AI Solution Architect

IQbusiness; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in South Africa is seeking an AI Solutions Architect with expertise in designing AI architectures and engaging clients. The role involves delivering AI-driven data solutions across sectors and mentoring teams. Ideal candidates should have extensive experience in AI and machine learning, particularly within consulting environments. Strong communication and technical skills are essential, with a focus on creating meaningful solutions that deliver business impact.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in technology or data-related roles.
• 3+ years in AI/ML solution delivery, including model deployment.
• 1-2 years hands-on with Generative AI.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of AI solutions.
• Collaborate with stakeholders for solution implementation.
• Mentor and coach consulting teams.

Skills

AI Architecture Design

Cloud Environments

Machine Learning

Generative AI

Client Engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science

Master’s degree in AI or Data Science

Tools

Azure

Databricks

TensorFlow

Job description

We are seeking an accomplished AI Solutions Architect with a proven track record in engaging senior executives and designing sophisticated AI architectures within cloud environments. This role requires blending advanced technical proficiency with strategic business insight to develop AI-powered data solutions that drive industry innovation and deliver measurable value for our clients. A strong emphasis on both traditional machine learning and emerging Generative AI capabilities, including large language models, retrieval-augmented generation, and AI powered automation.

Key responsibilities include architecting, implementing, and delivering AI-driven data solutions across diverse sectors. This consulting position demands comprehensive technical expertise, strong commercial understanding, and the ability to articulate complex data and AI concepts into actionable strategies that produce tangible business results. Additional duties involve supporting proposal development, contributing to business growth initiatives, and facilitating knowledge transfer to enhance internal AI and Data capabilities.

Ideal candidates will thrive in fast-paced environments, demonstrate exceptional skills in communicating the business relevance of advanced AI solutions, and possess a keen interest in elevating next-generation consulting services.

Key Responsibilities

Client Delivery & Solution Implementation

• Lead the end-to-end design and delivery of AI-driven data solutions for clients, from discovery to deployment.
• Translate client business problems into AI/ML and data architecture strategies.
• Collaborate with client stakeholders, data engineers, and data scientists to support solution implementation.
• Ensure projects meet best-practice standards for compliance, governance, and ethical AI.

Capability Building & Knowledge Sharing

• Mentor and coach consulting teams, building internal AI and data solution delivery skills.
• Develop reference architectures, templates, and accelerators.
• Deliver internal training to grow organisational expertise.

Pre-Sales & Proposal Support

• Co-create proposals and solution blueprints with sales teams.
• Present confidently to senior client stakeholders.
• Identify and shape new AI-driven opportunities in client engagements.

Thought Leadership & Market Positioning

• Monitor developments in AI, ML, and data technologies, with an emphasis on their practical uses in business.
• Represent the organisation at industry events, client forums, and professional platforms.
• Publish insights, case studies, and articles that demonstrate experience in AI and data consulting.

Required Skills

Consulting & Delivery Leadership

• Proven experience delivering AI and data solutions within consulting and professional services environments.
• Skilled in leading multi-disciplinary teams across AI and data engagements.
• Experienced in client discovery workshops, proposal development, and executive-level presentations.

Solution Architecture & Technical Expertise

• Expert in designing AI-enabled data platforms in cloud environments, particularly Azure.
• Strong background in modern data platforms including Databricks, Synapse, and Snowflake.
• Proficient in data architecture, ingestion, transformation, and storage solutions optimized for AI readiness.
• Deep understanding of data governance, compliance, and model risk management.

AI & ML Engineering

• Hands-on experience with AI/ML frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, and Scikit-learn.
• Skilled in MLOps practices including deployment, monitoring, versioning, and governance using Azure ML, MLFlow, and Kubeflow.
• Advanced expertise in generative AI, LLMs, RAG architectures, and vector databases.
• Proficient in hybrid search, multi-modal retrieval, and integrating vector databases into complex workflows.
• Familiar with design patterns for autonomous AI agents that collaborate to achieve business goals.
• Committed to embedding fairness, transparency, and compliance into AI solution architectures.

Business Acumen & Communication

• Adept at translating complex technical concepts into business language and aligning AI solutions with client value.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Comfortable contributing to pre-sales activities including solution proposals, estimates, and client presentations.

Consulting Behaviours

• Client-Centric Mindset: Anticipates client needs, aligning solutions with strategic priorities.
• Commercial Awareness: Balances scope, delivery quality, and profitability.
• Influencing Skills: Builds trusted relationships across organisational levels.
• Adaptability: Thrives in varied industries, shifting priorities, and evolving technologies.
• Collaboration: Works seamlessly with cross-functional and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Analytical Thinking: Applies structured problem-solving to design innovative, pragmatic solutions.
• Knowledge Sharing: Actively uplifts organisational capability.

Success Measures

• AI/Data solutions delivered that meet client expectations and deliver measurable value
• Contribution to winning new client engagements through proposals and pre-sales support
• Demonstratable uplift in team AI/Data capability through mentoring and training
• Positive client feedback and repeat engagements
• Successful delivery of GenAI-powered client solutions that demonstrate measurable business impact.
• Adoption of GenAI best practices within the internal consulting team.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence
• Master’s degree in AI, Data Science or Business Analytics (Advantageous)
• Certifications in Azure Data & AI solutions, AWS Data & AI Solutions
• Industry specific inAI solutioning (financial services, retail, telecommunications)
• 7+ years total in technology or data-related roles, with at least:
  • 3+ years in AI/ML solution delivery, including model deployment.
  • 1–2 years hands-on with Generative AI (LLMs, RAG, orchestration).
  • 3+ years in a consulting, client-facing, or solution architect capacity.
• Project Experience
  • Designed and delivered enterprise AI platforms or AI-enabled products.
  • Built and deployed LLM-powered assistants, search/retrieval systems, or document automation workflows.
  • Guided clients on AI adoption roadmaps, governance, and ethics.
  • Integrated AI into existing business processes and applications

Please Note:
As all iqbusiness roles require honesty in the handling of or access to cash, finances, financial systems, or confidential information; our recruitment process requires that the following background checks be completed: credit, criminal, ID, and qualification verification.

iqbusiness is committed to sustainable growth and transformation, we embrace diversity and employ previously disadvantaged individuals