Developer II: Operations Analytics at Allan Gray

Allan Gray is currently seeking an ambitious and technically proficient individual to join their Retail Operations team as a Developer II in Operations Analytics based in Cape Town, Western Cape. This team plays a pivotal role in modernising and streamlining business operations through advanced automation, process engineering, data analytics, and emerging artificial intelligence technologies. As part of a highly collaborative environment, the successful candidate will bridge technical development with operational efficiency to build practical, sustainable software solutions that eliminate repetitive work and reduce operational risk across the organisation.

This role provides an outstanding platform for either a high-achieving recent graduate with demonstrated software development experience or an early-career developer looking to scale their technical expertise in the asset management industry. Working across the complete software development lifecycle, you will develop, test, implement, and maintain intelligent automation workflows using Python, SQL, APIs, and modern automation platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Solution Design & Development: Design, build, test, and deploy software automation tools and integration workflows using Python, SQL, APIs, and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) tools like Tungsten Automation.

• Artificial Intelligence Implementation: Actively contribute to modern AI initiatives, exploring AI agents, generative AI tools, and smart workflow automation to solve operational bottlenecks.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work alongside retail operations teams and business analysts to understand complex operational challenges and translate them into maintainable technical systems.

• Database Optimisation: Write and refine robust SQL queries, data-processing logic, and stored procedures to ensure accurate and performant data handling.

• System Maintenance & Support: Troubleshoot system defects, participate in rotating production support, monitor running automation tasks, and execute regular operational batch processes.

• Code Quality & Standards: Utilise source control best practices, adhere to development security standards, and conduct peer code reviews to ensure top-tier solution reliability.

Why Join the Company

Allan Gray is renowned as one of South Africa's premier investment management firms, offering an intellectually stimulating work environment rooted in values of long-term thinking, continuous learning, and excellence. Employees benefit from collaborative mentorship, access to cutting-edge technologies, flexible working models, and significant long-term career progression opportunities within the financial services sector.

Application Strategy (Exclusive)

• Highlight Practical Coding Projects: Clearly showcase your development portfolio, GitHub repository, or academic capstone projects that prove practical proficiency in Python, SQL, or API integrations.

• Demonstrate Process-Driven Thinking: Detail specific instances where you automated a manual task, solved a data bottleneck, or built a tool that improved operational efficiency.

• Emphasise Academic and Analytical Strength: If applying as a graduate, highlight your academic transcript, analytical coursework, and proactive exposure to modern AI or automation tooling.

Interview Preparation

Candidates shortlisted for this position should prepare to answer the following technical and operational questions:

• "Can you describe an automation or software project you developed from scratch, detailing the tech stack used and how you handled debugging and edge cases?"

• "How would you approach designing a data-processing workflow using SQL and Python to ensure reliability, security, and ease of maintenance in a production environment?"

You can practice answering these and other technical interview scenarios using the Xhosadev Interview Simulator to refine your communication and confidence.

How to Apply

Please apply using the Quick Apply button on this page or visit the official Allan Gray careers portal to submit your CV and academic transcripts.

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

• Strong programming proficiency in at least one modern language (e.g., Python, Java, JavaScript, or TypeScript).

• Solid foundational knowledge of SQL, relational databases, and data structures.

• Clear understanding of fundamental software engineering principles, including error handling, debugging, and modular code architecture.

• Analytical mindset with demonstrated problem-solving skills and a passion for automation and artificial intelligence.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

• Strong academic transcripts or relevant portfolio projects (especially advantageous for graduate applicants).

• Prior exposure to RPA tools (such as Tungsten/Kofax), API integrations, cloud environments, or generative AI frameworks is advantageous.