Work
- Translate business requirements into technical data solutions across AWS, Azure, and Databricks cloud platforms; build end-to-end ETL/ELT pipelines using SQL, Python, PySpark, and Glue.
- Pre-sales meetings, client proposals, and technical networking events.
- Cross-functional collaboration with data scientists, MLOps engineers, and full-stack developers in agile/DevOps environments.
- Drive AI/ML pilots and proofs of concept; maintain Microsoft and Databricks certifications.
- Support recruitment and mentoring as the team grows.
- Co-developed a deployable framework to ingest data from multiple source systems and streamline reporting using Fabric, PySpark, SparkSQL, and PowerBI.
- Implemented end-to-end medallion architecture analytics on Microsoft Fabric Lakehouse with Azure Data Factory.
- Built a call metrics monitoring solution from ingestion to reporting using Microsoft Fabric and ADF.
- Conducted PowerBI migration investigations and implemented a REST API monitoring solution for PowerBI deployments.
- Designed an inventory monitoring solution across the supply chain using Fabric, ADF, Lakehouse modelling, and PowerBI.
- Developed ETL pipelines in Databricks with SQL; built a Python module for AES encryption key rotation via Azure Key Vault.
- Product owner and lead for all data analytics and data science projects.
- Developed and communicated project roadmaps; managed stakeholder expectations.
- Agile product management using Jira, Confluence, Shape Up, and Git.
- Designed BI solution on Metabase and PostgreSQL for platform stakeholders (growers and buyers).
- Led data strategy and digital transformation initiatives.
- Architected data warehouse on AWS (Lambda, RDS, S3).
- Delivered ML and process automation solutions in Python.
- Deployed a Big Data Qlik model for a major South African retailer on AWS Redshift.
- Advanced analytics using Alteryx, KNIME, and Python: operations injury driver analysis, sales forecasting, demand planning, and procurement spend analysis.
- Conducted information landscape audits across healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and banking to align corporate and data strategies.
- BI development in PowerBI, Qlik Sense, QlikView, and Tableau.
- Business analysis and requirements gathering using Agile methodology.
- Spearheaded a company-wide data literacy initiative.
- Built a property development financial model forecasting cash flows using Excel VBA.
- Developed a techno-financial model for a large-scale trigeneration project (heated water, chilled water, and electricity generation).
- Designed a capital portfolio optimisation algorithm for one of South Africa's largest capital portfolios using Excel VBA and C#.
- Implemented a large-scale KPI measurement system using Excel VBA.
- Led the design office and managed new projects focused on pilot plant equipment design and site layouts.
- Delivered designs using AutoCAD, Inventor, and SolidWorks.
- Researched, designed, and procured mining equipment for small-scale mining clients.
- Designed and optimised granite cutting equipment; presented final design to Mintek CEO and supervisors.
Skills
Cloud Platforms
Microsoft Fabric
Azure Databricks
Azure (ADF, Key Vault)
AWS
AWS Glue
Data Engineering
SQL
ETL / ELT
Python
PySpark
Data Modeling
dbt
BI & Analytics
Power BI
Qlik Sense / QlikView
Alteryx
Metabase
Tableau
Tools & Methods
Agile / Product Mgmt
Jira / Confluence
Git / DevOps
Excel VBA
MLOps / AI Pilots
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
GIBS Business School (Gordon Institute of Business Science)
2018 – 2019
Exchange Programme
Indiana University — Kelley School of Business
2018
Predictive Analytics & Data Mining · New Product Management · International Business Environment
Postgraduate Diploma Cum Laude (78%)
GIBS Business School
2017 – 2018
Top student overall · Highest mark in 5 of 12 subjects
B.Eng Mechanical Engineering Cum Laude (80.2%)
Stellenbosch University
2009 – 2012
Graduated 2nd in class · Golden Key International Honour Society
Certifications
Microsoft Certified: Fabric Data Engineer Associate
Jun 2025
Microsoft Certified: Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate
May 2024
dbt Fundamentals
May 2025
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
Nov 2023
Databricks: Generative AI Fundamentals
Nov 2023
Articles
Agentic Data Engineering and the New Human Bottleneck
Agentic tools don't replace data engineers — they strip away the mechanical work and shift the real constraint to human judgment on trust, governance, and testing.
#AgenticAI
#DataEngineering
#DataGovernance
The Hidden Cost of Tool Sprawl
Why fragmented data stacks are blocking AI adoption and what consolidation really means for modern data teams.
#DataStrategy
#AIAdoption
#DataEngineering
FabCon 2026: Microsoft Fabric's CI/CD Moment Has Arrived
Microsoft Fabric CI/CD announcements from FabCon in Atlanta — what changed, what it means for data engineering teams shipping production workloads.
#MicrosoftFabric
#CICD
#DataEngineering
Why Your Data Pipelines Are Costing You More Than You Think (And What to Do About It)
Why brittle pipelines cost teams time and money — and how Delta Live Tables are changing the economics of data engineering.
#DataEngineering
#DeltaLiveTables
#Databricks
About
Engineer by trade, problem solver by passion.
Mechanical engineer turned data engineer — with an MBA in between. That combination gives me an unusual lens: I think in systems, reason in outcomes, and build for scale.
Over a decade across data engineering, analytics consulting, and product leadership — in South Africa and Canada — has shaped a clear point of view: the best data solutions are the ones people actually trust and use. Whether I'm architecting a medallion lakehouse on Microsoft Fabric, designing ETL pipelines in Databricks, or advising on data strategy, the goal is always the same: turn complexity into clarity.
Location
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Current Role
Senior Data Engineer — Data Elephant
Honours
Cum Laude ×2 · Top GIBS student · 2nd in Mechanical Engineering class · GMAT 670 (82nd percentile)
Languages
English · Afrikaans
Contact
Check out my NodCard for more ways to contact me!
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19.99 |
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29.99 |
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19.99 |
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29.99 |
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19.99 |
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29.99 |
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100.00 |
