Senior Application Specialist

Value Proposition

At Shoprite, you will be part of delivering integrated solutions across the Shoprite Group to some of the most recognized South Africa Retail brands by working on best-of-breed technologies. We are proud to be publicly recognized as the largest private sector employer in South Africa and a leading employer in Africa. We focus on attracting, developing, and retaining a loyal and committed workforce, dedicated to the Group’s culture and organisational objectives.

Role Purpose

The Application Specialist III operates independently to lead and coordinate projects requiring specialized knowledge and technical expertise. Working closely with project teams, functional teams, and vendors, this role assumes a leadership position in managing large or complex applications. They oversee testing processes, ensuring data integrity and validation of outcomes. As an expert in multiple computer programs and data interfaces, the Application Specialist III plays a pivotal role in shaping system architecture, driving innovation, and fostering continuous improvement initiatives within the organization.

Role Description

• Lead product demonstrations and provide guidance on sample analysis reporting.
• Manage operation and support activities for high availability critical systems.
• Review and plan support activities for end-users, ensuring adherence to SLAs.
• Conduct system and service performance monitoring, driving proactive improvements.
• Set technical direction for development, maintenance, and architecture initiatives.
• Ensure adherence to established processes and maintain high-quality service delivery.
• Provide guidance on development activities and system solutions.
• Guide the selection, deployment, and configuration of new highly complex systems.
• Proactively identify opportunities for new solutions and improvements.
• Participate in the implementation of release changes and special projects.
• Ensure effective incident management and resolution.
• Track and resolve vendor-related issues, ensuring timely resolution.
• Quality assure and provide strategic client input on product features and enhancements.
• Drive the formulation of processes and best practices for application users.
• Oversee onboarding/offboarding of users, optimizing license usage.
• Create and manage system application roadmaps.
• Ensure effective implementation of new applications within business areas.
• Quality assure and maintain JIRA dashboards and reporting.

Qualifications and Experience

• Matric (essential).
• A+ and/or MCSE (essential).
• IT related Diploma / Degree (desired).
• ITIL 4 Foundation Certification (desired).
• +6 years’ experience as an Application Specialist or similar role within an IT support team working with multiple applications software and solutions (essential).
• Advanced working knowledge of MS Office Suite and software testing (essential).
• Change management experience (essential).
• In-depth IT support and operations knowledge and experience supporting projects in both Agile and DevOps environments (essential).
• Working knowledge of MS Office Suite (essential).
• Experience in a Retail / Wholesale / Financial Services industry (desired).
• Knowledge of software/system development life cycles (SDLC) and experience with software development and testing (desired).
• Business presentation skills (desirable).
• Proficient in fundamental IT systems.
• Understands basic principles of AGILE work methods.

Our Group is committed to creating, embracing, and preserving a diverse workplace that values the unique talents, perspectives, backgrounds, and abilities that enrich our organisation. A place where everyone matters and feels included.

We are committed to Employment Equity when recruiting internally and externally.