Enterprise Solutions Architect Western Cape

Watchmaker Genomics is an early-stage life science company based in Boulder, Colorado, U.S.A. with a local branch office in Cape Town, South Africa. Our team is passionate about innovation and values collaboration, creativity, and scientific rigor. We believe the intersection of biology, engineering, and computer science presents exciting opportunities for developing novel technologies that promote research and improve human health. Watchmaker Genomics specializes in the design, development, and production of DNA- and RNA-modifying enzymes that enable high-growth applications in genomics, molecular diagnostics, and personalized medicine.

Watchmaker Genomics is inviting applications for an on-site, full-time position of an IT Enterprise Solutions Architect – ERP in our Cape Town office. This position reports to the Director Operations and Global IT and will play a pivotal role in facilitating effective communication and collaboration between the IT department and various business units within our organization. This role is responsible for understanding business needs, aligning technology solutions, and ensuring the successful implementation, optimization, and utilization of our ERP, MES, ECM, and other related systems to support the achievement of our strategic goals. The IT Enterprise Solutions Architect – ERP will be a key advocate for leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency and drive business outcomes.

The role extends to overseeing system architecture design and integration planning. By collaborating closely with IT architects, technical teams, and external partners, this individual ensures that the enterprise system’s architecture is robust, scalable, and aligned with the organization’s technology strategy. Moreover, their expertise in integration design guarantees seamless data exchange between internal and external systems, fostering efficient workflows and enhancing business operations.

The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced working environment and contribute directly to our company culture and success. This position will offer unique challenges, learning, and growth including the opportunity to implement global solutions.

1. Business Requirements Analysis
   • Collaborate with business stakeholders to gather, analyze, and document enterprise system requirements based on functional and operational needs.
   • Translate business needs into actionable technology solutions and system configurations.
   • Provide expert advice and guidance to business units on how to best leverage chosen systems to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and achieve business objectives.
   • Identify opportunities for process improvements and recommend enterprise software solutions.
   • Collaborate with IT architects and technical teams to design the overarching architecture of enterprise systems to be implemented in the organization.
   • Ensure that the system architecture aligns with the organization’s long-term technology strategy and supports scalability, reliability, and security.
   • Provide input and recommendations for technology stack, database design, and infrastructure components.
   • Liaise with solution architects to align enterprise system architecture with broader enterprise architecture principles.
2. Integration Definitions, Planning, and Design (Internal and External)
   • Define integration requirements for connecting ERP systems with other internal systems such as MES, LIMS, CRM, HRIS, and financial systems.
   • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify integration touchpoints and data exchange needs.
   • Design integration workflows, data mapping, and transformation processes.
   • Evaluate integration technologies and tools to select the most suitable solutions for seamless data flow.
   • Develop integration plans, including timelines, resource allocation, and testing strategies.
   • Collaborate with external partners, vendors, and third-party systems to define integration requirements and protocols.
   • Ensure data security, integrity, and compliance standards are maintained throughout the integration process.
   • Monitor and troubleshoot integration issues, and work with relevant teams to implement timely resolutions.
   • Establish documentation for integration processes, data flows, and troubleshooting procedures.
3. Additional Supporting Responsibilities
   • User Support and Training:
     • Provide ongoing user support, troubleshoot issues, and ensure efficient system usage.
     • Deliver training sessions to help employees effectively navigate and utilize all the systems.
   • Data Analysis:
     • Utilize CRM system data to generate insights, reports, and dashboards that assist in data-driven decision-making.
   • Establish and maintain relationships with CRM vendors and external partners.
   • Coordinate vendor support, manage software updates, and facilitate issue resolution.
   • Identify potential risks associated with the CRM system, including security vulnerabilities and operational disruptions.
   • Develop strategies to mitigate and address these risks.
   • Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices related to ERP systems.
   • Propose innovative solutions to business challenges using the ERP system.

Required Qualifications and Experience

1. ERP Implementation and Support Experience: Previous experience in implementing and supporting ERP systems, such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or other major ERP solutions, would be highly beneficial.
2. Business Process Understanding: Strong familiarity with various business processes across different departments, such as finance, supply chain, manufacturing, and HR, is crucial.
3. Data Mapping and Transformation: Proficiency in defining data mapping, transformation, and conversion processes to ensure seamless data flow between systems.
4. Integration and Middleware Knowledge: Demonstrated experience with designing, implementing, and managing integrations between ERP systems and other applications using middleware solutions.
5. Project Management: Proven track record in managing projects, especially those related to ERP implementation, upgrades, or integration initiatives.
6. Change Management and Training: Experience in change management strategies, including user training and adoption planning.
7. Vendor and Partner Collaboration: Experience in working collaboratively with external partners, third-party vendors, and consultants.

The candidate must demonstrate the following skills:

1. Strong understanding of business processes and operations.
2. Enterprise architecture principles, including integration patterns and best practices.
3. Analytical and problem-solving skills.
4. Excellent organizational skills and outstanding attention to detail.
5. Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
6. Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
7. Stress and time management.

The candidate must demonstrate the following personal attributes:

1. Honest and trustworthy.
2. Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity.
3. Flexible and able to work long hours.

Education Requirements

1. 7+ years proven experience in a similar role, preferably with a focus on ERP systems, with a degree or diploma in Information Technology/Systems, or equivalent qualification from a recognised tertiary institution in Information Technology.

The position will contribute to enhancing the organization’s efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and overall success by serving as a liaison between business units and the IT department. The role’s emphasis on understanding business needs, aligning technology solutions, and promoting effective enterprise system utilization ensures the organization’s enterprise software related initiatives are well-executed and aligned with strategic objectives.

To apply for the position, please submit the following in PDF format:

• Letter of motivation
• Curriculum vitae, highlighting relevant qualifications and experience

Applications without a Letter of Motivation will not be considered. Local candidates preferred.

If selected to participate in the interview process, the names and contact information of 3 references who are able to assess your suitability for the position in terms of the specified requirements will be requested.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Watchmaker Genomics is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and creating a culturally diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics as protected by applicable law.

All applicants will be asked if currently eligible to work in South Africa; and if now or in the future will require visa sponsorship to continue working in South Africa.

This position may be subject to pre-employment checks, including driving history check, drug screening and a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. All pre-employment checks will comply with all applicable laws.