Forward Deployed Automation Engineer (Intern) – Catalyst Fund Managers
ABOUT THE ORGANISATION AND THE ROLE
Catalyst Fund Managers is a specialist investment management firm dedicated to operational excellence and continuous innovation. As the investment industry evolves with AI and automation, Catalyst is committed to integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance productivity and streamline business processes.
The business is looking for a Forward Deployed Automation Engineer (Intern/Junior) who’s eager to roll up their sleeves and help build smarter ways of working. The right candidate could be a recent graduate or someone with a bit of experience—but what matters most is that they are a proactive problem solver who’s excited to make things better using technology. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn, experiment, and grow while working directly with senior stakeholders across the business.
MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Own End-to-End Automation Projects
- Lead solution scoping, build, testing, rollout, and user training.
- Define timelines and manage expectations with stakeholders.
2. Process Mapping & Opportunity Identification
- Collaborate closely with various teams to uncover inefficient or manual workflows.
- Present well-structured cases for automation, backed by data and value metrics.
3. Build & Deploy Automation Tools
- Develop tools using Excel (Power Query, VBA), Python, SQL, Power Automate, Zapier, APIs, and low-code/no-code apps.
4. Integrate AI into Business Functions
- Identify practical use cases for AI, including LLM integration.
- Build and deploy AI-driven tools that improve reporting, documentation, and research.
5. Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication
- Translate business needs into technical plans.
- Workshop ideas with senior professionals and drive adoption.
6. Data Governance & Documentation
- Ensure all automation outputs meet data accuracy and compliance standards.
- Maintain documentation for scalability and audit purposes.
REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
The ideal applicant will have the following competencies:
1. Work experience and industry exposure
- A recent graduate or junior candidate with 0–2 years of experience in automation, data, operations, or process improvement.
- A passion for solving real business problems through technology and automation, not just writing code, but making an impact.
- Degree in engineering, information systems, analytics, finance, computer science, or a similar field.
- Exposure to financial services or fast-paced businesses is a plus.
2. Strong Communication and Interpersonal skills
- Strong communicator, especially with senior non-technical team members.
- Able to translate ambiguous business needs into structured plans.
- Strong presentation and collaboration skills across departments.
3. Excellent Administration and Organisational Skills
- Great time manager who enjoys juggling projects, staying organized, and delivering quality work.
- Comfortable working independently and managing projects end-to-end.
- Detail-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy, documentation, and quality control.
- Able to operate in an environment of high autonomy and responsibility.
4. Specific Requirements
- Advanced Excel skills (Power Query, VBA) and proficiency with automation tools such as Python, SQL, Power Automate, Zapier, APIs, or low-code/no-code platforms.
- Understanding of data structures and workflow design.
- Interest or experience in using AI tools to improve operational and research tasks.
- A self-starter with a proactive and curious mindset, eager to grow in a fast-evolving environment.
Interested?
Click on the APPLY NOW / DOWNLOAD APPLICATION button below
Closing date for applications: 6 February 2026
If you have not been contacted within 2 weeks of submitting your application, kindly consider your application to have been unsuccessful
Job Features
| Job Category | Digital, Finance, Information Technology |
| Location: | Claremont |
| Reporting to: | CEO and AI consultant |
| Nature of contract: | 6-month contract (with the possibility of becoming permanent) |
| Salary range: | R35k /month |
| Hours of work: | Full time |
| Closing date for applications: | 6 February 2026 |
| Interested? | Click on the APPLY NOW / DOWNLOAD APPLICATION button below |