Lead Solutions Architect (Cloud & Managed Services, Johannesburg)

Position Summary:

The Solutions Architect is a pre-sales role which is responsible to provide technical solutions to solve customer challenges within the Banking/Financial Services, Telecoms and Energy Natural Gases and Utilities sector in Africa.

As a Solutions Architect, you will use your expertise to construct specific and detailed solutions that encompass process, technology, project and staffing plans across Cloud, Datacentre, Network, Digital Workplace, Applications and Cybersecurity landscape.

Responsibilities:

• Involved as the technical solution leader in the pre-sales process whilst working along side Sector Leaders and Account Executives to understand customer challenges and architect solution to drive customers business outcomes.
• Develop Managed Services solutions across Cloud, Datacentre, Network and end-user technologies.
• Design, develop, and implement enterprise-wide cloud architectures and solutions, incorporating industry best practices and emerging technologies.
• Provide expertise in cloud platforms, such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, and guide the selection, adoption, and integration of cloud services.
• Assess current infrastructure, applications, and systems to identify areas for improvement and develop migration plans to move legacy systems to the cloud.
• Define and enforce cloud security policies and procedures to ensure data protection, access control, and compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
• Evaluate and recommend cyber security measures, including vulnerability assessments, threat modelling, intrusion detection systems, and incident response plans.
• Collaborate with technology specific solution architects to ensure cohesive and integrated solutions.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance throughout the proposal lifecycle.
• Ability to conclusively write, present and defend technical solutions through strong presentation skills and executive client management.
• Collaborate with business leaders, stakeholders, and IT teams to understand strategic objectives and define technology roadmaps aligned with organizational goals.

• 8+ years of experience as a Solutions Architect and at least 2+ years of solution experience with integrated (application + infrastructure) cloud pursuits for the complete lifecycle services i.e. assessment, design, migration and managed services.
• Have worked on Global Presales opportunities and should have experience on delivering RFP and RFI responses.
• Experience on Cloud, Datacentre, Network, Digital Workplace technologies
• Experience on large scale DC Migration & Consolidation opportunities
• Knowledge on NextGen technologies - Containers, DevOps, Edge Computing, IoT
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles and best practices, including network security, application security, data protection, and identity and access management.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders and influence decision-making processes.
• Relevant certifications, such as TOGAF, CISSP, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, or Azure Solutions Architect, are highly desirable.
• Ability to handle multiple complex proposals, with tight deadlines concurrently
• Ability to collaborate with a team working across geographically dispersed locations

• Highest level of integrity and confidentiality.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, proactive and takes initiative, working well with minimal supervision.
• Can operate across all levels of stakeholders (internal and external), evidence proactive engagement and a natural comfort in influencing others to solicit contributions from across teams.
• Thrives on ability to execute successfully, taking accountability and demonstrating great pride in the quality of outcome(s).
• Team player and embraces new challenges or opportunities to learn and contribute, for matters that fall broadly within the scope of the role.
• Experience operating in a multicultural and matrixed environment, in Consulting or other Professional Services with exposure to global teams preferable.