Senior Specialist: Engineering - Innovation x4 (Fixed Term Contracts)

Position Reports to: Senior Manager: Engineering Division: Strategy Enab & Modernisation - CTIO Location: Head Office Advert Closing Date: 31 May 2026 About the Position The SARS Innovation Incubator (II) located within the Strategy, Enablement and Modernisation (SEM) unit is looking for highly skilled and results driven innovation and solutioning professionals with relevant academic competence, experience and a solid work ethics to join a dynamic team of seasoned innovation and solutioning professionals. The Senior Specialist: Engineering (Innovation) job is at a senior level in the organisation and will require individuals to work on strategic enterprise solutions and modernisation initiatives. These individuals will be required to analyse complex business problems, conceptualise or design innovative 'game changer 'solutions for these problems, develop solution or modernisation roadmaps, work with a diverse range of stakeholders and partners to prototype and conceptualise these strategic solutions. Job Purpose To facilitate the adoption of new leading edge 'Game Changer' concepts in support of the SARS enterprise strategy. This is achieved through research and benchmarking, participating in open collaboration networks, identifying and conceptualising innovation solution designs, the incubation of concepts (e.g., prototyping, piloting, etc.) and implementation of solution designs. The outcomes are utilised to define product features, develop their implementation roadmaps in the SARS business architecture and business solutions landscape, and ensure that the designs support the achievement of sustainable business results, including the provision of design and implementation support and conducting stakeholder engagement Education and Experience Minimum Qualification & Experience Required Honours / Postgraduate Diploma (NQF 8) in Industrial Engineering; Computer Science and Min. 10-12 years' experience in an innovation, design, and technology environment, of which 3-4 years at a specialist level. Alternative# Relevant bachelor's degree / Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Industrial Engineering or Computer Science and 15 years' experience in an innovation, design, and technology environment, of which 3-4 years at a specialist level. Job Outputs: ProcessInnovationCollaborate with local and international owners, partners and stakeholdersConduct local and international research and benchmarkingDevelop, socialise and publish fore-sighting reportsDraft idea elevator pitchesUnderstand business problem using data driven approachDesign Innovation SolutionsDraft Innovation Business CasesBuild, test and demonstrate prototypesManage prototype governanceTrack solution benefitsSolutioningBuild relationships with Business, Product and Segment OwnersBuild stakeholder and partner networksAssess the strategic landscapeDraft or facilitate the drafting of modernisation and solution strategies (5-10-year horizon)Socialise modernisation and solution strategiesAnalyse and understand problemsCollaborate on the detailed designsDraft Business CasesParticipate in the development and testing cycleTrack solution benefits GovernanceImplement and provide input into the development of governance, compliance, integrity and ethics processes within area of specialisation.Ensure that completed work adhere to relevant policies, procedures, governance and legislative requirements and report on deviations &discrepancies. PeopleDevelop and maintain productive working relationships with peers and team members to achieve predefined objectives.Search for, integrate and share new knowledge attained through formal and informal learning opportunities in the execution of your job FinanceImplement and monitor financial control, management of costs and corporate governance in area of accountabilityAdhere to organisational policies and procedures to ensure cost effectiveness and reduction of financial. ClientBuild strong relationships and develop service level agreements that promote SARS with internal and external stakeholders.Manage an integrated service excellence culture, which builds rewarding relationships and provides opportunity for feedback and exceptional service.Contribute to a culture of service excellence, which builds positive relationships and provides opportunity for feedback and exceptional service.Provide authoritative, specialist services, expertise and advice to internal and external stakeholders. Behavioural competenciesHonesty and IntegrityFairness and TransparencyAccountabilityProblem Solving and AnalysisConceptual thinkingInfluencing othersDriving ExcellenceLeveraging diversityAccurate understandingBuilding sustainability Technical competenciesStrategic PlanningTax KnowledgeEffective Business CommunicationProblem analysis and judgementPlanning management and measurementDecisivenessBusiness acumenFunctional Policies and Procedures Knowledge Compliance CompetencyKnowledge of innovation, industry and technology trendsUnderstand a situation or problem by breaking it into smaller pieces/tracing the implications of situation in a step-by-step wayKnowledge of own organisations, policies, procedures, services, products and business operating modelsThe knowledge and interpretation of the functional policies and procedures, including monitoring their consistent application internally within SARS Compliance CompetencyGOC Secret Employment Equity The Employment Equity policy of SARS will be considered as part of the recruitment and selection process and Persons with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will be required to undertake an oath of secrecy, pre-employment screening, case study, pre-assessment, psychometric assessment and or vetting, and a declaration of private interest. The appointment is also subject to appropriate reference(s) and security clearance where applicable.