Solution Architect, API at Standard Bank Group

Job Purpose

To develop and maintain the focus area (domain) architecture and design for specific business functional/technical area. Provides a high level roadmap for the implementation of the solution. Matrix manages Architects delivering on projects/initiatives within focus area (domain). Provide thought leadership throughout the programme In cooperation with the Product Manager, the Senior Solution Architect plays a critical role in helping align team in a common technical direction toward accomplishment of the roadmap.

Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities

Function as Lean-Agile Architect Leader

• Take on the role of the Lean-Agile leader who understand the complexities of large-scale solution development and apply Lean and Agile practices to address them.

• Plan and develop the architectural/solutions runway in support of upcoming business features with the Enterprise Architect (EA)

• Work with portfolio stakeholder, particularly the Enterprise Architect (EA) to develop, analyse, split and realise the implementation of enabler Epics

• Define, explore and support the implementation of value stream and programme enablers to evolve solution intent, working directly with the Agile teams to provide support

 Develop and Validate Reference Architectures

• Responsible for reference architecture by collaboration with key stakeholders (EA, BIO,CIO, Business) to understand the strategy and target of the IT & Business in order to develop, separate and implement the enabler epics.

• Ensure conformance of reference architectures to aligned to strategic and target roadmaps.

• Conduct research and or investigate in order deliver reference architectures.

• Responsible for the developing and contributing to architecture principles for downstream consumption

Develop and Validate Domain/Segment Architectures

• Responsible for the creation and validation of domain/segment architectures by collaborating with key stakeholders, peers and/ or feature teams, aligned to reference architectures and roadmaps.

• Manage deviation and exceptions of domain/segment architectures that vary from the reference architectures/principles.

• Coordinate activities across areas and domains in order to facilitate and deliver relevant artefacts.

• Manage technology complexities and conflicts relevant to the domain/segment architecture.

• Explore and propose new concepts and solutions through innovative thinking.

• Ensure advice and validate that the Formulated Architectures are be at the appropriate level (conceptual, logical and or physical) for the correct understanding and importance.

• Investigate and research in order deliver relevant domain/segment artefacts

• Produce and contribute to target architectures.

• Produce and validate transitional architectures aligned to the target architectures.

• Influence and communicate all stakeholders across all levels to accept and adopt architectures.

• Develop and validate domain/segment architecture patterns to be consumed in Solution, Segment or Domain Architectures.

Develop Solution Architectures/Designs

• Responsible for the creation and validation of solutions by collaborating with key stakeholders, peers and/ or project teams, aligned to reference, segment and domain architectures and roadmaps.

• Manage the technology/engineering aspects of Programme and value stream Kanban’s

• Manage deviation and exceptions of solutions that vary from the reference, segments and domain architecture and/or architecture principles.

• Coordinate activities across areas and domains in order to facilitate and deliver relevant artefacts.

• Manage technology complexities and conflicts relevant to the solution architecture.

• Explore and propose new concepts and solutions through innovative thinking.

• Ensure advice and validate that the solutions are at the appropriate level (conceptual, logical and or physical) for the correct understanding, interpretation and importance.

• Investigate and research the problem statement or programme needs in order deliver relevant solution artefacts

• Produce and contribute to target solutions.

• Manage architectural runway and backlogs for the programmes overall solution intent

• Articulate solution risks and impacts to relevant stakeholders.

• Influence and communicate all stakeholders across the programme to accept and adopt solutions.

Architectural Assessments of technology solutions and or Proof of Concepts

• Perform technical assessments of new and proposed technologies, products and services as well as concepts (proof of concepts) for possible adoption by the organisation.

• Document, advice and validate proof points or success criteria for assessments and or proof of concepts.

• Create position papers or assessment reports for technology, assessments, technology evaluation, or IT solutions.

• Assess and articulate proof of concept findings and impacts to strategy and target architectures to relevant stakeholders.

Architecture Collaboration and Review

• Provide an assessment, review, recommendation and or opinion of Solution, Domain and Segment architectures for alignment to IT & Business Strategies, legislation and regulation and other relevant governance processes.

• Participate, support, position and or present in relevant IT Architecture Governance forums or related forums (Internal and/or External associations) where applicable.

• Act as quorum member or chairperson at the relevant IT Architecture Governance forums.

• Solution & Specialist Consulting

• Provide advice on the following aspects:

  • Planning & Analysis

  • Design, Build, Test & Deploy

  • Identification of Opportunities and Enablement

  • Risk & Impact analysis for Solution execution.

• Provide architectural, technical advice and insights too resolve critical situations affecting the organisation.

• Recommend pragmatic remediation options inclusive of advantages and disadvantages to Business and IT.

Minimum Qualification and Experience

Qualifications:

• Honours' Degree in Information Technology, Engineering or Commerce.

• Relevant Architecture certification.

• Business type Qualification (e.g. MBA) would be preferred.

Experience:

• 7 – 10 Years’ experience in multiple IT disciplines e.g. Development Hardware, analysis, design, service management, architecture.

• 5 - 7 Years' experience as an architect across domains.

• The Standard Bank Group has implemented a Vaccination Policy for all roles which require the incumbent to work from the Standard Bank premises on a full-time or intermittent basis. Full vaccination against COVID-19 is therefore an inherent requirement of this role.