Chief Enterprise Architect

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 2,400,000 - 5,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive health benefits

Executive coaching

Leadership development

Industry forums access

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Enterprise Architect to set the technology vision and architecture strategy for a major Upington-based enterprise. This senior role leads the architecture function to align business strategy with technology execution, driving innovation and a secure, scalable ecosystem.

The role requires 15+ years in IT with 7+ years in senior enterprise architecture leadership, strong governance, and cloud expertise across AWS/Azure/GCP.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 15+ years IT experience with a minimum of 7 years in senior enterprise architecture leadership roles.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing enterprise-wide architecture strategies in large organizations.
• Extensive knowledge of architectural domains (business, application, data, infrastructure, security).
• Deep understanding of business process modeling, strategic planning, and IT governance.
• Expertise in cloud computing strategies (AWS, Azure, GCP) and modern technology paradigms.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and influence diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and complex problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and executive-level stakeholder management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the enterprise-wide architecture strategy, vision, and roadmap.
• Lead and manage the architecture team, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Ensure architecture supports current and future business objectives and strategies.
• Establish and govern enterprise architecture principles, standards, and best practices.
• Oversee the design and evolution of the technology landscape, ensuring scalability, security, and agility.
• Drive digital transformation initiatives and technology modernization efforts.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and business unit heads to align technology with business priorities.
• Manage architectural governance processes, ensuring adherence to standards and effective decision-making.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and assess their potential impact and adoption strategies.
• Represent the architecture function in strategic planning and decision-making forums.

Skills

Enterprise Architecture

Cloud Strategy

Strategic Planning

IT Governance

Stakeholder Management

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Business Administration

Job description

About the Role

WhatJobs Direct is actively recruiting for a Chief Enterprise Architect for our client, a significant player in the Upington, Northern Cape region. This is a senior leadership position responsible for setting the overarching technology vision and architectural strategy for the entire enterprise. You will lead the architecture function, ensuring alignment between business strategy and technology execution, driving innovation, and maintaining a robust, scalable, and secure technology ecosystem. This role is office-based, providing a central point for collaboration and strategic decision-making within the Upington area. We are seeking a highly experienced and influential leader with a deep understanding of enterprise architecture principles, business transformation, and technology trends. Your expertise will be crucial in guiding the organization through its digital journey and ensuring technology investments deliver maximum business value. Join a leading organization where your strategic leadership will redefine its technological landscape and drive sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and drive the enterprise-wide architecture strategy, vision, and roadmap.
• Lead and manage the architecture team, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Ensure technology architecture effectively supports current and future business objectives and strategies.
• Establish and govern enterprise architecture principles, standards, and best practices.
• Oversee the design and evolution of the technology landscape, ensuring scalability, security, and agility.
• Drive digital transformation initiatives and technology modernization efforts.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and business unit heads to align technology with business priorities.
• Manage architectural governance processes, ensuring adherence to standards and effective decision-making.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and assess their potential impact and adoption strategies.
• Represent the architecture function in strategic planning and decision-making forums.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in IT, with a minimum of 7 years in senior enterprise architecture leadership roles.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing enterprise-wide architecture strategies in large organizations.
• Extensive knowledge of various architectural domains (business, application, data, infrastructure, security).
• Deep understanding of business process modeling, strategic planning, and IT governance.
• Expertise in cloud computing strategies (AWS, Azure, GCP) and modern technology paradigms.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and influence diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and complex problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and executive-level stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience working in or willingness to relocate to the Upington area for this office-based role.

Benefits

Our client offers a top-tier executive compensation package, including a significant base salary, substantial bonus potential, long-term incentives, and comprehensive executive health and wellness benefits. This office-based role in Upington fosters direct collaboration and team cohesion. Exceptional opportunities for professional development, executive coaching, and participation in industry leadership forums are provided. Join a prestigious and stable organization where your strategic leadership will have a profound impact on its future success and market position. You will be instrumental in driving innovation and ensuring the company remains a leader in its field.