SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
Solution Architect - Purpose of the role The Solutions Architect is responsible for designing, guiding, and assuring the delivery of end-to-end technology solutions that meet business objectives and are scalable, secure, and sustainable. This role requires architectural leadership\/support across the full solution lifecycle — from concept and design through implementation and transition into operations. Responsibilities • Define end-to-end solution architectures aligned to business strategy, enterprise standards, and technology roadmaps. • Translate business requirements into practical, scalable, and maintainable solution designs. • Evaluate technology options and provide clear architectural recommendations. • Ensure solutions meet requirements for performance, security, resilience, and compliance. • Take ownership of the architecture across the entire solution delivery lifecycle. • Ensure third party service providers build technical solutions in accordance with the RCS and\/or infrastructure\/ solutions design standards • Provide architectural guidance and decision-making support to delivery teams. • Ensure architectural integrity is maintained throughout implementation. • Identify and proactively manage technical risks, dependencies, and constraints. • Support successful transition of solutions into operational support. • Engage proactively with business stakeholders to understand needs and shape solution direction. • Communicate complex technical concepts in a clear and business-friendly manner. • Facilitate design workshops, architecture reviews, and decision forums. • Build trusted relationships across business and technology teams. • Ensure solutions align with enterprise architecture principles and standards. • Take ownership and\/or support the architecture governance and review processes. • Document architecture decisions, assumptions, and designs clearly. • Identify opportunities to improve architecture practices, delivery approaches, and technology usage. • Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends. • Mentor and guide other architects and technical team members where required. Competency profile • Broad technical background across multiple technology domains (e.g., applications, integration, data, infrastructure, cloud, security). • Strong understanding of solution architecture principles and design practices. • Experience working across full solution delivery lifecycles. • Ability to assess and select appropriate technologies and platforms. • Understanding of system integration patterns and distributed architectures. • Familiarity with cloud platforms and modern application architectures. • Working knowledge of software development practices and methodologies. • Prior hands-on technical experience (development and infrastructure) is required, although active coding is not expected. • Strong ownership mindset with accountability for end-to-end solution outcomes. • Proactive and forward-thinking in identifying risks, gaps, and opportunities. • Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills. • Ability to influence and guide technical and non-technical stakeholders. • Strong facilitation and decision-making capabilities. • Clear and confident communicator, both written and verbal. • Ability to balance strategic thinking with practical delivery realities. • Collaborative leadership style with the ability to work across teams. • Sense of personal accountability Knowledge, Skills and Experience • Degree in IT, Computer Engineering, or Information Systems. • 8+ years’ proven experience as a Solutions Architect. • Technical knowledge across development (.NET, C#, SQL Server), infrastructure (Windows), cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP), security (OWASP), data and regulatory (POPIA, PCI\/DSS) - Advantageous (but not mandatory) – Knowledge of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes). • Experience with hybrid architectures and on-prem\/cloud integration. • Demonstrated experience assessing and leading cloud migration initiatives (workload suitability analysis, high level cost modelling, risk identification, and evaluation of migration strategies – 7Rs). • Experience delivering enterprise applications in financial services and\/or banking environments. • Strong understanding of API-based integration. • Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and organisational skills. • Ability to simplify complex problems and pitch solutions at the right level. • Documenting Solutions and Integration Designs, in written (longform) and diagrammatically • Organisational Skills (juggle multiple priorities, meet goals and deadlines) • Interpersonal Skills (ability to influence people and excellence in relationship management) • Proven team leadership or mentoring experience. Success Measures • Solutions delivered that meet business objectives and architectural standards. • Reduced technical risk and improved delivery outcomes. • Positive stakeholder engagement and trust. • Clear, well-governed, and sustainable solution designs.
