Senior Solution Architect-API

Old Mutual; Durban; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Old Mutual seeks a Senior Solution Architect to enhance architecture capabilities aligned with business objectives. The successful candidate will manage architecture risks, ensure governance, and lead solution design efforts while collaborating closely with product owners and technical teams to deliver valuable, compliant solutions.

Qualifications

• At least 7 years in a solution design role.
• 10 years in IT.
• TOGAF, ArchiMate certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead solution requirements gathering and planning.
• Manage architecture risks and compliance.
• Develop and oversee architecture practices.

Skills

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Teamwork

Effective communication

Leadership

Knowledge of architecture domains

Solution design

Agile experience

Cloud knowledge

Education

Degree or diploma in IT, Computer Science, Engineering

Matric

Job description

Let's Write Africa's Story Together!

Old Mutual is a firm believer in the African opportunity, and our diverse talent reflects this commitment.

Job Description

Summary of the Role

The Senior Solution Architect is responsible for planning aligned with business objectives on key solutions, building architecture capabilities, performing solution architecture and design, managing architecture risk and compliance, providing governance, and sharing knowledge related to architecture practices, guardrails, blueprints, and standards.

Main Responsibilities

1. Planning
   • Lead solution requirements gathering, ensuring alignment with business goals.
   • Define and refine architecture runways with enterprise architects.
   • Contribute to business cases and cost estimations.
   • Participate in Programme Increment (PI) Planning with architectural inputs.
2. Architecture Capability
   • Develop and oversee segment architecture views aligned with enterprise architecture.
   • Maintain architecture artifacts in repositories and portals.
   • Manage architecture processes and change impacts with stakeholders.
   • Build and embed the solution architecture practice, including methods, repositories, and tools.
   • Manage architecture across business, application, data, and technology viewpoints.
   • Establish and enforce standards, guardrails, frameworks, and patterns.
3. Solution Design
   • Lead and review conceptual, logical, and detailed designs.
   • Evaluate and approve technology options.
   • Select appropriate technologies and tools.
   • Maintain solution blueprints.
   • Drive modernization initiatives.
4. Risk, Governance, and Compliance
   • Identify and mitigate solution architecture risks.
   • Ensure compliance with policies and standards.
   • Lead architecture reviews and integrate with governance functions.
   • Provide standards, guidance, and tools to delivery teams.
5. Implementation and Collaboration
   • Provide guidance and tools to delivery teams.
   • Lead collaboration to achieve architecture objectives.
   • Manage deviations and keep documentation current.
   • Identify opportunities for solution delivery optimization.
   • Conduct post-implementation reviews.
   • Develop code patterns as needed.
6. Communication and Knowledge Sharing
   • Communicate architecture views and standards.
   • Train IT teams on architecture requirements.
   • Collaborate with stakeholders on planning, assessments, and governance.
   • Participate in Centres of Excellence and architecture forums.
   • Align technology vision with business strategy.
   • Participate in Agile ceremonies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Matric
• Degree or diploma in IT, Computer Science, Engineering, or relevant field
• At least 7 years in a solution design role and 10 years in IT

Preferred Qualifications

• TOGAF, ArchiMate certifications
• Cloud certifications (AWS, Azure)
• Experience in Financial Services, Insurance, or Banking

Core Competencies

• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Effective communication
• Leadership
• Knowledge of architecture domains and methods
• Solution design and Agile experience
• Cloud knowledge

The Solution Architect collaborates closely with product owners and technical teams to ensure solutions are fit for purpose, adhere to standards, and deliver value. The role involves working with various domain architects, monitoring adherence to standards, and ensuring quality and compliance throughout the solution lifecycle.