Engineering Lead (Contract)

The Focus Group; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

The Focus Group is seeking an Engineering Lead to envision, lead and develop integrated end-to-end technical solutions. You will provide technical leadership across multiple initiatives, guiding engineering leads and senior practitioners to achieve product and programme alignment.

You will drive architecture governance, establish engineering standards and deliver scalable, secure, and maintainable technology aligned with strategic objectives. Banking/financial services experience is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Diploma (NQF level) required.
• BSc Computer Science or BCom Information Systems preferred.
• TOGAF, ITIL or equivalent certification advantageous.
• Minimum 8 years in similar roles.
• Banking/financial services experience is advantageous.
• Core technical knowledge in IT Architecture, IT Concepts, Systems Analysis and Design.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical architecture and solution design across multiple technologies.
• Provide engineering leadership and mentorship to engineering leads and teams.
• Break down complex problems into actionable components and drive delivery.
• Engage with stakeholders, governance forums and architecture reviews for approvals.
• Promote engineering standards and continuous improvement across the organisation.

Skills

IT Architecture

Systems Analysis

Leadership

Mentoring

Cross-team Alignment

Education

Diploma (NQF level)

BSc Computer Science or BCom Information Systems

TOGAF / ITIL or equivalent

Job description

Job Purpose

To envision, lead and develop fit-for-purpose, integrated end-to-end technical solutions across multiple technologies for the organisation through inspirational technical leadership and visionary long-term thinking. Provide technical leadership across multiple initiatives, guiding Engineering Leads and senior engineering practitioners to achieve product and programme alignment. The Engineering Lead is responsible for driving technical excellence, establishing engineering standards, overseeing solution architecture and ensuring the delivery of scalable, secure, resilient and maintainable technology solutions aligned with company's strategic objectives. The role requires strong technical expertise, architecture knowledge, engineering leadership and experience delivering complex enterprise technology solutions within banking or financial services environments.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Architecture and Solution Design

• Analyse complex business and technical problems and develop practical solutions aligned with enterprise architecture.

• Design integrated end-to-end solutions across multiple technologies, applications and platforms.

• Ensure solutions are sustainable, maintainable and aligned with long-term organisational objectives.

• Develop high-level solution designs and support detailed technical designs.

• Define and refine functional and non-functional requirements.

• Evaluate technical constraints, risks and architectural trade-offs.

• Ensure proposed solutions undergo appropriate architecture governance and specialist approval.

Engineering Leadership and Mentorship

• Provide technical leadership across multiple engineering initiatives.

• Guide engineering practitioners and technical teams in implementing approved solutions.

• Mentor, coach and upskill software engineers and engineering leads.

• Promote engineering standards, technical excellence and continuous improvement.

• Contribute to the development of the organisation's engineering leadership community.

• Encourage collaboration and consistent engineering practices across teams.

Technical Delivery and Problem Solving

• Break down complex solutions into manageable components and deliverables.

• Assist with technical planning, sequencing and resource requirements.

• Troubleshoot complex technical delivery challenges.

• Work closely with software designers and developers to resolve architecture and integration issues.

• Ensure technical solutions are achievable within organisational constraints.

• Improve existing technology assets to support long-term sustainability.

Stakeholder Management and Governance

• Collaborate with business stakeholders, architects, engineering teams and technology specialists.

• Present proposed technical solutions to relevant governance forums.

• Obtain technical approvals and stakeholder agreement.

• Influence technical decisions and negotiate appropriate solutions.

• Drive alignment between technology delivery, business strategy and product objectives.

Innovation and Strategic Technology Leadership

• Maintain an understanding of emerging technologies and enterprise technology trends.

• Identify opportunities to improve systems, business processes and technology platforms.

• Apply long-term, product-oriented thinking to solution development.

• Encourage innovation while managing operational risks.

• Ensure technology solutions support company's business strategy and future requirements.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

Requirement Specification

• Minimum qualification Diploma (NQF level as specified in the vacancy)

• Preferred qualification BSc Computer Science or BCom Information Systems

• Preferred certification TOGAF, ITIL or equivalent

• Minimum experience 8 years in similar roles

• Industry experience Banking / financial services advantageous for sourcing

• Core technical knowledge IT Architecture, IT Concepts, Systems Analysis and Design

• Leadership Technical mentoring, coaching and cross-team alignment