Information Architect, Business Transformation (Corporate & Investment Banking)

Liberty, a prominent financial services organisation, is seeking a seasoned Information Architect to join their Business Transformation team within Corporate & Investment Banking. This senior role is pivotal in shaping the future of enterprise architecture, focusing on creating robust, integrated, and adaptable solutions that align with the organisation's strategic objectives. If you possess a deep understanding of architecture principles and a proven ability to translate business needs into actionable technology roadmaps, this opportunity in Johannesburg could be an excellent career move.

About the Role

This is a senior-level position requiring a strategic thinker with extensive experience in enterprise architecture. The Information Architect will be responsible for defining and developing complex architecture roadmaps, practices, and processes within a specific domain, such as business, data, or technology. You will act as a subject matter expert, providing critical insights and guidance to ensure that current and future business needs are met in an efficient, sustainable, and agile manner. This involves engaging with senior and executive stakeholders to advise on architectural decisions at both strategic and tactical levels.

The core of this role involves articulating a clear architecture vision. You will be instrumental in creating blueprints that guide the development and integration of technology solutions, ensuring they effectively support current and future business objectives. This includes setting strategies, policies, standards, and practices that foster alignment between business strategies, technology initiatives, and broader enterprise transformation efforts. Ultimately, you will drive the integration and synergy between different architectural domains to create a cohesive and powerful technological foundation for the organisation.

The Information Architect will play a crucial role in several key areas:

• **Strategic Planning and Roadmap Development:** Define and develop detailed architecture roadmaps for specific enterprise domains. This involves high-level planning and decision-making to steer the architectural strategy in support of business goals and innovation.
• **Subject Matter Expertise and Leadership:** Serve as a subject matter expert, offering technical guidance and leadership to development teams. Your insights will be vital in navigating complex domain-specific challenges and implementing solutions.
• **Stakeholder Engagement:** Advise senior and executive stakeholders across business and technology functions on architectural matters. You will need to communicate effectively with all levels of the organisation to ensure buy-in and alignment.
• **Vision and Blueprint Creation:** Define and communicate the architecture vision for your designated domain, creating a blueprint that guides the integration of technology solutions. This vision must promote integration, efficiency, sustainability, agility, and adaptability.
• **Policy and Standards Definition:** Establish strategies, policies, standards, and practices to ensure alignment between business and technology strategies, as well as to facilitate enterprise transformation activities.

What They're Looking For

To excel in this role, candidates will need a strong blend of technical acumen and behavioural competencies.

**Technical Competencies:**

• **Enterprise Technology & Solutions Architecture:** Significant experience, exceeding 10 years, is required in this domain, with a deep understanding of domain-specific challenges and solutions.
• **Data Management and Integration:** A proven track record in IT disciplines, including data management, integration, and the design of large-scale solution architectures.
• **Information System Lifecycle:** Experience with the complete information system lifecycle, from conception to deployment and maintenance.
• **Architecture and Solution Design:** Demonstrated success in delivering architecture and solution designs within large domestic or global institutions.
• **Business Process Management:** Proficiency in business process design and improvement, as well as change control and management within an IT context.
• **Emerging Technologies:** An understanding of emerging technology trends and their potential application.
• **Benefits Management:** Experience in managing and realising the benefits of architectural initiatives.

**Behavioural Competencies:**

• **Articulating Information:** The ability to clearly and concisely communicate complex architectural concepts.
• **Challenging Ideas:** A willingness to question assumptions and propose innovative solutions.
• **Checking Things:** A meticulous approach to ensuring accuracy and adherence to standards.
• **Convincing People:** Strong persuasive skills to gain support for architectural strategies.
• **Developing Expertise:** A commitment to continuous learning and staying abreast of architectural advancements.

A relevant degree in Information Technology or a related field is a prerequisite for this position.

In South Africa, senior Information Architect roles within established financial institutions often command competitive salaries, reflecting the critical nature of these positions. While specific figures vary, such roles typically involve significant responsibility and a high degree of strategic input. Liberty, as part of Standard Bank Group, offers a substantial platform for career growth, working with diverse client segments and contributing to economic development across Africa. This role provides an opportunity to influence and shape the technological future of a leading financial services group.

Degree: Information Technology

Experience Required
Enterprise Technology & Solutions Architecture

More than 10 years: Significant experience in the specific domain, with a strong understanding of domain-specific challenges and solutions. Track record in IT disciplines including data management, integration and large scale solution architectures. Experience with the complete information system life cycle. Architecture/Solution design delivery in large domestic or global institutions. Ability to deal with all levels of the business and technology stakeholders across large organisations.