Solutions Architect I at Shoprite Group of Companies

Purpose of the Job    

• The purpose of this role is to create and implement high quality data, application and technology architectures that meets OK Franchise business needs and requirements.
• The role is accountable for architecting and designing comprehensive solutions of low to medium complexity within an assigned portfolio, and partners with key stakeholders (e.g., project managers, business analysts, etc..) to create solutions that are aligned to architecture and technology standards and principles.

Job Objectives    

• Create architectures and designs for solutions that are aligned with business blueprints, non- functional requirements, delivery constraints, data, application and technology standards, and architecture standards.
• Analyse and ensure understanding of specific business requirements within assigned portfolios in the context of the current business environment and document the current technology landscape using easily understandable language and visualisation techniques.
• Keep up to date with current and future trends in Information Technology in the retail industry and provide insights into new developments in IT solutions for the retail industry
• Execute/Create logical and physical solution designs, using appropriate modelling techniques and methodologies.
• Research and propose suitable solution(s) and alternatives that address the assigned portfolio project/business needs or requirements as defined by the business, solution delivery and operations areas and engage senior Solutions Architecture team to obtain agreement on solutions identified.
• Support and execute provision of assigned solution architectures aligned to the strategic direction of business, data, application, and technology architectures and maintain Shoprite’s enterprise architecture repository.
• Research and analyse solution architecture best practice trends and emerging technologies, determine the potential impact within an assigned area / portfolio, and work with the solution architecture team to determine feasibility.
• Ensure solution architecture quality across multiple projects and serve as the primary point of contact for solution design 
• Execute the design, implementation and functioning of solutions in an assigned area/portfolio, partnering with the senior solutions architecture team to define and develop appropriate solutions.
• Support the solutions architecture team on all assigned projects
• Work closely with Business, Business Analysts, System Analysts and Project Managers to design and  implement solutions.
• Review solution architecture deliverables throughout the system lifecycle of assigned projects for compliance to architecture principles and standards.
• Detect critical deficiencies in the current solution architecture of assigned projects and escalate for prompt action.
• Define solution design standards and SDLC governance requirements
• Support the development of frameworks, policies, procedures, and templates for Solution Architecture within an assigned area.
• Perform all solution design within solution architecture principles and framework and ensure quality compliance criteria are used to guide all related technology decisions. Support the development and setting of solution modelling standards and guidelines.
• Perform, deliver, and report on all assigned solutions architecture projects within defined metrics and performance standards across solution architecture processes.

Qualifications    

• 3+ Diploma /Degree in Information Systems / Sc. Computer Science (or similar) - (essential)
• Fundamental Certification in cloud technologies - (desirable)

Experience    

• Experience in SQL – (essential)
• Experience in JavaScript - (desirable)
• +1 years’ experience in a Solutions Architect or similar role with some understanding architectural design principles - (desirable)
• Experience and aptitude in translating and articulating the difference between business and system requirements – (essential)
• Design and architecture skills with exposure to delivering well designed enterprise class systems – (essential)

Knowledge and Skills    

• Knowledge and experience in the identification and formulation of solution architecture and solution alternatives and their assessment. – (essential)
• Practical knowledge of application development methodologies and practices. – (essential)
• Knowledge and understanding of current research and standards in Solution Architecture and emerging technologies – (essential)
• Foundational Knowledge of Agile ways of working - (desirable)

Closing Date    

• 2026/05/26