Solutions Architect

Bidvest Bank Limited; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution seeks a Solutions Architect to provide strategic leadership in solutions architecture. The role involves engaging with various stakeholders to align IT solutions with business objectives, driving innovation and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in IT and business management, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to fostering collaborative relationships.

Qualifications

• 10 to 15 years of IT and business experience.
• 5-8 years management experience.
• 5 years developing strategic plans.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for solutions architecture for Bidvest Bank.
• Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
• Provide strategic leadership regarding IT's role.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Postgraduate

Job description

Primary PurposeThe Solutions Architect will provide leadership and alignment of the solutions architecture and technology design for Bidvest Bank.

This includes developing architectural principles aligned with business strategy.

The Solutions Architect will engage with engineering leaders, product managers, and business leaders to ensure alignment on solutions, providing technical direction and thought leadership across the company.The Solutions Architect will proactively share knowledge of architecture and design, creating opportunities to build competitive advantage and improve business efficiency and effectiveness.Solutions Architects must collaborate with leaders, managers, and employees across all business units.To successfully align IT solutions with business objectives, the solutions architect must have strong leadership and communication skills, as well as technical and business knowledge.

Understanding the business side of the organization is crucial to determine which IT solutions fit the company's goals.

Leadership skills are essential for guiding the process of identifying key business objectives and solution requirements.QualificationsMinimum RequirementsBachelor's Degree, Postgraduate, Business Administration or equivalentExperience10 to 15 years of IT and business / industry work experience5-8 years management experience5 years developing and executing strategic plans and / or project portfoliosIdealEnterprise ArchitectureSolutions ArchitectureSolutions DesignIT ArchitectureKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities RequiredStrategic thinking and planningOperational execution excellenceAbility to drive change that enables efficiencies and drives growthExcellent interpersonal skills to influence, persuade, and motivate othersSystems thinkingTeam and collaboration orientationManagement and leadership skillsProblem solvingPerformance-drivenLearning orientationEffective written and verbal communication skillsDuties and ResponsibilitiesFinanceControl and manage costs in line with the business and bank budget expectationsCustomer ExcellenceResponsible for the solutions architecture for Bidvest Bank.Develop and maintain productive relationships with key stakeholders to support business outcomes.Serve as a trusted advisor and primary IT contact for bank stakeholders.Build and promote successful relationships across the business, advocating for solutions, architecture, and design principles.Represent IT in promoting services and capabilities.Act as the key liaison across all functional areas, including business units, IT, and vendors.Advise on technological solutions to address business problems and provide feasibility insights.Operational ExcellenceProvide strategic leadership regarding IT's role in executing business strategy.Translate strategy into solution architecture deliverables aligned with bank strategies and frameworks.Collaborate with application, integration, and supplier architects to design supportive solutions.Oversee solution architecture and design, maximizing positive business impact.Contribute to IT strategy implementation and refinement activities.Understand market challenges, customer priorities, and competitive issues.Support the delivery of solutions architecture meeting business needs.Collaborate with project teams to ensure solutions align with bank architecture.InnovationProvide thought leadership on future technologies relevant to the bank.Keep the business informed of emerging trends and technologies.Identify and champion innovation initiatives supporting bank strategy.Continuously seek improvements and efficiencies within the team.People ManagementFoster collaborative relationships based on growth, integrity, accountability, and inclusion.Monitor and manage team deliverables and performance.Develop talent through training, coaching, mentoring, and growth opportunities.Encourage career development and manage staffing requirements.Learning and GrowthOwn personal career development.Achieve objectives in development plans.Participate in defining standards, tools, and methodologies.Share best practices and lessons learned, updating architecture requirements as needed.This position is advertised in line with our commitment to Employment Equity.