Solutions Architect at Cell C

Purpose of the Job: 

• Responsible for the implementation of the business process, technology, information and application architectural framework. To translate the business and technical requirements across IT, Core Networks, Digital, Commercial into functional and technical specifications in line with architecture best practices.
• As a Solution Architect at Cell C, you will play a pivotal role in driving improvements in the business by creating impactful solutions through your passion, talent, technical expertise, and the practice of Solution Architecture. You will bridge the gap between complex business challenges, and technological solutions, ensuring alignment with our strategic objectives.

Key accountabilities

• Solution Architecture, Solution Design, and Service Delivery
• Solution Architect serving Cell C Wholesale, MVNO, Retail, Digital and Core Network business units
• Champion the solution architecture, design, and implementation of solutions using existing and new technology to support business objectives
• Analyse and design solutions that fit both current and future technology needs, continuously updating and improving processes
• Work closely with internal and external partners to develop scalable and maintainable solutions, ensuring all aspects of integration are well defined. Lead, facilitate, and drive discussions
• Identify and address potential risks in business requirements, applying a comprehensive approach to cover all affected areas and provide expert guidance
• Document technical details, manage project estimates, and support the documentation and execution of solution designs. Maintaining or enhancing procedures, processes and designs for existing technology systems and applications to deliver superior service to all internal Cell C customers as well as to external integrating Cell C Partners
• Demonstrate effective solution design strategies and activities
• Consulting
• Support the implementation of projects in the technology space in support of business objectives.
• Drawing from the knowledge of implemented systems, provide support to business at a technical level in the analysis of new or enhancing product activities.
• Knowledge Management
• Actively contribute towards the maintenance of the reference architecture repository.
• Actively utilize agreed standard templates and file formats.
• Actively share information through agreed channels and repositories.
• Governance
• Support work required to successfully drive solutions through all relevant governance forums and project gates
• Ensure solutions conform to design directives, principles, technology standards, and enterprise architecture. Where necessary, contribute to the formation of new standards and enterprise architecture blueprints
• Understanding and implementation of the end-to-end delivery lifecycle of technical design projects
• Present new designs to the Design Authority to ensure constant adherence to target enterprise architecture for all design solutions / requirements
• Collaborate with the EPMO on reporting project status, issues, risks and benefits.
• Active participation in Architectural Review Committee collaborative design discussions.
• Signoff of specifications and effort estimates
• Development & Project Execution
• Actively resolve and drive to resolution any necessary design related changes or misunderstandings that arise during the implementation phase of a project
• Ensure alignment between requirements and solution development and delivery teams
• Support any workshops required by subject matter experts (SME), developers, and implementation teams, required for the development and implementation of solutions
• Review and guide quality assurance team
• Ratification of Requirements Traceability Matrix
• Provide support in delivery of related projects
• Own assigned solutions throughout the lifecycle thereof by providing technical and design guidance to internal customers, external vendors and integrating partners
• From time to time, lead the implementation of complex projects as part of a project team by:
• Setting up meetings and driving discussions
• Coordinate delivery teams
• Resolve design disputes
• Escalate where necessary for support
• Provide guidance to stakeholders
• Stakeholder engagements
• Drive the end-to-end discussions required to get agreement across the whole value chain impacted by a solution from business through to operations
• Actively support the planning and meeting with stakeholders
• Setup meetings and hold discussions with stakeholders
• Ensure joint architecture design (JAD) sessions take place if / when necessary
• Work with the EPMO
• Build and manage own relationships with key stakeholders, such as - project managers, vendors, business owners, peers, enterprise architects, fellow architects, and various technical bodies and SMEs
• Attend meetings, governance forums, and engage in knowledge-sharing activities
• Opportunities
• Provide input into the definition and evolution of Solution Architecture practice
• Provide input into the definition and evolution of architecture principles
• Provide insight based on expert knowledge, into the solutioning approach of projects
• Support technical presales activities and enterprise customers
• Lead key technology projects and be part of business initiatives
• Participate in an contribute towards the development of Enterprise Archiecture

Minimum Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering, Information Technology, or similar qualification

Any contemporary industry technical certification such as but not limited to:

• Developer Certifications
• TOGAF
• Cloud Developer
• Security Certifications

Added Advantage:

• A management qualification
• A master’s qualification
• Security certifications
• Telecommunications certification
• Certifications with a background in a business domain such as:
• Financial / ERP

Billing

• CRM

Technical certifications such as but not limited to:

• COBIT

ITIL

• Project Management Certifications
• Systems Thinking Certification

Minimum Experience

A Minimum of 7 years technical experience which should be inclusive of:

• 5 years software development
• 3 years solutions design
• 3 years system integration experience
• 2 years’ experience using an architecture modelling tool
• 4 years leading software development

Expectations on background & experience are:

• Senior Systems Analyst
• Senior Developer
• Technology Consultancy
• Practical experience in Systems Analysis, Design and Development with experience in at least two of the domains covering:
• CRM, Billing, and Provisioning
• ERP, General Ledger, Supply Chain, Warehouse
• Financial Systems, Reconciliations
• Transactions and Settlement
• Network
• Integration
• Security

Added Advantage:

• The demonstrable experience of the below would be an added advantage:
• Telecoms BSS and Billings
• Telecommunications core network infrastructure
• Technical Presales
• Data Migrations
• Cloud Architecture Design
• Systems and solutions working with 5 million to 20 million active customers

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

Knowledge Required:

• Proficient in design, database, development, and cloud technologies.
• Understand scaling and security technologies.
• Familiar with current and emerging tech trends.
• Capable of systems thinking.

Skills Needed:

• Able to create detailed architecture diagrams including component, sequence diagrams, and more.
• Skilled in designing databases and user interfaces.
• Can breakdown complex architectural elements.
• Experienced in developing and integrating web services, and in conducting tests.
• Effective at gathering requirements and solving technical issues.

Personal Attributes:

• Detail-oriented in defining solutions from start to finish.
• Influential in driving change and encouraging new behaviors.
• Continuously stays updated with tech trends.
• Committed to diversity, inclusivity, and respectful communication.
• Passionate about delivery and results.
• Team player focused on quality and self-improvement.

Competencies

• Emotional Intelligence (EQ) 
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Results Orientated
• Team Participation
• Collaboration and Influence 
• Customer Orientation