Solutions Architect (Senior)

Main Purpose Statement

The Solutions Architect is responsible for designing, guiding, and assuring the delivery of end-to-end technology solutions that meet business objectives and are scalable, secure, and sustainable. This role requires architectural leadership/support across the full solution lifecycle — from concept and design through implementation and transition into operations.

Key Responsibilities

Define end-to-end solution architectures aligned to business strategy, enterprise standards, and technology roadmaps.

Translate business requirements into practical, scalable, and maintainable solution designs.

Evaluate technology options and provide clear architectural recommendations.

Ensure solutions meet requirements for performance, security, resilience, and compliance.

Take ownership of the architecture across the entire solution delivery lifecycle.

Ensure third party service providers build technical solutions in accordance with the infrastructure/ solutions design standards

Provide architectural guidance and decision-making support to delivery teams.

Ensure architectural integrity is maintained throughout implementation.

Identify and proactively manage technical risks, dependencies, and constraints.

Support successful transition of solutions into operational support.

Engage proactively with business stakeholders to understand needs and shape solution direction.

Communicate complex technical concepts in a clear and business-friendly manner.

Facilitate design workshops, architecture reviews, and decision forums.

Build trusted relationships across business and technology teams.

Ensure solutions align with enterprise architecture principles and standards.

Take ownership and/or support the architecture governance and review processes.

Document architecture decisions, assumptions, and designs clearly.

Identify opportunities to improve architecture practices, delivery approaches, and technology usage.

Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends.

Mentor and guide other architects and technical team members where required.

Competency profile

Broad technical background across multiple technology domains (e.g., applications, integration, data, infrastructure, cloud, security).

Strong understanding of solution architecture principles and design practices.

Experience working across full solution delivery lifecycles.

Ability to assess and select appropriate technologies and platforms.

Understanding of system integration patterns and distributed architectures.

Familiarity with cloud platforms and modern application architectures.

Working knowledge of software development practices and methodologies.

Prior hands-on technical experience (development and infrastructure) is required, although active coding is not expected.

Strong ownership mindset with accountability for end-to-end solution outcomes.

Proactive and forward-thinking in identifying risks, gaps, and opportunities.

Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

Ability to influence and guide technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Strong facilitation and decision-making capabilities.

Clear and confident communicator, both written and verbal.

Ability to balance strategic thinking with practical delivery realities.

Collaborative leadership style with the ability to work across teams.

Sense of personal accountability

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Degree in IT, Computer Engineering, or Information Systems.

8+ years' proven experience as a Solutions Architect.

Technical knowledge across development (.NET, C#, SQL Server), infrastructure (Windows), cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP), security (OWASP), data and regulatory (POPIA, PCI/DSS) - Advantageous (but not mandatory) – Knowledge of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).

Experience with hybrid architectures and on-prem/cloud integration.

Demonstrated experience assessing and leading cloud migration initiatives (workload suitability analysis, high level cost modelling, risk identification, and evaluation of migration strategies – 7Rs).

Experience delivering enterprise applications in financial services and/or banking environments.

Strong understanding of API-based integration.

Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and organisational skills.

Ability to simplify complex problems and pitch solutions at the right level.

Documenting Solutions and Integration Designs, in written (longform) and diagrammatically

Organisational Skills (juggle multiple priorities, meet goals and deadlines)

Interpersonal Skills (ability to influence people and excellence in relationship management)

Proven team leadership or mentoring experience

Success Measures

Solutions delivered that meet business objectives and architectural standards.

Reduced technical risk and improved delivery outcomes.

Positive stakeholder engagement and trust.

Clear, well-governed, and sustainable solution designs.

Originally posted on Himalayas