Job Description

We are looking to recruit a Solutions Architect to form part of the IT Data Management & Enterprise Architect Team in the Group IT department. The role will be based at Clicks Head Office in Cape Town and will report to the Head of Enterprise Architecture.
Job description
To design effective IT solutions that meet business needs/requirements within a defined architectural framework and roadmap. The Solutions Architect will be responsible for systems analysis, design, and solution development within their area(s) of responsibility, with consideration for the impact on the end-to-end applications architecture. This role is critical in establishing and maturing the enterprise architecture capability within the organization.
Job Objectives:
Understand project and business requirements and deliver IT solutions, architectural designs, and technical specifications aligned with agreed architectural methods and design standards.
Lead solution discussions with demand managers, business unit leadership, and external consultants.
Assess the impact of proposed changes on existing systems and architecture, and estimate implementation effort.
Analyze and address complex issues including performance, scalability, and manageability of system solutions.
Participate in the development of architecture strategy and roadmap, especially in a low EA maturity environment.
Contribute to the improvement of solutions architecture and development processes by enforcing standards and templates.
Conduct peer reviews, validation, and testing of code, and provide recommendations using current development standards.
Evaluate project and vendor solutions and recommend appropriate products/software from an end-to-end architectural perspective.
Stay abreast of industry developments to enhance IT solution capabilities.
Run proof-of-concept initiatives for new tools, platforms, and methodologies.
Minimum requirements
Job Related Knowledge:

• Enterprise Architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman) - awareness level.
• Integration technologies and patterns (e.g., APIs, ESB, microservices).
• Cloud platforms and architecture (e.g., Azure, AWS, GCP).
• Security and compliance principles.
• DevOps and CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, GitHub Actions).
• Data architecture concepts (e.g., data lakes, warehouses, MDM).
• Software design patterns and performance optimization.
• Business process modeling (e.g., BPMN, UML).

Job Experience:

• 10 years in applications development practice.
• 4 years in application design and applying industry-standard development methodologies.
• 2-3 years in line management or technical leadership roles.
• Experience in leading solution reviews and assessments.
• Exposure to digital transformation initiatives.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Computer Science, Information Systems, or equivalent experience (minimum 10 years in application development).

Job Related Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking
• Technical Leadership
• Solution Design & Evaluation
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement
• Stakeholder Engagement & Influence
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation
• Deciding and Initiating Action
• Relating and Networking
• Persuading and Influencing
• Analyzing
• Coping with Pressures and Setbacks
• Presenting and Communicating Information

Skills Required