Duties & ResponsibilitiesA leading Retail Group seeks the technical expertise of a forward-thinking IT Solutions Architect to conduct research and provide thought leadership to guide the business and IT strategy for transformational projects and optimisation opportunities. You will be expected to proactively define and support the Architecture landscape, document future-fit solution designs with sustainability and scalability in mind while identifying business risks and mitigations, based on architecture principles and guidelines. The successful incumbent must possess a suitable 3-year tertiary or NQF-aligned tertiary qualification and relevant Architecture Certification. You will require 3 years' experience in an Architecture capacity with focus on Retail including have worked with Agile Delivery Frameworks & both on prem and cloud solutions. You must have a solid understanding of Agile, DevOps, Scrum and the Defect Management Life Cycle.DUTIES:Conduct research and provide thought leadership to guide the business and IT strategy for transformational projects and optimisation opportunities.Define solutions in support of the business strategy.Proactively define and support the Architecture landscape, in partnership with various parties to ensure governance is adhered to.Contribute to the development of IT architecture frameworks, processes, methodologies and templates.Document future-fit solution designs with sustainability and scalability in mind, considering impacts and dependencies, in collaboration with Business Process Analysts, Application leads, Enterprise Architects and business subject matter experts.Proactively identify, mobilise and deliver IT opportunities for continuous improvements, as input to the IT Operating Plan.Proactively identify business risks and mitigations, based on architecture principles and guidelines.Build and maintain relationships with suppliers and key stakeholders across IT and Business.Lead and support project solution requirements by ensuring engagement and alignment across the business landscape.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver solutions for Strategic Projects and Operating Plan initiatives.Actively participate in, and promote a working group culture across IT, Business and Architecture functions.Work with the Technical Management structures within IT to build out the technical roadmap to meet increasing business demand, sustainability and scalability requirements.REQUIREMENTS:Qualifications –Relevant 3-year tertiary or NQF-aligned qualification.Experience/Skills –At least 3 years' experience in an Architecture capacity with focus on Retail.Retail industry and operations knowledge and experience required.Experience in working with Agile Delivery Frameworks.Experience in working with both on prem and cloud solutions.Understanding of modern development methodologies, Agile, DevOps, Scrum.Experience in Defect Management Life Cycle.Advantageous –TOGAF Certification / experience.Experience in working with a variety of databases and coding programs, as well as XML and JSON.ATTRIBUTES:Strong analytical skillsStrong problem-solving skills.Responsive to external influences (positive or negative) on the organisation.Supports the development of business acumen of team through knowledge sharing and upskilling.Factors in retail models and levers in building an effective IT landscape.Develops retail acumen of team through knowledge sharing and upskilling.Makes sound technical decisions based on understanding of what is commercially achievable within technological constraints.Evaluates the applicability of solutions with the ability to challenge and qualify its suitability for the business.Devises contingency and mitigation strategies based on interdependencies, risks and considerations.Engineers technical solutions aligned to roadmap by defining and implementing the design, build and architect for the solutions.Approachable and willing to help others identify key issues and viewpoints in complex situations or problems.Is an expert in identifying potential barriers and works proactively to eliminate risk.Mentors others on how to translate business requirements and plans and ensure implementation of activities/projects identified in business strategy.Consistently maintains a keen awareness of the interrelationships among various components of large-scale activities/projects.Consistently applies diplomacy and tact, effectively demonstrating respect for differing perspectives.Demonstrates an advanced understanding of the perspectives of others to establish mutually beneficial objectives.Exceeds expectations in appropriately adapting the message, style and tone to accommodate a variety of audiences.Consistently addresses groups of people confidently.Effectively anticipates and initiates change by staying updated on trends affecting one's own field to adapt to an evolving landscape.Proactively and effectively reviews, evaluates and disseminates information regarding key methodologies, best practices and effective tools to support a future landscape.
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