Lead IT Solutions Architect at Stellenbosch University

Duties/Pligte        

• Engaging with senior levels of leadership through clear communication, appropriate levels of context and explanation;
• Coordinating, managing and motivating the team of (virtual or directly reporting) solutions architects and analysts;
• Analysing and reporting on industry and technology trends by supplying guidance on how it will impact the institutional opportunities as well as the risks;          
• Ensuring that the solution or other outcomes are aligned to the objectives of the practice, Division, business owner or University;       
• Ensuring that ICT architecture governance, principles and standards are adhered to at all times;
• Ensuring that the solution design is transitioned to the project or other team(s) members in a smooth and effective manner;         
• Collaborating with the other IT architects, IT or other required teams;          
• Recommending and participating in activities related to the design, development and maintenance of the architecture practice;       
• Advising and recommending architecture strategies, processes, and methodologies;         
• Collaborating with all relevant parties to review the objectives and constraints of each solution and determining conformance with the architecture roadmap;        
• Recommending and participating in defining, developing and delivering future state architectures;        
• Leading brainstorming sessions to develop potential solutions for business and / or institutional needs, gaps, requirements or strategic initiatives;        
• Identifying opportunities for process improvements;          
• Identifying areas where IT can support institutional needs and goals; 
• Communicating and consulting with stakeholders to develop appropriate solutions.

Job Requirements/Pos Vereistes        

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems (or a relevant field); or,            
• If not graduated, at least seven years' or more work experience in IT architecture with the appropriate certifications;          
• More than five years' experience as a solutions architect with experience in developing reference architecture, principles, and standards;         
• More than five years' experience in leading teams;         
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to coordinate projects and deliverables across IT and business;          
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;         
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills;         
• Broad understanding of information technology topics;       
• Effective interpersonal skills and a collaborative style;          
• Demonstrable ability to evaluate options and apply it to complex institutional problems; ·         
• The ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced dynamic environment with shifting roles and responsibilities;         
• Proficient in designing, implementing, and maintaining solutions architecture;         
• Experience in Agile delivery methodologies;       
• Demonstrable ability to create high quality artifacts such as reference models, solutions architecture, capability models and other required outputs.