Solutions Architect (Enablement)

Job Description

To define and implement complex technology solutions that align with business and IT strategy by developing high-level architectural designs, setting technology direction, and ensuring coherence in IT solutions.

Provide guidance on system architecture, optimise technology investments, and influence decision-making.

By driving innovation and ensuring architectural integrity, enhance the organisation’s ability to deliver robust, scalable, and future-fit technology solutions.

Are you able to:

• Lead the design and development of advanced IT architectures that align with business strategy and technology roadmaps to drive digital transformation.
• Define and enforce architectural principles, standards, and governance structures to ensure consistency, scalability, and maintainability of IT systems.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to translate business objectives into technology strategies and architectural frameworks.
• Conduct high-level solution assessments and architectural reviews to evaluate the feasibility, security, and efficiency of proposed technology solutions.
• Drive innovation by identifying, evaluating, and implementing emerging technologies that enhance organisational agility and competitiveness.
• Oversee complex system integrations, ensuring seamless interoperability between applications, platforms, and infrastructure components.
• Develop and maintain architecture models that provide a strategic blueprint for IT development and investment.
• Optimise IT performance by assessing and refining existing architectures to improve system resilience, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Establish and lead architecture working groups to drive knowledge sharing and ensure architectural alignment across teams.
• Provide mentorship and technical leadership to junior architects, fostering skills development and knowledge transfer.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies for IT implementations, ensuring alignment with cybersecurity and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Engage with external vendors and technology partners to evaluate solutions, negotiate contracts, and drive successful technology adoption.
• Champion a culture of high performance by setting best practices, fostering collaboration, and driving continuous improvement.
• Lead innovation initiatives by identifying disruptive technologies and steering their adoption within the organisation.
• Demonstrate strategic influence by engaging stakeholders and shaping IT direction through thought leadership and expert advisory.

You will be an ideal candidate if you have the following:

• Expertise in enterprise architecture frameworks, cloud computing, and large-scale system design.
• Deep understanding of cybersecurity, data governance, and compliance requirements in financial services.
• Proven ability to develop and execute IT strategies that align with business objectives.
• Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Preferred: Honour’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field; relevant enterprise architecture certification.
• 5 to 8 years’ experience in a similar environment, of which 2 to 3 years ideally at management level.

Important Closing Date Note

Take note that applications will not be accepted on the below date and onwards, kindly submit applications ahead of the closing date indicated below.

All appointments will be made in line with FirstRand Group’s Employment Equity plan. The Bank supports the recruitment and advancement of individuals with disabilities. In order for us to fulfill this purpose, candidates can disclose their disability information on a voluntary basis. The Bank will keep this information confidential unless we are required by law to disclose this information to other parties.