Junior Business Analyst

Recruiter:

MECS Africa

Job Ref:

JHB012557/KR

Date posted:

Monday, May 18, 2026

Location:

Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Salary:

20000 Monthly

SUMMARY:
We are seeking a driven junior professional to join a Business Improvement and Reporting team within a diversified agri-business group operating across manufacturing, distribution, and timber processing industries in Pietermaritzburg. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career individual to gain hands-on exposure to operations, process improvement, AI tools, business intelligence, and reporting.

The role will initially focus on the Group’s Knowledge Base project, aimed at improving and standardising business process documentation across multiple departments and entities. Over time, the role will expand into broader reporting, analytics, operational improvement, and AI implementation initiatives across the Group.

This opportunity is ideal for someone who is analytical, eager to learn, and passionate about AI and data-driven business improvement.

POSITION INFO:

Key Responsibilities

Build and structure business process documentation across departments and operating entities
Identify undocumented or missing operational processes
Work with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to capture and document process knowledge
Use AI tools, including large language models and custom AI workflows, to draft policies, procedures, and work instructions
Standardise document structures, naming conventions, and ownership across the Group
Improve document storage, searchability, and accessibility using SharePoint

Projects Involvement

Process mapping and operational improvement initiatives
Business intelligence and reporting support across the Group
Data-driven business analysis to support operational and commercial decision-making
Practical AI implementation and identification of high-value AI use cases
Support cross-functional projects across operations, finance, and reporting

Qualifications

Relevant tertiary qualification (Degree) in one of the following fields: Accounting, Statistics, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Information Systems, Business Science

Experience

This opportunity is open to both recent graduates and candidates with early-career working experience. Prior exposure to a professional working environment is advantageous but not essential.

What We’re Looking For

Required

Process-driven mindset
High attention to detail
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Comfortable engaging with stakeholders across all levels of the business
Self-starter mentality with strong ownership
Quick learner with strong problem-solving ability
Ability to manage projects through to completion
Strong analytical thinking and curiosity
Valid driver’s licence and own vehicle
Willingness to travel regularly to operational sites and plants

Advantageous

Exposure or interest in AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Claude, or similar)
SharePoint experience
Interest in Business Intelligence and Reporting
Exposure to Excel, SQL, Power BI, or Qlik
Strong interest in operational improvement and data-driven decision-making

What We Offer

Direct exposure to modern AI tools and their practical business applications
Mentorship and support from senior leaders and experienced professionals
Hands-on operational, analytical, and reporting exposure across multiple industries
Strong learning curve with structured support and development
Exposure to real business operations, manufacturing, and distribution environments
Clear growth potential and path to permanent appointment based on performance

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