truly patient-focused experiences. Here, your work is not limited to a whiteboard; it becomes real. It drives decisions, shapes experiences, and moves healthcare forward. We are driven by one big question: How do we use data and todays technology to build breakthroughs to better health?

Theres only one question left: are you ready to make healthcare smarter, and actually mean it?

The Head of Engineering & Automation defines and leads the strategic vision for engineering across X, bigly labs. This role ensures that technology, people, and processes collectively enable innovation, operational excellence, and strategic impact. The Head of Engineering and Automation oversees organisational design, engineering capability development, and execution of the technology strategy while driving measurable business value through automation, platform reliability, and delivery maturity.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR?

• Bachelors or Masters Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical field.
• 15+ years engineering experience, including 5+ in senior executive leadership.
• Demonstrated success driving technology delivery and innovation at scale.
• Proven record of financial accountability and cross-functional partnership at executive level.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING?

• Define and execute the long-term engineering strategy aligned to organisational goals, jointly with the Head of Product and Tribe Leads.
• Build and scale a high-performing engineering organisation with clear role pathways and growth frameworks.
• Oversee system reliability, delivery metrics, and automation initiatives across all engineering domains.
• Partner with Product, Design, Data, and Finance executives to align engineering priorities with business outcomes.
• Lead strategic automation, AI, and technology innovation programs to enhance scalability and efficiency.
• Actively engage in industry thought leadership and represent the organisation in professional forums..

WHO YOU ARE?

• Demonstrate theability tonavigate ambiguity with confidence and composure.
• Adapt effectively to shifting priorities, evolving goals, and dynamic business contexts.
• Deep expertise in systems architecture, automation, and large-scale platform engineering.
• Visionary leadership and strategic foresight.
• Drives strategic delivery and operational excellence at scale.
• Defines and executes enterprise-level innovation strategies.

Our values show up in how we think, build, and make choices that make an impact. We are building a culture that drives progress; one that fixes friction, chases what changes, and owns the outcome. We design with tomorrow in mind, ask sharper questions, and answer them with care, urgency, and systems that scale.

Think youve got energy, curiosity, and guts? Come hold the space, make it matter, and own a breakthrough.