Head: Enterprise Architecture

Rand Mutual Admin Services; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African firm is seeking a Head of Enterprise Architecture to define and govern enterprise architecture. You will work with various business units, ensuring compliance with architecture standards, while fostering innovation and collaboration. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in IT architecture, including leadership roles and strong stakeholder management skills. Competitive salary and benefits are offered in a collaborative work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Benefits

Personal and professional growth opportunities

Qualifications

• 8-10 years in IT architecture or solution design.
• 5+ years in leadership roles.
• Experience leading large-scale architecture projects.

Responsibilities

• Define and govern enterprise architecture blueprint.
• Establish architecture principles and standards.
• Collaborate with various business units and lead vendor evaluations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving skills

Leadership

Education

Honours degree in IT, Computer Science, or related field

TOGAF, Zachman, or equivalent EA certification

CISSP, MCSE/MCTS, or PRINCE2 (advantageous)

Job description

Introduction:

As the Head of Enterprise Architecture, you will report directly to the Chief Information Officer.

Description:

THE JOB AT A GLANCE

As the Head of Enterprise Architecture, your role is to define, govern, and evolve RMA’s enterprise architecture blueprint across business, data, application, and infrastructure domains. You will establish and enforce architecture principles, standards, and reference models, ensuring all solutions adhere to a secure, scalable, and consistent framework. Your work will accelerate delivery through reusable patterns, foster innovation, and mitigate risks via rigorous review and compliance processes.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

Architectural Vision & Principles

• Define, promote, and maintain RMA’s architectural vision, principles, and standards.
• Ensure solutions are designed using a consistent, future-ready blueprint aligned with strategic objectives.

Architecture Governance & Oversight

• Establish and chair the Architecture Review Board; manage exceptions and enforce compliance.
• Maintain reference architecture library, patterns catalog, and technology standards.
• Conduct architecture health checks, risk assessments, and design reviews for major initiatives.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Perform horizon scanning and Proof-of-Concepts for emerging technologies (e.g., AI/ML, serverless, edge computing).
• Improve architecture lifecycle processes, tools, and collaboration methods to speed up delivery.
• Share best practices, lead workshops, and update guidance for rapid adoption.
• Review post-implementation to measure performance, scalability, and gather user feedback for enhancements.

Stakeholder & Vendor Management

• Collaborate with Security, Data Governance, PMO, Software Development, and Business Units to embed architecture early in projects.
• Lead vendor architecture evaluations, negotiate SLAs, and influence vendor roadmaps.

Success Metrics & KPIs

• Adoption rate of major projects reviewed by EA.
• Reduction in delivery cycle time via reusable architectures.
• Number of critical vulnerabilities detected and remediated before go-live.

Technical Ecosystem & Tools

• Define reference models for cloud/hybrid platforms and integration patterns.
• Select and manage EA tools for modeling, reporting, and repository management.

Compliance, Risk & Data Privacy

• Integrate regulatory and risk controls into architecture blueprints.
• Partner with Risk & Compliance to assess and remediate residual architecture risks.

People & Financial Management

• Build, mentor, and grow a high-performing architecture team; define career paths.
• Forecast resource needs, allocate staff, and ensure continuity of expertise.
• Manage EA operating budget, including forecasting, approval, and costs.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and engagement.

Professional Development & Culture

• Support continuous learning, certifications (e.g., TOGAF, CISSP), and internal communities.
• Promote diversity, inclusion, and knowledge sharing across IT and business.

Management Reporting

• Develop and maintain EA KPIs aligned with objectives.
• Update leadership on trends, risks, and capacity monthly.
• Provide concise architecture reviews covering progress and risk mitigation.

Stakeholder Briefings

• Present tailored reports to CIO/CTO, PMO, and business leaders, highlighting dependencies, gaps, and reuse opportunities.

WHAT WILL YOU GET IN RETURN?

We offer excellent opportunities for personal and professional growth within a stable, 131-year-old company. The role includes a competitive salary, benefits, and a collaborative work environment.

Turnaround time

The shortlisting process begins after the advert due date. Response times depend on your progress and manager availability. If you do not hear within 21 days, your application is considered unsuccessful.

Closing date: 10th August 2025

Our Commitment to transformation:

In line with RMA’s employment equity plan, preference may be given to candidates from underrepresented groups.

Requirements:

WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO THE TABLE?

• Honours degree in IT, Computer Science, or related field.
• TOGAF, Zachman, or equivalent EA certification.
• CISSP, MCSE/MCTS, or PRINCE2 advantageous.
• 8-10 years in IT architecture or solution design, with 5+ years in leadership roles.
• Proven experience leading large-scale, cross-domain architecture projects.
• Hands-on expertise across business, data, application, and technology domains.
• Deep understanding of security, infrastructure, software development, and data management.
• Familiarity with frameworks like ITIL and COBIT.
• Experience reviewing reference architectures.
• Ability to communicate architecture roadmaps and designs effectively.
• Skills in reviewing solutions against architecture standards and managing vendor SLAs.
• Strong analytical, communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to balance innovation with operational stability.
• Financial budgeting and cost management skills.