Cloud Architect at Massmart

About the job

Summary:

To perform technical planning, architecture development and modification of specifications for cloud storage and computing environments. The role will develop specifications for new IT cloud products and service offerings, assess the compatibility and integration of products/services proposed in order to ensure an integrated architecture across interdependent technologies

Functions / Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning

• Direct the development, execution, and continuous improvement of Cloud architecture strategy, in guidance from the Infrastructure transform manager
• Ensure that the formulated strategy is in sync with the overall IT strategy and meets architectural standards

Execution

• Plan, design, engineer and lead the architecture of cloud solutions with appropriate technologies and capabilities to meet the business requirements
• Understand in-depth the cloud technology trends, emerging ideas, options and solutions available on how to evolve the capabilities and utilization within the firm
• Understand how to optimise existing cloud technologies, including Private Cloud, aligned to a company Cloud strategy
• Proactively and continuously investigate, monitor the current-state cloud usage and solutions in use, to identify gaps, limitations and come up with the required solutions and remediation
• Design and provide guidance on implementation of mission-critical cloud platform and services that are scalable all across Massmart
• Lead creation of cloud focused standards in order to ensure deployed solutions are scalable, immutable and resilient
• Ensure cloud solutions are implemented and delivered as per the agreed upon architectural design
• Lead and provide subject matter expertise, thought leadership expertise on cloud solutions as well as knowledge transfer and mentoring other team members/cross functional resources, as and when required
• Establish and maintain regular communication with the organization’s executives, decision-makers, stakeholders, department heads (as required) regarding pertinent Cloud solution designs and architecture

Financial, budget and compliance

Achieve Cost Management by:

• Assisting in the preparation of an annual budget for Cloud solutions
• Obtaining competitive prices from external suppliers / vendors, as and when necessary

Stakeholder Management

• Maintain and build effective, professional relationships with third party Cloud vendors and service providers that result in timely delivery of requirements and the highest standards of quality and cost effectiveness
• Regularly liaison with Business IT and core Business Stakeholders, in support from the Business Demand Manager to capture voice of customer and understand requirements
• Liaison with Walmart to borrow relevant expertise in the area, as required

Knowledge Management

• Keep abreast with latest tools, technologies and trends in the area of Cloud Architecture

Requirements:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or National Diploma in Information Systems, Computer Science or Related Field.

Experience:

• 5-7 years’ experience working an IT role, out of which at least 3 years of related Architecture experience working with private and public cloud platforms
• Extensive knowledge of the various cloud platforms
• 3-5 years strategic planning and managing Cloud platforms
• 1 year tactical planning and execution against operational plans

Functional Competencies & Skills

• Awareness of tools and technologies deployable in architecting and managing cloud solutions
• Ability to work closely with other internal teams, both in IT and the businesses
• Ability to provide responsive customer service through effective communication and coordination
• Ability to plan and prioritize tasks
• Ability to drive consensus on critical decision areas