Solutions Architect

Dis-Chem Pharmacies has an opportunity available for a Solution Architect at our Head Office in Midrand.

This role will be responsible for strategically designing and implementing information systems and network software architectures that support core organisational functions and assure their high availability.

You will also be responsible for reporting on delivery commitments to ensure solutions are implemented as expected and to agreed timeframes.

Minimum Requirements:

1. Grade 12 – Matric or a Senior Certificate
2. Degree or Diploma in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or other relevant IT degree
3. 5 - 8 years' experience in IT infrastructure and cloud
4. Advantage: Postgraduate qualification in the above fields or 3 years' experience as a SAP Retail senior consultant

Responsibilities:

1. Strategy and Planning: Collaborate in developing strategies for the Solutions Architect area. Identify and examine business needs and determine timely and effective solutions to business functions and processes. Design and implement long-term strategic goals and short-term tactical plans for managing and maintaining Dis-Chem technology and software. Ensure that proposed and existing solution architectures are aligned with organisational goals and objectives. Conduct research on emerging technologies in support of systems development efforts and recommend technologies that will increase cost effectiveness and systems flexibility. Scan and audit environment to ensure conformance to architecture governance processes and standards. Plan and manage technology and migration roadmaps. Support the PMO and delivery functions with technical expertise.
2. Architect Development: Develop well formulated models, guiding what should be done within the organisation. Produce solution designs and specifications detailing product configuration, integration points, custom interfaces and technical risks and complexities. Act as a link between the business and the IT department team with regards to solution architecture. Document the underlying business architecture, risk assessments, and write proposals. Create functional requirements for new applications and major changes to existing applications made possible by information and communication technology. Ensure strong analysis of system change implications. Be responsible for the installation, configuration, and customisation of the assigned solution products. Articulate and translate functional and non-functional requirements into well formulated architectural models by taking target environments, processes, performance requirements, existing systems, and services into account. Provide expert advice and guidance to business units on how to best leverage chosen systems to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and achieve business objectives. Take an active role in the development of other team members. Act as a mentor, coach, and provide training by sharing solution and technical expertise.
3. Stakeholder Partnership: Establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders. Mediate opposing architectural viewpoints and negotiate an equitable solution to ensure a successful outcome. Collaborate with IT stakeholders and vendors to provision estimates and develop overall implementation plan for installation, customisation, and integration efforts.
4. Analysis & Problem Solving: Perform troubleshooting and root cause analysis. Be responsible for the systematic and methodical investigation, analysis and documentation of all or part of a business area in terms of business functions and processes and the information they use. Provide specialist support for incident and problem resolution of production systems. Stay current with business and technical trends to disseminate best in class thinking within the organisation.
5. General: Adhere to Dis-Chem Policies and Standard Operating Procedures. Adhere to Health and Safety rules and regulations. Needs to have experience in the retail sector. Computer Skills – Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and SAP.

Special Conditions of Employment:

1. Occasional traveling.
2. South African citizen.
3. MIE, no criminal record, and clear credit rating.
4. Driver's license and own reliable transport.

Remuneration and Benefits: Market related salary, Medical aid, Provident fund, Staff account.

ONLY SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED. IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN CONTACTED WITHIN TWO WEEKS AFTER THE CLOSING DATE, PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR APPLICATION AS UNSUCCESSFUL.

Dis-Chem Pharmacies is an equal opportunity employer. Dis-Chem's approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process aligned to Dis-Chem's Employment Equity & Transformation Strategy. Dis-Chem actively supports the recruitment of People with Disabilities.

Seniority Level: Mid-Senior level
Employment Type: Full-time
Job Function: Information Technology
Industries: Retail