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.