Johannesburg: Systems Configuration Analyst

Position overview The System Configuration Analyst is a crucial role responsible for managing and maintaining the integrity and alignment of the Sonata RDA system configuration with its business processes and requirements. This role consults with business stakeholders and analysts on the business requirements, translating the requirements into system configurations, and ensures changes are documented, tested, approved, and implemented rigorously. It involves managing and supporting the system configuration lifecycle, from initial requirement gathering through to deployment and ongoing maintenance, utilising the Configuration Management Database, and ensuring alignment with Production.   Key responsibilities Configuration Management Develop, implement, and maintain system configurations for system modules in alignment with business requirements. Ensure all configurations comply with established standards, policies and regulatory requirements. Maintain the Configuration Management Database, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records of all system components and their attributes. Requirement Analysis: Collaborate with business stakeholders and analysts to gather, analyse, and document configuration requirements. Translate business requirements into detailed, achievable, system configuration specifications. Testing and Quality Assurance: Design and execute comprehensive test plans, scenarios, and promotion-scripts to validate new and modified configurations (Unit, Integration, and UAT). Troubleshoot and resolve configuration-related issues, providing timely solutions and root cause analysis. Documentation and Training: Create and maintain thorough documentation of Sonata RDA configurations, processes, and change control procedures. Develop training materials, where applicable, and conduct training sessions for business users and support personnel on new system configurations and best practices. Change Management: Manage the configuration change lifecycle, including impact analysis of proposed changes, submission of Change Requests, and coordination of deployments. Conduct regular audits of system configurations to ensure data integrity and compliance. Process Improvement: Analyse existing Sonata RDA processes, identify inefficiencies, and recommend configuration-based solutions to enhance system functionality and operational efficiency. Required Skills Superior problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical abilities to diagnose complex issues and propose optimal configuration solutions. Meticulous attention to detail required for accurate configuration and documentation. Strong organisation skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously. Ability to communicate clearly with both business and technical audiences. Confidence working with cross-functional teams and presenting to senior stakeholders. Experience working within structured governance frameworks (e.g. COBIT, SAFe). A deep understanding of the following: Investment and life products (to subject matter expert level). Financial services regulation as it relates to investment platform providers. How a financial adviser’s business works. Change management processes.  Preferred/ Nice-to-Have Skills Basic scripting knowledge (e.g., XML, HTML, FOP, XSL). Proficiency in using configuration management tools (e.g. Ansible, proprietary system configuration interfaces). Strong experience with Configuration Management Databases and asset management principles. Foundational understanding of system architecture, SDLC and data structures. Ability to run queries (e.g. SQL) to audit configuration data and perform impact analysis. Experience with Agile and ITSM practices. Exposure to SQL or data querying tools.  Education and Experience Diploma or degree in Information Systems, Business Analysis, Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Finance, Investment Management or related field. Minimum 5–8 years of experience in system configuration, systems analysis, or similar role (8-10 years would be advantageous). Demonstrated experience with the configuration and maintenance of a major enterprise system (e.g. ERP, CRM, or specific industry application). Experience working with a formal change management process (ITIL, Agile) is highly desirable. Experience in the following: Working in a fast paced, proactive and delivery focused environment. Delivering exceptional customer service. Solving complex problems for customers (internal or external). Building successful relationships and working collaboratively across departmental teams. Communicating with Impact: Communicates effectively in both the written and verbal format delivering clear, succinct messages. Customer Service: Commits to achieving high quality results and provides a prompt, suitable and personalised service to customer’s that meets their needs. Take personal accountability for delivery. Driving for Excellence: Approaches work in an orderly and systematic manner to ensure the achievement of high-quality customer service. Analytical Thinking: Understands a situation or problem by breaking it into smaller pieces and tracing the implications of a situation in a step-by-step way. Entrepreneurial and Commercial Thinking: Understands the economic environment and able to make well informed business decisions. People Skills: The ability to influence a wide range of diverse individuals and groups positively. Resilience: Responds to stressful situations in a calm and proactive manner and keeps self and team focused on balancing personal energy with business result. Teamwork and Cooperation: Cooperates with others to accomplish common goals. Persuading and Influencing: The capacity to persuade, convince and influence others for the purpose of achieving desired results. Leading Change: Continually seeks and encourages others to see opportunities for new and innovative approaches to solving organisational problems. Trust and Integrity: Shows sincerity, honesty and consistency in words and actions.