Solutions Architect I

Role Purpose

The purpose of this role is to create and implement high quality data, application and technology architectures that meets business needs and requirements. The role is accountable for architecting and designing comprehensive solutions of low to medium complexity within an assigned portfolio, and partners with key stakeholders (e.g. project managers, business analysts, etc.) to create solutions that are aligned to architecture and technology standards and principles.

Role Description

Create architectures and designs for solutions that are aligned with business blueprints, non-functional requirements, delivery constraints, data, application and technology standards, and architecture standards:

• Analyse and ensure understanding of specific business requirements within assigned portfolios in the context of the current business environment and document the current technology landscape using easily understandable language and visualisation techniques.

• Keep up to date with current and future trends in Information Technology in the retail industry and provide insights into new developments in IT solutions for the retail industry.

• Create and execute logical and physical solution designs, using appropriate modelling techniques and methodologies.

• Research and propose suitable solution(s) and alternatives that address the assigned portfolio project/business needs or requirements as defined by the business, solution delivery and operations areas and engage senior solution architects to obtain agreement on solutions identified.

• Support and execute provision of assigned solution architectures aligned to the strategic direction of business, data, application, and technology architectures and maintain Shoprite’s enterprise architecture repository.

• Research and analyse solution architecture best practice trends and emerging technologies, determine the potential impact within an assigned area / portfolio, and work with the solution architects to determine feasibility.

Ensure solution architecture quality across large, multiple and complex projects and serve as the primary point of contact for solution design between the project team and the SDLC process:

• Execute the design, implementation and functioning of solutions in an assigned area/portfolio, partnering with the senior solution architects to define and develop appropriate solutions.

• Support the solution architects on all assigned projects.

• Work closely with Product Owners, Epic Owners, Functional Analysts and Scrum Masters to design and implement solutions.

• Provide technical support to development teams to design high-quality technical solutions that fit the solution architecture principles & standards during the detailed design, build, test and deploy phases.

• Review solution architecture deliverables throughout the system lifecycle of assigned projects for compliance to architecture principles and standards.

• Detect critical deficiencies in the current solution architecture of assigned projects and escalate for prompt action.

Define solution design standards and SDLC governance requirements:

• Support the development of frameworks, policies, procedures, and templates for Solution Architecture within an assigned area.

• Perform all solution design on low to medium complexity projects within solution architecture principles and framework and ensure quality compliance criteria are used to guide all related technology decisions.

• Support the development and setting of solution modelling standards and guidelines.

• Perform, deliver, and report on all assigned solutions architecture projects within defined metrics and performance standards across solution architecture processes.

Qualifications and experience

• 3+ years Diploma/Degree in IS / B.Sc. Computer Science (or similar) - (essential)

• Fundamental certification in cloud technologies - (essential)

• +1 years experience in a Solutions Architect or similar role with some understanding of architectural design principles - (essential)

• Experience and aptitude in translating and articulating the difference between business and system requirements - (essential)

• Design and architecture skills with exposure to delivering well designed enterprise class systems - (essential)

• Knowledge and experience in the identification and formulation of solution architecture and solution alternatives and their assessment - (essential)

• Practical knowledge of application development methodologies and practices - (essential)

• Knowledge and understanding of current research and standards in Solution Architecture and emerging technologies - (essential)

• Foundational Knowledge of Agile ways of working - (desirable)

• Experience in C# or Java - (desirable)

• Experience in PostgreSQL or MongoDB - (desirable)

• Experience in CSS, HTML, JavaScript - (desirable)

• Key competencies and work ethic

• Collaborative partner - Builds strong relationships with stakeholders while working collaboratively across work teams and projects. Open, honest and direct, comfortable giving and receiving constructive feedback. Thinks and acts independently as well as collaboratively.

• Strong technical orientation with the ability to translate functional requirements into technical requirements. Is curious and adaptable and able to quickly apply new insights and learnings.

• Analytical and detailed - Readily grasps new concepts and information, investigates various courses of action and integrates multiple sources of data to guide decision-making and identify optimal solutions.

• Innovative and solution-orientated - Open to new ideas and possibilities and proactively contributes ideas and solutions that serve the flow of work and meeting deadlines.

• Results-driven - Efficiently executes priorities tasks and priorities, setting stretch goals for self, while remaining focused and working tenaciously to meeting and exceeding expectations within quality standards.

• Planning and organising - Able to timeously and efficiently prioritise and execute multiple and competing demands in a fast-paced environment. Identifies urgent and important tasks / priorities to ensure delivery.

• Communication skills - Strong verbal and written communication skills. Able to simplify technical concepts and convey messages and ideas to users across organisational levels.

• Ability to work under pressure and under tight time constraints, managing multiple demands while organizing, prioritising, and reordering workload in a rapidly changing and fast-moving environment.

• Digital centric and savvy - Passionate about the possibilities of digital technologies and its value for the business. A self-starter who can come up to speed quickly on our applications, technologies, and processes.

• Our Group and all its operating companies is committed to creating, embracing, and preserving a diverse workplace that values the unique talents, perspectives, backgrounds, and abilities that enrich our organisation. A place where everyone matters and feels included.

• We are committed to Employment Equity when recruiting internally and externally.

• Please take note that by responding to this application and providing your personal information, you confirm your express and informed consent for Shoprite Checkers (Pty) Ltd and all its subsidiaries and affiliates companies to process your personal information for the Company to consider your application for this position. All Personal Information which you provide to the Company will be used and/or retained only for the purposes for which it is collected, whereafter it will be permanently destroyed. Your information is only retained if it is required by law or where you have given consent to us to retain such information for an extended period.

• If you don’t hear from us within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful. Any personal information collected as part of your application will be destroyed, securely, in accordance with South African legislation.