Chief Software Architect

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,600,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation

Health & wellness programs

Equity options

Paid time off

Leadership training

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Chief Software Architect to lead the technology vision from Paarl, Western Cape. This executive role defines and oversees the company-wide software architecture strategy for scalability, security, and efficiency, guiding teams and aligning with business goals.

The ideal candidate has extensive leadership experience in cloud, distributed systems, microservices, and data engineering, and can influence engineering leaders and executives alike.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in CS/Engineering or related field required.
• 12+ years in software architecture and leadership roles.
• Experience defining and executing enterprise-scale software architectures.
• Deep understanding of microservices, event-driven, and serverless paradigms.
• Extensive cloud experience across AWS, Azure, and GCP.
• Strong cybersecurity, data architecture, and distributed systems knowledge.
• Excellent strategic thinking and stakeholder management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the overall software architecture strategy and roadmap for the company.
• Set architectural principles, standards, and best practices across development teams.
• Provide leadership to architects and engineering leaders.
• Oversee design and implementation of scalable, secure software systems.
• Evaluate and adopt emerging technologies to drive innovation.
• Align technology strategy with business objectives with executive collaboration.
• Ensure security and regulatory compliance of architectures.
• Mentor architectural talent within the organization.
• Manage risks and dependencies across major initiatives.
• Represent the technical vision to stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Stakeholder management

Mentorship

Education

Master's or PhD in Computer Science/Engineering

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

Microservices

Event-driven

Serverless

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established entity in the agricultural technology sector, is seeking a highly accomplished Chief Software Architect to lead their technology vision from their offices in Paarl, Western Cape . This executive-level position is responsible for defining and overseeing the company-wide software architecture strategy, ensuring scalability, security, and efficiency across all technological endeavors. You will provide strategic technical leadership, guide architectural teams, and collaborate with senior management to align technology initiatives with business goals. The Chief Software Architect must possess deep expertise in a wide range of technologies, including cloud computing, distributed systems, microservices, and data engineering. This role demands exceptional strategic thinking, technical depth, and the ability to influence and inspire engineering teams. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of technology in a critical industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the company's overall software architecture strategy and roadmap.
• Establish and enforce architectural principles, standards, and best practices across all development teams.
• Provide expert technical leadership and guidance to software architects and engineering leaders.
• Oversee the design and implementation of complex, scalable, and secure software systems.
• Evaluate and select emerging technologies and platforms to drive innovation.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and business unit heads to align technology strategy with business objectives.
• Ensure architectural integrity and compliance with security and regulatory requirements.
• Mentor and develop architectural talent within the organization.
• Manage technical risks and dependencies across major initiatives.
• Represent the company's technical vision to internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent practical experience will be considered.
• 12+ years of experience in software architecture and development, with a significant portion in leadership roles.
• Proven experience in defining and executing enterprise-level software architecture strategies.
• Deep understanding of modern architectural paradigms (microservices, event-driven, serverless).
• Extensive experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their services.
• Expertise in distributed systems, data architecture, and cybersecurity principles.
• Strong knowledge of software development methodologies and lifecycle management.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Outstanding communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in the agricultural technology sector is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation package, including a substantial bonus potential, comprehensive health and wellness programs, equity options, and generous paid time off.
• Significant opportunities for professional development, leadership training, and attending premier industry events are provided.
• This role offers the chance to drive significant technological advancements within a growing and impactful industry.