Chief Architect

Placements24; Riverton (UT); On-site; USD 250,000 - 450,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options

Executive compensation package

Performance bonus

Relocation assistance

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Chief Architect for a rapidly expanding FinTech organization in Upington, Northern Cape. You will define the technical vision, establish the architectural roadmap, and ensure governance across enterprise domains to deliver scalable, secure solutions.

You will lead architects and engineers, collaborate with executives, and drive the adoption of new technologies while ensuring regulatory compliance and alignment with business goals.

Qualifications

• 15+ years IT experience with 10+ years in architectural leadership (Chief Architect/Head of Architecture)
• Proven FinTech/financial services enterprise architecture delivery
• Expert in enterprise, solution, data, security, and infrastructure domains
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and modern software development
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and stakeholder influence
• Experience with Agile, DevOps, and CI/CD at an enterprise level
• Bachelor's or Master's in CS/Engineering; PhD a plus
• Ability to manage large budgets and technology teams

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the company's technology vision and architectural strategy
• Establish governance, standards, and architecture principles
• Lead and mentor architects and senior engineers toward technical excellence
• Oversee scalable, secure, enterprise-grade solutions
• Align technology with business objectives in collaboration with executives
• Evaluate and champion emerging technologies and paradigms
• Ensure security, compliance, and reliability of infrastructure
• Conduct architectural reviews and provide strategic guidance
• Manage vendor and partner relationships
• Represent the technical vision to stakeholders

Skills

Enterprise architecture

Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)

Microservices

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

Agile/DevOps

CI/CD

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science or Engineering

PhD a plus

Tools

CI/CD practices

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding FinTech innovator in Upington, Northern Cape , is seeking a visionary Chief Architect to lead their technology strategy and architecture. This senior leadership role is responsible for defining the overarching technical vision, architectural roadmap, and guiding principles that will shape the company's future. You will oversee all architectural domains, ensuring alignment with business goals, scalability, security, and technological excellence. This position demands a seasoned leader with extensive experience in driving innovation and managing complex technology landscapes within the financial services sector. You will be the ultimate authority on architectural decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the company's technology vision and architectural strategy.
• Establish and maintain architectural principles, standards, and governance across all technology initiatives.
• Lead and mentor a team of architects and senior engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence.
• Oversee the design and implementation of scalable, secure, and robust enterprise-level solutions.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to align technology strategy with business objectives.
• Evaluate and champion the adoption of emerging technologies and architectural paradigms.
• Ensure the security, compliance, and reliability of the company's technology infrastructure.
• Conduct architectural reviews and provide strategic guidance on complex technical challenges.
• Manage relationships with key technology vendors and partners.
• Represent the company's technical vision to internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in IT, with a minimum of 10 years in senior architectural leadership roles (e.g., Chief Architect, Head of Architecture).
• Proven track record of defining and implementing successful enterprise-wide technology strategies in the FinTech or financial services industry.
• Deep understanding of various architectural domains including enterprise, solution, data, security, and infrastructure architecture.
• Expertise in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), microservices, distributed systems, and modern software development practices.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements and compliance standards relevant to FinTech.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, communication, and influencing skills.
• Experience with Agile methodologies, DevOps, and CI/CD practices at an enterprise level.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; PhD is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to drive significant technological change and innovation.
• Experience in managing large budgets and technology teams.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly attractive executive compensation package, including a significant base salary, substantial annual bonus, and equity options.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and wellness benefits are provided.
• This role offers the opportunity to significantly impact the strategic direction of a fast-growing FinTech company in Upington, Northern Cape .
• We invest in continuous professional development and provide access to executive training and industry forums.
• Additional benefits include relocation assistance and flexible working arrangements where feasible, emphasizing a commitment to employee well-being and growth.