This role is based in Gauteng and is Hybrid
We are seeking an experienced Solution Architect to join our team and drive significance together. We are looking for a candidate that would like to build on their expertise, form part of a growing team,
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Design comprehensive application systems, balancing requirements with resource utilisation and architectural factors.
- Develop cloud-based security architecture solutions for clients that meet regulatory and data protection requirements.
- Gather functional requirements by working closely with sales team members and enterprise architects to gain a complete sense of client expectations and limitations before undertaking a major development project
- Develop specifications by using familiarity with functional requirements and existing systems to develop project specifications. Required to develop schedules and test plans, prepare documentation based on analyst reports, and assemble documents presenting project guidelines and milestones to team members. At the same time, identify potential issues between systems and client specifications and propose new solutions to work around these limitations.
- Determine a project’s scope before developers begin any major work. Conduct extra research on a client’s existing systems and configurations to determine whether added time and work is necessary to align the project with enterprise-level systems.
- Identify areas where implementation may require more solutions to be successful. Throughout this process, one should communicate directly with enterprise architects, developers, and clients.
- Throughout the development lifecycle, one should direct and oversee the activities of a team of developers, answering questions or helping to resolve issues as they arise. This aspect of the role requires one to ensure that specifications and requirements are clearly articulated to their development teams. Monitor timelines and progress to ensure that team members are adhering to these specifications. May also serve as a liaison between client-facing personnel and developers.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in information systems, Informatics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
- Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification (or near completion).
- TOGAF/Zachman certification is beneficial.
Experience and Knowledge:
- 10 years of relevant industry experience.
- Minimum of 5 years in solution design or architecture.
- Software development experience is advantageous.
- Experience migrating from on-premises infrastructures to cloud environments.
- Knowledge of database platforms, design, and identifying gaps in existing architectures.
- Proficiency in computer networking concepts, protocols, and network security methodologies.
- Experience with network access, identity, and access management (e.g., public key infrastructure, OAuth, OpenID, SAML, SPML).
- Understanding of network equipment capabilities and applications.
- Familiarity with remote access technology concepts.
- Knowledge of application firewall concepts and functions.
- Proficiency in identity and access management methods.
- Experience with Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android operating systems.
- Proficiency with Azure and M365 platforms; AWS and Google Cloud experience is beneficial.
- Knowledge of business continuity and disaster recovery operation plans.
Key Responsibilities:
- Gather functional requirements by collaborating with sales team members and enterprise architects to understand client expectations and limitations.
- Develop project specifications based on functional requirements and existing systems.
- Create schedules, test plans, and documentation; prepare project guidelines and milestones.
- Identify potential issues and propose solutions to meet client specifications.
- Determine project scope and conduct research on client systems and configurations.
- Communicate with enterprise architects, developers, and clients to identify implementation areas needing additional solutions.
- Oversee development teams, resolve issues, and ensure adherence to specifications and timelines.
- Serve as a liaison between client-facing personnel and developers.
- Interface directly with clients from project initiation to final software solution presentation.
- Prepare reports, presentations, and demonstrations to keep clients informed about development progress.
- Collaborate with outside vendors, manage costs and timelines, and ensure deliverables meet budgetary and time restrictions.
- Review vendor proposals and ensure compatibility with internal development projects.
Competencies:
- Critical Thinking: Use logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of solutions.
- Active Learning: Understand new information’s implications for problem-solving and decision-making.
- Systems Analysis: Determine system functionality and the impact of changes.
- Complex Problem Solving: Identify complex problems and develop solutions.
- Deductive Reasoning: Apply general rules to specific problems effectively.
- Inductive Reasoning: Combine information to form general rules or conclusions.
- Excellent Communication Skills: Engage with C-level stakeholders and communicate business and technology insights.
- Technical Literacy: Understand how software solutions fit into an organisation’s structure.
- Analytical Assessment: Examine current systems and determine project needs.
- Schedule Management: Manage development schedules and milestones.
- Team Leadership: Oversee and motivate development teams throughout the project lifecycle.
- Strategic Translation: Convert strategy and objectives into measurable, executable projects.
- Large Project Experience: Work on large projects incorporating processes, procedures, and standards.
Desired Skills:
- Microsoft Azure
- Solution Architecture
- Solution Design
- TOGAF