Job Details
- Expires 4 August 0 days left to apply
- Reference number: IT/206/0723
- Province: Western Cape
- Type of engagement: Permanent appointment
- Posted: July 25th
Background to Position
Stellenbosch University
Information Technology
Lead Solutions Architect (Job Level 6)
Ref. IT/206/0723
The Information Technology Division of Stellenbosch University needs a lead solutions architect who is user-centric, has strong analytical, problem-solving and design thinking abilities with a diverse knowledge across IT and higher education architecture and domains to assist the University in modernising and sustaining their current ICT landscape. The incumbent will work closely with ICT and institutional stakeholders to understand their needs and objectives to realise value to the institution by defining and implementing fitting solutions.
The lead solutions architect will be involved in maturing the architecture practice community and framework (purpose, standards and resources) to ensure the practice remains relevant, adapts to demand timeously and is seen as a strategic capability for the University.
The lead solutions architect will lead the solutions architect and the analyst team responsible for the architecture processes (e.g., Architecture Development Method) and governance (e.g., Architecture Design Authority) to ensure the outcome is aligned to the objectives of the University and stakeholders.
Job Description
Duties:
- Engaging with senior levels of leadership through clear communication, appropriate levels of context and explanation;
- Coordinating, managing and motivating the solutions architects and analyst team (virtual or direct reporting team);
- Analysing and reporting on trends related to industry and technology by supplying guidance on how it will impact the institutional opportunities as well as risks;
- Ensuring that the solutions or other outcomes are aligned to the objectives of the practice, Division, business owner, or University;
- Ensuring that ICT architecture governance, principles and standards are adhered to at all times;
- Ensuring that the solution design is transitioned to the project or other team(`s) members in a smooth and effective manner;
- Collaborating with the other ICT architects, IT or other required teams;
- Recommending and participating in activities related to the design, development and maintenance of the architecture practice;
- Advising and recommending architecture strategies, processes, and methodologies;
- Collaborating with all relevant parties to review the objectives and constraints of each solution and determining conformance with the architecture roadmap;
- Recommending and participating in the defining, development and delivery of future state architectures;
- Leading brainstorming sessions to develop potential solutions for business and / or institutional needs, gaps, requirements, or strategic initiatives;
- Identifying opportunities for process improvements;
- Identifying areas in which IT can support institutional needs and goals;
- Communicating and consulting with stakeholders to develop appropriate solutions.
Inherent Criteria
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems (or a relevant field), or if not graduated, at least ten years' or more work experience in IT architecture;
- More than five years' experience as a solutions architect with experience in developing reference architecture, principles, and standards;
- Five years' or more experience in leading teams;
- Effective communication and collaboration skills to coordinate projects and deliverables across IT and business;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills;
- A broad understanding of information technology topics;
- Effective interpersonal skills and a collaborative style;
- The demonstrable ability to evaluate options and apply it to complex institutional problems;
- Flexible in a fast-paced dynamic environment with shifting roles and responsibilities;
- Proficient in designing, implementing, and maintaining solutions architecture;
- Experience in Agile delivery methodologies;
- The demonstrable ability to create high quality artifacts such as reference models, solutions architectures, capability models and other required outputs.
Application Requirement
Enquiries regarding this post: Chantel Coetzee on 021 808 3206, or at chantelc@sun.ac.za
Enquiries regarding remuneration/benefits, as well as technical assistance with the electronic application process: Human Resources Client Services Centre on 021 808 2753, or at sun-e-hr@sun.ac.za
Commencement Date: 1 September 2023
Closing Date: 4 August 2023
Stellenbosch University is committed to employment equity (EE), and appointments will be made in line with the EE plan for the specific environment as well as the institutional EE Plan of the University.Stellenbosch University reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Your application, comprising a comprehensive curriculum vitae (including the names and email addresses of at least three referees), must reach the University before or on the closing date of the advertised post.
APPLY ONLINE AT https://www.sun.ac.za/english/careers BY USING THE APPLY NOW LINK AT THE TOP RIGHT-HAND CORNER OF THE SPECIFIC VACANCY PAGE.
The University reserves the right to investigate qualifications and conduct background checks on all candidates.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires people in occupations that entail potential exposure to certain hazards (such as, but not limited to: noise, hazardous chemical substances and hazardous biological agents) to be subjected to medical screening, to determine their fitness to work in the said occupations.
Should no feedback be received from the University within four to six weeks of the closing date, kindly accept that your application did not succeed.