Senior 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 2025.Role Purpose:Design and implement comprehensive technology solutions that meet our customers' complex business needs. The role will require owning and shaping end to end solutions for various Vodacom Business customer requirements using modern architectural frameworks and best practice. You will also support specialist sales, product managers and product architect teams with incrementally evolving our end-to-end solution capabilities across mobile, core connectivity and beyond mobile (fixed, cloud and IoT) to ensure improved customer experience, resiliency, re-usability, scalability and cost management.Your strong technical skills, combined with your ability to think strategically and solve complex problems, will contribute to the successful implementation of our Vodacom Business TechCo strategy.Your responsibilities will include:Key Accountabilities and Decision Ownership:Identify key end to end functional requirements and drive shaping of the end-to-end solution design approach through engagements with account teams, product managers and technical architectsDesign end to end solutions for complex and multi tower solutions that align with business objectives and our architecture standards, taking into consideration scalability, performance, security and maintainabilityWork with account teams, product managers, product architects and SMEs (subject matter experts) to refine the end-to-end solution requirements and lead on defining the end-to-end solution design for the complex and multi tower solutionsProtect the integrity and reusability of the solution throughout the lifecycle, keeping it as simple as possibleClosely collaborate with product architects to define architectural guardrails, product teams for refinement of product features, and with engineering teams and project managers for high level delivery planningSupport root cause analysis and identifying solution options for complex issues found during delivery or on live services when requiredMaintain alignment with Enterprise and Integration Architecture standards across all workEnsure consistency in application architecture and alignment with Vodacom Business architectural standardsProvide technical guidance and support to low level technical teams during implementation phase and ensure adherence to architectural guidelines and best practicesDrive in solution architecture, documentation and ways of working improvement initiatives contributing to the department’s continuous improvement goalsKnowledge sharing through the organization's operational business processes systemsStakeholder Management:Managing and collaborating with Vodacom Business technical, product and sales leadership to develop growth plans for the businessProvide specialised and technical support to internal and external stakeholders to ensure achievement of functional and organisational objectivesThe ideal candidate for this role will have: A relevant degree in Computer Science, Engineering or IT or related field Postgraduate qualifications (Desirable)5+ years’ experience in Telco IT architecture and SystemsExtensive with Domain Architecture and DesignExtensive Understanding of TOGAF Framework Extensive Knowledge ofFixed 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 ServicesUnified Communications solutionsIOTTechnical Competencies:Business development skills – unlocking the opportunity based on customers’ business requirementsExtensive experience in telecoms/IT design with proven technical co-ordinationExperience in change management in a technological contextTeam player, strong influence and relationship management skillsA self-starter with a determination to succeed, balanced with appropriate tact and diplomacyFluent in EnglishAbility to lead in high-growth, high-uncertainty environmentsAbility to work in an international and distributed virtual teamExcellent Customer relationship management skills with ability to interact at Director levelStrong communication and decision-making skills – ability to balance conflicting interestsBehavioural Competencies:Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and delivering excellent serviceAccountability: Seeks feedback and identifies opportunities for improvement or innovationCollaboration: Actively fosters collaboration, seeks input and effectively partnersResilience: Actively seeks opportunities for growth, demonstrates a strong commitment to self-improvement and has a growth mindsetFlexibility: uses various techniques to influence others (lobbies, approaches decision makers, finds sponsors)People Management: Ensure team work together to deliver on their responsibilities creating accountability and ownershipOrganizational Savvy: Demonstrates strong understanding of assigned strategy for the Business/ Function and creates strong team alignment to the strategyWe make an impact by offering:Enticing incentive programs and competitive benefit package Retirement funds, risk benefits, and medical aid benefitsCell phone and data benefits, advantages fibre connection discounts, and exclusive staff discounts offered in collaboration with partner companiesClosing date for Applications: 28 November 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.