Midrand: Solutions Architect – Data Protection posted by Nexio

ROLE PURPOSE The Solutions Architect Data Protection builds and integrates information systems that meet specific business needs. The primary duties include providing strategic guidance in the development process, making technical decisions regarding solutions and explaining how they will impact on the clients organization. The Solutions Architect Data Protection requires the ability to bridge the gap between business requirements and implementation of technology solutions. You will have an agile mindset willing to push the boundaries of current conventional thinking for architecture design, you will have experience of developing proof of concepts and mindful of market drivers, first mover advantage and not be constrained against existing systems, infrastructure or ways of working. You will also translate the business strategy into concrete solutions and design and execute a set of solution blueprints that support that strategy. You will evaluate all technology options, assess impact on the wider business or customer processes working with both business and IT stakeholders. The Solution Architect Data Protection will support lines of business in developing and implementing solutions strategies and roadmaps to ensure a comprehensive and integrated client ICT ecosystems. ROLE REQUIREMENT Solution Design & Architecture Ensure architectural designs comply with Nexio standards, security policies, integration patterns, and technology strategies. Produce architecture diagrams, high-level designs (HLDs), low-level designs (LLDs), and solution documentation. Assess solution feasibility, cost, scalability, performance, and operational impact of proposed solutions. Creating and leading IT system integration processes to meet the clients organizational needs Conducting evaluations of the clients system architecture and collaborating with stakeholders to improve the designs Performing continuous research on emerging technologies to stay updated with the best alternatives and to improve the existing architecture for clients Create and maintain ICT Solutions and Systems Maps of the future state Own the representation of both current and future state of technology products Define and document systems interfaces, data and infrastructure from a conceptual, logical and technical basis. Creation, analysis and maintenance of As-Is and To-Be processes and systems. Translation of business and functional requirements into solutions design. Root cause analysis of client business issues and problems. Evaluate technologies and systems for relevance and feasibility to the needs of the clients solution end state. Stakeholder management. Building of custom solutions. Lead the design and development of innovative solutions aligned with client business objectives/milestones/deliverables. Provide architectural guidance and technical leadership to delivery teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to understand requirements and translate them into technical solutions. Proactively identify risks and issues and implement mitigation strategies as needed. Analyze the existing solution landscape, creating and maintain a roadmap for each solution, identifying technical debt and to provide recommendations for improvements Liaise and manage the architecture deliverables from 3rd parties, such as partners, distributors, and OEM vendors. Working collaboratively with Senior Management on solutions roadmaps and the development of new products and services with a technical design authority framework Keep abreast of technology trends and advancement capturing relevant content to influence systems design decisions Other key areas will be the management and enhancements to the architecture of existing systems to ensure they remain performant and cost efficient. Pre-Sales & Client Engagement Support sales and commercial teams with technical input, scoping, solution presentations, and RFP/RFI responses. Conduct technical workshops with clients to understand problems, business drivers, and desired outcomes. Provide authoritative solution recommendations based on industry best practice and emerging technologies. Governance, Quality Assurance & Design Authority Participate in Architecture Review Boards and ensure proposed solutions meet enterprise architectural standards. Provide technical oversight during implementation to ensure alignment to the approved solution design. Identify technical risks and mitigations across proposed solutions and implementation roadmaps. Maintain solution integrity, quality, and compliance across design, build, test, and transition activities. Continuous Improvement & Innovation Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and vendor roadmaps. Recommend improvements to existing architecture, service models, toolsets, and integration frameworks. Contribute to the BU roadmap and assist in developing standards, frameworks, and reference architectures. Mentor engineering teams on architecture principles, best practices, and solution design methodologies. Additional Information: Individuals at this level have fully developed knowledge of the business, technology, marketplace and clients. Is recognized as an expert in own area within the organization Interprets internal or external business issues and recommends best practices. Provides technical guidance to more junior levels of staff Able to build strong interpersonal relationships with peers, brand leaders, and other senior management throughout the company Able to be a big picture thinker Encouraging to team and staff; able to mentor and lead Excellent verbal and written communication skills Able to align multiple strategies and ideas Confident in producing and presenting work TECHNICAL / PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES Strong understanding of ICT solution architecture principles and frameworks. Expertise in designing solutions across infrastructure, networks, cloud, and security. Ability to develop HLDs, LLDs, solution blueprints, and integration specifications. Financial and commercial awareness related to solution costing and architecture decisions. Experience working with multi-vendor technologies such as ICT Solution technologies, Infrastructure technologies, Data Protection technologies (Cohesity, Commvault, Veeam), and Cloud technologies. Ability to drive innovation and continuous improvement. Experience of prototyping and demonstrating potential solution outcomes. Proven experience in designing pragmatic solutions to solve real-world problems that take account of what is possible in a given timeframe. Ability to technically assess 3 rd -Party solutions. Ability to quickly assimilate and understand technical details and new technologies. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE National Diploma or Degree in Information Technology, Engineering, Computer Science or Equivalent. Postgraduate qualification in Technology, Architecture, or Cloud advantageous. 7 years experience in solution architecture, including solution analysis, development and architecture with leadership, general management, operational responsibility in a large corporate/public sector organization. Experience in solution analysis, development and architecture for the development, implementation and maintenance/enhancements of ICT systems within the corporate/public sector Experience in solution design and modelling including Solution design translating business requirements into proposed solutions within both the existing and planned future ICT landscape, Conceptual solution models; Logical solution models; Physical solution models; and Solution architecture documentation describing the design and models. LEADERSHIP COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS Excellent verbal and written communication. Well organised, structured approach to work Ability to delegate efficiently. Extensive industry knowledge with an eye on the future. Diplomacy And Patience People Skills Strategic Thinking Listening The Ability to Execute the Vision of the Company