Main Purpose Support and govern solutions architecture in accordance with the Woolworths strategy. Key Outcomes Conduct research and provide thought leadership to guide the business and IT strategy for transformational projects and optimisation opportunities. Define solutions for Woolworths in support of the business strategy. Proactively define and support the Woolworths Architecture landscape, in partnership with various parties to ensure governance is adhered to. Contribute to the development of IT architecture frameworks, processes, methodologies and templates. Document future-fit solution designs with sustainability and scalability in mind, considering impacts and dependencies, in collaboration with Business Process Analysts, Application leads, Enterprise Architects and business subject matter experts. Proactively identify, mobilise and deliver IT opportunities for continuous improvements, as input to the IT Operating Plan. Proactively identify business risks and mitigations, based on architecture principles and guidelines. Build and maintain relationships with suppliers and key stakeholders across Woolworths IT and Business. Lead and Support Woolworths project solution requirements by ensuring engagement and alignment across the Woolworths landscape. Collaborate with Woolworths cross-functional teams to deliver solutions for Strategic Projects and Operating Plan initiatives. Actively participate in, and promote a working group culture across Woolworths IT, Business and Architecture functions. Work with the Technical Management structures within IT to build out the technical roadmap to meet increasing business demand, sustainability and scalability requirements. Key Competencies Business&Commercial acumen Independently Competent Responsive to external influences (positive or negative) on the organisation. Understands what is commercially achievable and makes sound business decisions. Supports the development of business acumen of team through knowledge sharing and upskilling. Maintains advanced knowledge of business operations and organisational metrics and trends. Retail Industry Awareness Independently Competent Factors in retail models and levers in building an effective IT landscape. Develops retail acumen of team through knowledge sharing and upskilling . Maintains advanced knowledge of key industry metrics and trends. Benchmarks the competition and other relevant comparison groups. Technical Acumen Independently Competent Makes sound technical decisions based on understanding of what is commercially achievable within technological constraints. Evaluates the applicability of solutions with the ability to challenge and qualify its suitability for the business. Leverages research on technology-related concepts, trends and best practices to provide guidance on IT roadmap. Set technical policies and procedures to support IT stability and success aligned to evolving technologies and methodologies. Technical Engineering Independently Competent Devises contingency and mitigation strategies based on interdependencies, risks and considerations . Applies research and latest thinking in the development of solutions to help shape the business of IT. Transfers technical knowledge to others in the organisation. Engineers technical solutions aligned to roadmap by defining and implementing the design, build and architect for the solutions. Analytical Thinking Leading Competence Teaches others to effectively apply substantial in-depth analysis to determine and meet requirements. Others approach you to help identify key issues, stakeholders and viewpoints in complex situations or problems. Can easily simplify large amounts of information into a format that others can understand. Is an expert in identifying potential barriers and works proactively to eliminate risk. Results Orientation Leading Competence Mentors others on how to translate business requirements and plans and ensure implementation of activities/projects identified in business strategy. Consistently maintains a keen awareness of the interrelationships among various components of large-scale activities/projects. Proactively allocates time and resources as required when faced with multiple demands and competing priorities. Consistently considers the financial implications before finalising activity/project plans. Consistently monitors resource allocation and utilisation and makes adjustments as necessary. Interpersonal Skills Leading Competence Consistently and accurately interprets the moods, feelings and reactions of others and successfully adjusts own behaviour to build effective relationships within the organisation and with its business partners. Consistently applies diplomacy and tact, effectively demonstrating respect for differing perspectives. Demonstrates an advanced understanding of the perspectives of others to establish mutually beneficial objectives. Communication Leading Competence Consistently actively listens, interprets and presents messages in different ways to enhance understanding. Exceeds expectations in appropriately adapting the message, style and tone to accommodate a variety of audiences. Proactively reviews presentations to ensure effective use of tools and techniques and provides recommendations. Exceeds expectations when preparing a wide variety of complex reports using diverse sources Consistently addresses groups of people confidently . Adaptability Leading Competence Effectively anticipates and initiates change by staying updated on trends affecting one’s own field to adapt to an evolving landscape. Proactively and effectively reviews, evaluates and disseminates information regarding key methodologies, best practices and effective tools to support a future landscape. Continually and proactively searches for effective means of adaptation and improvement through change. Effectively models appropriate adaptions and mentor others in navigating change. Proactively devises effective action plans for adapting to change. Demonstrates an advanced ability to systematically analyse, and mentor other on, insights from change. Successfully redirects own and team's efforts in response to changed circumstances to ensure effective problem solving. Behavioural competencies Responsive to external influences (positive or negative) on the organisation Supports the development of business acumen of team through knowledge sharing and upskilling Factors in retail models and levers in building an effective IT landscape. Develops retail acumen of team through knowledge sharing and upskilling. Makes sound technical decisions based on understanding of what is commercially achievable within technological constraints. Evaluates the applicability of solutions with the ability to challenge and qualify its suitability for the business. Devises contingency and mitigation strategies based on interdependencies, risks and considerations. Engineers technical solutions aligned to roadmap by defining and implementing the design, build and architect for the solutions. Approachable and willing to help others identify key issues and viewpoints in complex situations or problems. Is an expert in identifying potential barriers and works proactively to eliminate risk. Mentors others on how to translate business requirements and plans and ensure implementation of activities/projects identified in business strategy. Consistently maintains a keen awareness of the interrelationships among various components of large-scale activities/projects. Consistently applies diplomacy and tact, effectively demonstrating respect for differing perspectives. Demonstrates an advanced understanding of the perspectives of others to establish mutually beneficial objectives. Exceeds expectations in appropriately adapting the message, style and tone to accommodate a variety of audiences. Consistently addresses groups of people confidently. Effectively anticipates and initiates change by staying updated on trends affecting one’s own field to adapt to an evolving landscape. Proactively and effectively reviews, evaluates and disseminates information regarding key methodologies, best practices and effective tools to support a future landscape. Job Requirements Relevant 3 year tertiary or NQF aligned qualification Relevant architecture certification At least 3 years’ experience in an architecture capacity with focus on retail TOGAF certification / experience advantageous Relevant IT experience Retail industry knowledge and experience required Retail operations knowledge and experience required Experience in working with Agile Delivery Frameworks Experience in working with both on prem and cloud solutions Experience in working with a variety of databases and coding programs, as well as XML and JSON feeds advantageous Strong communication skills essential Strong presentation skills essential Strong analytical skills essential Strong problem solving skills essential Understanding of modern development methodologies, Agile, DevOps, Scrum Experience in Defect Management Life Cycle As a proud South African brand, Woolworths is committed to transformation. Meeting our employment equity goals will be taken into account in our recruitment decisions. If you are interested in the above position please send your cv to lihlemciteka@woolworths.co.za #J-18808-Ljbffr