Ai Solution Architect

IQbusiness; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in Johannesburg is seeking an experienced AI Solution Architect to design AI-driven data solutions. The ideal candidate will engage with senior executives, oversee implementations, and mentor teams. This role demands strong technical expertise and communication skills, as well as knowledge in AI, cloud environments, and data architectures.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Flexible work environment

Qualifications

• 7+ years total in technology or data-related roles.
• Experience in AI/ML solution delivery.
• Hands-on with Generative AI (LLMs, RAG).

Responsibilities

• Lead design and delivery of AI-driven data solutions.
• Translate client problems into AI architecture strategies.
• Mentor consulting teams on AI solutions.

Skills

AI/ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn)

MLOps practices

Designing AI-enabled data platforms

Data governance and compliance

Business communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/Data Science/AI

Master’s degree in AI/ Data Science or Business Analytics

Tools

Azure

Databricks

Snowflake

Job description

Job title: AI Solution Architect

Job Location: Gauteng, Johannesburg

Deadline: January 31, 2026

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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

• Architect, implement, and deliver 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.
• Support proposal development, contribute to business growth initiatives, and facilitate knowledge transfer to enhance internal AI and Data capabilities.
• Thrive in fast-paced environments, demonstrate exceptional communication of the business relevance of advanced AI solutions, and possess a keen interest in elevating next-generation consulting services.

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 in AI 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), and 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.
• Research / Data Analysis jobs.