Principal Solutions Architect

When it comes to putting people first, we're number 1. The number 1 Top Employer in South Africa.Certified by the Top Employer Institute 2024. Role Purpose/Business Unit: To lead the technical architecture and solution design for Vodacom’s new business development and integrated FinTech ecosystem strategy, ensuring robust, scalable, and compliant solutions that enable commercialization and adoption across consumer and enterprise markets. This role translates strategic objectives into end-to-end technology solutions for new business development, payments, lending, insurance, investments, and disbursements. Your responsibilities will include: Solution Architecture Leadership: Develop key end-to-end functional requirements and shape the solution design approach for FinTech platforms and emerging solutions. Complex Government Digital Solutions: Lead end-to-end solutions for complex (across emerging platforms, fintech ecosystems and core Vodacom solutions), multi-solution deployments that align with business objectives and architecture standards, ensuring scalability, security, and maintainability. Integrated Customer Experience: Drive programmes that enable interconnected Emerging market FinTech offerings (e.g., Vodapay, M-Pesa, partner channels) and enterprise digitalisation offerings for seamless customer experiences across consumer and enterprise segments. Architectural Frameworks & Standards: Create and enforce architectural frameworks and principles to maintain integrity, reusability, and simplicity throughout the solution lifecycle. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Vodacom architects, Fintech product architects, commercial teams, and engineering to define guardrails, refine features, and plan high-level delivery for pilots, MVPs, and scaled deployments. Root Cause Analysis & Issue Resolution: Lead technical investigations and provide solution options for complex issues during delivery or on live services. Alignment with Enterprise Architecture: Ensure consistency with Vodacom’s enterprise and integration architecture standards across all emerging platforms and FinTech ecosystems. Continuous Improvement: Drive documentation, process improvements, and ways-of-working initiatives to enhance solution architecture practices. Stakeholder Management: Provide specialised and technical support to internal and external stakeholders to ensure achievement of functional and organisational objectives. The ideal candidate for this role will have: A relevant degree in Computer Science, Engineering or IT Postgraduate qualifications (Desirable) 8+ years experience in Technology Architecture and Systems Extensive experience in managing an architecture team Extensive experience with Domain Architecture and Design Extensive understanding of TOGAF Framework Extensive knowledge of: Fixed data communication technologies (including SD-WAN, MPLS, IP VPN technologies) Voice communication technologies (including IPT, NGN, IN, SIP etc…) Mobile data communication technologies (All available Spectrums including 5G, Managed/Secure Mobility) Cloud, Cyber Security & Managed Services Unified Communications solutions IOT Financial Services Technologies 3+ years management experience Core competencies, knowledge, and experience: Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and delivering excellent service Accountability: Seeks feedback and identifies opportunities for improvement or innovation Collaboration: Actively fosters collaboration, seeks input and effectively partners Resilience: Actively seeks opportunities for growth, demonstrates a strong commitment to self-improvement and has a growth mindset We make an impact by offering: Enticing incentive programs and competitive benefit packages Retirement funds, risk benefits, and medical aid benefits Cell phone and data benefits, advantages fibre connection discounts, and exclusive staff discounts offered in collaboration with partner companies Closing date for Applications: 11 December 2025 The base location for this role is Midrand Vodacom Campus The company's approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.Vodacom is committed to an organisational culture that recognises, appreciates, and values diversity & inclusion. #J-18808-Ljbffr