AI Solution Architect

IQ Business Group; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

IQ Business Group is seeking an AI Solutions Architect to blend deep technical mastery with strategic leadership. You will design GenAI and ML solutions in cloud environments, engaging with executives to translate AI opportunities into measurable business outcomes.

You will own end-to-end AI solution delivery, from discovery to production, including MLOps pipelines, governance, and ethical AI. You will mentor teams, contribute to reference architectures, and drive client value through presales

Qualifications

• 7+ years in tech/data roles with 3+ years delivering ML/AI models to production.
• Proven consulting or solution architecture experience at senior level.
• Hands-on with LLMs, RAG, vector DBs, GenAI orchestration and MLOps practices.
• Strong cloud data platform expertise (Azure, Databricks, Synapse, Snowflake).
• Excellent communicator who translates technical detail into commercial outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Architect and deliver end-to-end AI solutions: discovery → model design → production deployment → monitoring.
• Lead the end-to-end design and delivery of AI-driven data solutions for clients, from discovery to deployment.
• Drive presales and proposals: create blueprints, scoping, estimates, demos, and executive pitches.
• Embed governance, compliance, and ethical AI across delivery.
• Mentor teams, create reference architectures and playbooks, and deliver internal AI training.

Skills

AI/ML design

Executive communication

Presales leadership

Mentoring teams

Client collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s in Computer Science/Data Science/AI

Master’s in AI/Data Science/Business Analytics

Tools

Azure Data & AI solutions

Databricks

Synapse

Snowflake

MLflow

Kubeflow

AKS

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Scikit-learn

Job description

We are seeking an AI Solutions Architect who blends deep technical mastery with commercial and strategic leadership. You will design and deliver GenAI and ML solutions in cloud environments, engage directly with executives, and turn AI opportunities into measurable business outcomes.

What You’ll Own

• Architect and deliver end-to-end AI solutions: discovery → model design → production deployment → monitoring.
• Hands-on experience with AI/ML frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, and Scikit-learn.
• Operationalise models: build MLOps pipelines, CI/CD for models, A/B testing, rollback strategies, monitoring, and retraining.
• Work with technologies like Azure ML, MLflow, Kubeflow, AKS, vector databases, and RAG patterns.
• Translate business problems into scalable AI/data architectures and clear commercial value.
• Lead the end-to-end design and delivery of AI-driven data solutions for clients, from discovery to deployment.
• Embed governance, compliance, and ethical AI across delivery.
• Drive presales and proposals: create blueprints, scoping, estimates, demos, and executive pitches.
• Build capability: mentor teams, create reference architectures and playbooks, and deliver internal AI training.
• Represent the company in client forums and thought leadership pieces on GenAI adoption.

What We’re Looking For

• 7+ years in tech/data roles and 3+ years delivering ML/AI models to production.
• Proven consulting or solution architecture experience at senior level.
• Hands-on with LLMs, RAG, vector DBs, GenAI orchestration, and MLOps practices.
• Strong cloud data platform expertise (Azure, Databricks, Synapse, Snowflake).
• Skilled in inference design, latency/cost optimisation, and lifecycle management.
• Confident leading presales and executive presentations that win business.
• Track record in mentoring and embedding repeatable delivery frameworks.
• Excellent communicator who translates technical detail into commercial outcomes.

Your Edge

• Strong grasp of business strategy and commercial value in AI.
• Industry experience across Financial Services, Retail, or Telecoms.
• 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

What Success Looks Like

• AI/data solutions delivering measurable client value.
• Winning new work through presales and proposal excellence.
• Driving GenAI adoption and uplifting internal consulting capability.

Why This Role Matters

You will help clients move from PoC to production, embed GenAI responsibly into business workflows, and accelerate commercial outcomes.

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