Lead Enterprise Architect - Digital Strategy

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Health insurance

Pension

Life insurance

Paid annual leave

Professional development

Leadership training

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic Lead Enterprise Architect for a hybrid role based in Upington, Northern Cape. You will define and drive the digital strategy, develop the EA roadmap, and align technology with business goals to enable innovation and customer-centric improvements.

As a senior technology leader, you will collaborate with senior management and IT teams to modernize systems, govern architecture, and oversee cross-domain initiatives that deliver scalable and resilient solutions.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in enterprise architecture, IT strategy, or a related senior technology leadership role.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing enterprise-wide technology strategies and roadmaps.
• Deep understanding of architectural domains (business, data, application, technology).
• Experience with cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their strategic application.
• Knowledge of modern architectural patterns (microservices, API-driven design, event-driven architectures).
• Familiarity with digital transformation initiatives and technologies.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the enterprise architecture strategy, standards, and roadmaps.
• Lead the design of holistic technology solutions that support business objectives and digital transformation.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to identify strategic technology opportunities and requirements.
• Evaluate and recommend technologies, platforms, and solutions to enable business capabilities.
• Provide architectural governance and ensure adherence to enterprise standards.
• Oversee the integration of various systems and applications across the enterprise.
• Mentor and guide solution architects and technical teams.
• Analyze technology trends and industry best practices to drive innovation.
• Ensure solutions are scalable, secure, resilient, and cost-effective.
• Present architectural proposals and recommendations to senior leadership.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Hybrid collaboration

Education

Master's degree

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent retail group operating in Upington, Northern Cape, ZA , is seeking a strategic Lead Enterprise Architect to define and guide their digital strategy and transformation efforts. This Hybrid role requires a balance of on-site collaboration at our Upington offices and remote flexibility. You will be responsible for developing and maintaining the enterprise architecture roadmap, ensuring technology solutions align with business goals and drive innovation. This is a critical leadership position where you will influence the company's technological direction, working closely with senior management, business units, and IT teams to deliver impactful digital initiatives. Your expertise will be key to modernizing our systems and enhancing customer experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the enterprise architecture strategy, standards, and roadmaps.
• Lead the design of holistic technology solutions that support business objectives and digital transformation.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to identify strategic technology opportunities and requirements.
• Evaluate and recommend technologies, platforms, and solutions to enable business capabilities.
• Provide architectural governance and ensure adherence to enterprise standards.
• Oversee the integration of various systems and applications across the enterprise.
• Mentor and guide solution architects and technical teams.
• Analyze technology trends and industry best practices to drive innovation.
• Ensure solutions are scalable, secure, resilient, and cost-effective.
• Present architectural proposals and recommendations to senior leadership.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in enterprise architecture, IT strategy, or a related senior technology leadership role.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing enterprise-wide technology strategies and roadmaps.
• Deep understanding of various architectural domains (business, data, application, technology).
• Experience with cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their strategic application.
• Knowledge of modern architectural patterns (microservices, API-driven design, event-driven architectures).
• Familiarity with digital transformation initiatives and technologies.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a Hybrid model in Upington, Northern Cape, ZA .

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-related bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, pension, and life insurance.
• Generous paid annual leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership training.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• The chance to shape the digital future of a leading retail organization.