Solution Architect Manager

*Solution Architect, Management Consulting
Purpose Of The Job*
KPMG Services (Pty) Ltd is looking for a Senior Technology Consultant to work as part of our Management Consulting business unit with the advisory division. The candidate should demonstrate a rounded set of skills and experience in the technology consulting domain with a focus on solution architecture work.

Specialist Skills Required
The specific set of expertise required for this role include(s) Enterprise Architecture and design skills. The related competencies for the successful candidate are made up of experience in:

• Strong knowledge of the South African financial sector regulatory environment, particularly in prudential and conduct supervision.
• Financial services / banking experience.
• Deep understanding of architectural patterns (e.g., microservices, layered, event-driven).
• Strong grasp of cloud platforms (e.g. AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines.
• Knowledge of APIs, integration design, security standards (e.g. OAuth, SAML, etc.).
• Excellent communication skills to explain technical solutions to non-technical stakeholders.
• Familiarity with enterprise tools like ADOIT, ADONIS, CASEWISE, Sparx EA, Bizagi, or similar modelling tools.
• Familiarity and experience modeling using latest ArchiMate notation.

Key Job Duties Or Responsibilities
Responsibilities will cover a wide variety of advisory tasks within the Management Consulting team. At the targeted level, specific focus is required on both client-facing and Internal responsibilities, these are not limited to - but should include:

Client-facing Responsibilities

• Apply specialist skills and knowledge of current technologies, reference architectures, architecture frameworks (e.g. TOGAF, Zachman, GWEA), design patterns, and modelling techniques in delivery of specific client solutions and requirements,
• Drive workshops, presentations and facilitation of topical session(s) at the client for the purpose of gathering pertinent client information related to solution architecture work, well as milestone deliverables within project engagements (including but not limited to):
• Translate business requirements into well-architected technical solutions,
• Design end-to-end architecture across systems, applications, data, and infrastructure.
• Create high-level architectural specifications, diagrams, and documentation.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, developers, engineers, and business teams to ensure successful delivery.
• Guide the technical team through implementation and ensure adherence to architecture standards.
• Evaluate and recommend technologies, frameworks, tools, and platforms.
• Ensure solutions are secure, scalable, maintainable, and aligned with enterprise architecture principles.
• Review and troubleshoot existing solutions for improvement or redesign.
• Participate in governance and architecture review boards.

Internal Responsibilities

• Mentor and guide allocated team counselees regarding performance and career development.
• Develop a respected brand by means of contributing thought leadership write-ups and community participation.
• Participate in the selling of the solution architecture offering by means of proposal building, and other recognised go-to-market approaches,
• Identify and manage appropriate risks related to engaging teams and KPMG,
• Assistance with project control (initiation, tracking, reporting, risk management, budget analysis)

Critical Interpersonal Or Interactive Skills

• Strong business acumen and analytical skills,
• Ability to interact with varying levels of client management and adjust communication styles accordingly i.e. technical, financial, strategic, etc.,
• Ability to build long lasting client relationships,
• Results-oriented and positive attitude,
• Leadership and Management skills,
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills,
• Self-starter with the ability to drive solutions,
• Ambitious, self-motivated, and energetic,
• Ability to handle stress and delivery under pressure,
• Ability to function in continuously changing environments.

Other Recommended Skills / Capabilities

• Consulting skills are a pre-requisite,
• Strategic thinker and be aware of the big picture,
• Should demonstrate a "Can do Attitude",
• Demonstrate innovation and creativity,
• Strong technical abilities in the above-mentioned skillsets,
• Programme / project management experience is an asset,
• Facilitation and driving workshop experience,
• Excellent communication, presentation and writing skills.

Qualifications
Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, or related field
• Proven experience as a Solution Architect or similar technical role.

Other Relevant Qualifications / Certifications Beneficial

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect
• Azure Solutions Architect Expert
• Google Professional Cloud Architect
• TOGAF Certification
• ITIL or equivalent
• COBIT
• ArchiMate Certified

Experience

• 5 - 8 years of experience in software development, systems architecture, or related roles.
• Experience working and collaborating with senior level managers and C-level executives,
• Deep experience in at least two of the architecture domains (Business, Data, Application, Infrastructure Technology). Some experience in all the architecture domains is an asset,
• Has demonstrated experience in delivering multiple components of Architecture and/or IT strategy initiatives,
• Experience with modelling tools is an asset (e.g., ADOIT, ADONIS, CASEWISE, Sparx EA, other),