IT Solutions Architect
- Cape Town, Western Cape
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Conduct research and provide thought leadership to guide the business and IT strategy for transformational projects and optimisation opportunities.
- Define solutions in support of the business strategy.
- Proactively define and support the Architecture landscape, in partnership with various parties to ensure governance is adhered to.
- Contribute to the development of IT architecture frameworks, processes, methodologies and templates.
- Document future-fit solution designs with sustainability and scalability in mind, considering impacts and dependencies, in collaboration with Business Process Analysts, Application leads, Enterprise Architects and business subject matter experts.
- Proactively identify, mobilise and deliver IT opportunities for continuous improvements, as input to the IT Operating Plan.
- Proactively identify business risks and mitigations, based on architecture principles and guidelines.
- Build and maintain relationships with suppliers and key stakeholders across IT and Business.
- Lead and support project solution requirements by ensuring engagement and alignment across the business landscape.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver solutions for Strategic Projects and Operating Plan initiatives.
- Actively participate in, and promote a working group culture across IT, Business and Architecture functions.
- Work with the Technical Management structures within IT to build out the technical roadmap to meet increasing business demand, sustainability and scalability requirements.
- Relevant 3-year tertiary or NQF-aligned qualification.
- Relevant Architecture Certification.
- At least 3 years' experience in an Architecture capacity with focus on Retail.
- Relevant IT experience.
- Retail industry and operations knowledge and experience required.
- Experience in working with Agile Delivery Frameworks.
- Experience in working with both on prem and cloud solutions.
- Understanding of modern development methodologies, Agile, DevOps, Scrum.
- Experience in Defect Management Life Cycle.
- TOGAF Certification / experience.
- Experience in working with a variety of databases and coding programs, as well as XML and JSON.
- Strong communication skills.
- Strong presentation skills.
- Strong analytical skills
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Responsive to external influences (positive or negative) on the organisation.
- Supports the development of business acumen of team through knowledge sharing and upskilling.
- Factors in retail models and levers in building an effective IT landscape.
- Develops retail acumen of team through knowledge sharing and upskilling.
- Makes sound technical decisions based on understanding of what is commercially achievable within technological constraints.
- Evaluates the applicability of solutions with the ability to challenge and qualify its suitability for the business.
- Devises contingency and mitigation strategies based on interdependencies, risks and considerations.
- Engineers technical solutions aligned to roadmap by defining and implementing the design, build and architect for the solutions.
- Approachable and willing to help others identify key issues and viewpoints in complex situations or problems.
- Is an expert in identifying potential barriers and works proactively to eliminate risk.
- Mentors others on how to translate business requirements and plans and ensure implementation of activities/projects identified in business strategy.
- Consistently maintains a keen awareness of the interrelationships among various components of large-scale activities/projects.
- Consistently applies diplomacy and tact, effectively demonstrating respect for differing perspectives.
- Demonstrates an advanced understanding of the perspectives of others to establish mutually beneficial objectives.
- Exceeds expectations in appropriately adapting the message, style and tone to accommodate a variety of audiences.
- Consistently addresses groups of people confidently.
- Effectively anticipates and initiates change by staying updated on trends affecting one's own field to adapt to an evolving landscape.
- Proactively and effectively reviews, evaluates and disseminates information regarding key methodologies, best practices and effective tools to support a future landscape.