Solution Architect, Johannesburg

Our client in the Banking Sector requires a Solutions Architect on a 12-month contract to develops and maintains the focus area (domain) architecture and design for specific business functional/technical area. Provides a high-level roadmap for the implementation of the solution. Matrix manages Architects delivering on projects/initiatives within focus area (domain). Provide thought leadership throughout the programme. In cooperation with the Product Manager, the Senior Solution Architect plays a critical role in helping align team in a common technical direction toward accomplishment of the roadmap.

Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities:

Function as Lean-Agile Architect Leader

• Take on the role of the Lean-Agile leader who understand the complexities of large-scale solution development and apply Lean and Agile practices to address them.
• Plan and develop the architectural/solutions runway in support of upcoming business features with the Enterprise Architect (EA)
• Work with portfolio stakeholder, particularly the Enterprise Architect (EA) to develop, analyse, split, and realise the implementation of enabler Epics.
• Define, explore, and support the implementation of value stream and programme enablers to evolve solution intent, working directly with the Agile teams to provide support.

Develop and Validate Reference Architectures

• Responsible for reference architecture by collaboration with key stakeholders (EA, BIO, CIO, Business) to understand the strategy and target of the IT & Business to develop, separate and implement the enabler epics.
• Ensure conformance of reference architectures to aligned to strategic and target roadmaps.
• Conduct research and or investigate in order deliver reference architectures.
• Responsible for the developing and contributing to architecture principles for downstream consumption.

Develop and Validate Domain/Segment Architectures

• Responsible for the creation and validation of domain/segment architectures by collaborating with key stakeholders, peers and/ or feature teams, aligned to reference architectures and roadmaps.
• Manage deviation and exceptions of domain/segment architectures that vary from the reference architectures/principles.

Develop Solution Architectures/Designs

• Responsible for the creation and validation of solutions by collaborating with key stakeholders, peers and/ or project teams, aligned to reference, segment and domain architectures and roadmaps.
• Manage the technology/engineering aspects of Programme and value stream Kanban's.
• Manage deviation and exceptions of solutions that vary from the reference, segments, and domain architecture and/or architecture principles.

Architectural Assessments of technology solutions and or Proof of Concepts

• Perform technical assessments of new and proposed technologies, products, and services as well as concepts (proof of concepts) for possible adoption by the organisation.
• Document, advice and validate proof points or success criteria for assessments and or proof of concepts.
• Create position papers or assessment reports for technology, assessments, technology evaluation, or IT solutions.

Architecture Collaboration and Review

• Provide an assessment, review, recommendation and or opinion of Solution, Domain and Segment architectures for alignment to IT & Business Strategies, legislation and regulation and other relevant governance processes.
• Participate, support, position and or present in relevant IT Architecture Governance forums or related forums (Internal and/or External associations) where applicable.
• Act as quorum member or chairperson at the relevant IT Architecture Governance forums.

Requests for Information & Proposals (RFI/ RFP) Consulting

• Provide and validate input and evaluation criteria during the RFI & RFP process.
  • Provide advice on weightings.
  • Evaluate, score, and validate the RFI & RFP response.
• Create, validate, and present report by providing recommendations and findings in writing.

Adheres to Agile methodologies and follows Agile principles through work outputs and behavior's.

• Strives to reach mature levels on the Continuum model by building own and team competence to work in a continuous delivery environment: Champion team learning and adopt suitable methodologies and practice.
• Collaborates with colleagues from different disciplines in a cross-functional team to deliver against iteration target.
• Works in partnership with Business representatives (e.g., Product Owner, Product Manager) ensuring alignment and value to the customer.

Qualifications:

• Honors' Degree in Information Technology, Engineering or Commerce.
• Relevant Architecture certification.
• Business type Qualification (e.g., MBA) would be preferred.

Experience:

• 7 – 10 Years' experience in multiple IT disciplines e.g., Development Hardware, analysis, design, service management, architecture.
• 5 - 7 Years' experience as an architect across domains