Job Description

THE JOB AT A GLANCE

As the Head: Enterprise Architecture, you will be reporting into the Chief Information Officer. Your role will be to define, govern and continuously evolve RMA's enterprise architecture blueprint--spanning business, data, application and infrastructure domains by establishing and enforcing architecture principles, standards and reference models. Your role ensures all architecture blueprint and solution designs adhere to a consistent, scalable and secure framework, accelerates delivery through reusable patterns, drives innovation, and mitigates risk through rigorous review and compliance processes.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

Architectural Vision & Principles

Define, evangelize and maintain RMA's architectural vision, principles and standards Ensure every solution is designed against a consistent, future-ready blueprint that supports strategic objectives.

Architecture Governance & Oversight

Establish and chair the Architecture Review Board; manage exceptions and enforce compliance Maintain a living reference architecture library, patterns catalog and technology standards Perform architecture health-checks, risk assessments and design reviews for all major initiatives.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

Conduct horizon scanning and Proof-of-Concepts for emerging technologies (e.g., AI/ML, serverless, edge computing) Streamline the architecture lifecycle--improving methods, toolchains and collaboration--to accelerate delivery Publish best-practice patterns, lead workshops and update guidance to ensure rapid adoption Execute post-implementation reviews to measure performance, scalability and user feedback; drive enhancements.

Stakeholder & Vendor Management

Partner with Security, Data Governance, PMO, Software Development and Business Units to embed architecture early in project lifecycles Lead architecture evaluations for key vendors, negotiate technology standards in SLAs and influence vendor roadmaps.

Success Metrics & KPIs

Adoption:percentage of major projects reviewed by the EA function Cycle Time Reduction: percentage decrease in delivery lead time through reusable reference architectures Risk Mitigation: Number of critical design vulnerabilities detected and remediated pre-go-live.

Technical Ecosystem & Tools

Define reference models for cloud/hybrid platforms and integration patterns (API-first, microservices, event-driven) Select and manage EA tools to support modelling, reporting and repository management.

Compliance, Risk & Data Privacy

Embed regulatory requirements and enterprise risk controls into architecture blueprints Partner with Risk & Compliance to assess residual architecture risks and own remediation plans.

People & Financial Management

Build, mentor and scale a high-performing architecture team; define career paths and growth plans Forecast resource capacity, allocate skilled staff to critical programs and maintain continuity of expertise Develop and manage the EA function's operating budget--forecasting, approval and cost control in line with RMA's guidelines Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and high engagement.

Professional Development & Culture

Champion continuous learning: support certification pursuits (TOGAF, CISSP, cloud accreditations) and internal "architecture guilds." Promote diversity, inclusion and an open knowledge-sharing environment across IT and business communities.

Management Reporting

Produce and maintain a set of EA KPIs in alignment with the agreed objectives Update executive leadership monthly on trends, emerging risks and resource capacity Deliver a concise architecture review that covers: + As-Is vs To-Be progress against roadmaps
+ Summary of design reviews and risk mitigations completed.

Stakeholder Briefings

Present tailored reports to the CIO/CTO, PMO and business unit heads, highlighting: + Upcoming architecture dependencies or potential blockers
+ Remediation plans for critical compliance or security gaps
+ Opportunities to reuse existing components for cost or time savings.

WHAT WILL YOU GET IN RETURN?

We offer great opportunities for personal and professional development in a stable company that is 131 years strong. The role comes with a competitive salary package and various benefits. Furthermore, you will be part of a dedicated group of colleagues who value teamwork and collaboration.

Turnaround time

The shortlisting process will only start once the advert due date has been reached. The time taken to complete this process will depend on how far you progress within the recruitment process and the availability of our managers. Kindly note that should you not receive a response within 21 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Closing date: 10th August 2025

Our Commitment to transformation:

In accordance with the employment equity plan of Rand Mutual Assurance and its employment equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited, to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO THE TABLE?

Honours degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or related field TOGAF, Zachman or equivalent EA framework certification (required) CISSP, MCSE/MCTS or PRINCE2 (advantageous) 8 to 10 years maximum in IT architecture or solution design, including 5+ years in a leadership role Proven track record leading architecture for large-scale, cross-domain implementations Hands-on expertise across business, data, application and technology domains Deep understanding of security architecture, infrastructure design, software development lifecycles and data management Familiarity with ITIL, COBIT, and other related frameworks Expertise in the development and reviewing reference architectures Ability to review communicate architecture roadmap and solution designs with the internal IT and business stakeholders Ability and expertise to review IT solutions against RMA's architecture vision and standards SLAs management and vendor capability evaluation processes Strong analytical thinking, communication, facilitation and stakeholder management abilities Ability to balance innovation with operational stability * Financial budgeting and cost control.