Solutions Architect | Ref: #1199

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Solutions Architect | Ref: #1199 Job Details - Click Here

Cape Town, South Africa Third Quarter Business Resources
Job Title: Solutions Architect
Reference: 1199
Duration: 6 months
Location: Cape Town
Industry: Information Technology
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Brief Description:
The Solutions Architect strong level of Networking knowledge. They have the ability to create integrated solutions and will collaborate and support and architectural function in architecting client solutions. They are able to construct solutions using their expertise. They should have hands-on experience in multiple industries and across several disciplines within Networking.
The Networking Solutions Architect works with colleagues and clients with medium complexity information technology environments. They provide multi-technology consulting services to clients to analyse and provide strategies and solutions on all aspects of network infrastructure and related technology components. They define and deliver world class managed services solutions to specified new and existing clients. They advise and execute on the best design for information technology architectures. Their primary objective is to ensure the optimal functioning of an entity’s Network infrastructure by outlining solution architecture descriptions then monitoring and governing the implementation.
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Key Requirement Areas:

• Technology expertise

They have expert knowledge infrastructure design best practices in a variety of hardware platforms which enables them to act as trusted advisors to the architecture consulting team on optimal network infrastructure designs. They take holistic views of such technology environments including network domains, technologies, protocols and optimization. They use client requirements to advise on the design, deployment and operation of network infrastructures.

• Infrastructure architecture consulting

They are able to create strategies and solutions that define architectural designs for medium complexity solutions that will address issues such as styles, concepts, mechanisms and principles that combine to formulate the architectural vision for a specific environment. They apply design methodology principles in a logical and scientific manner to perform a detailed analysis of client requirements to create designs for conceptual architectural designs. These designs provide holistic views, but also contain the details of the components and interconnections between components.

• Solution design and implementation

Solutions Architect are knowledgeable on how specific infrastructures are deployed in line with the methodology frameworks, solution templates, delivery capabilities and Company approved industry best practices. They will be able to apply these frameworks and best practices to their designs and they will also be responsible to contribute advice on improving methodology. They validate service requirements, explore solution options and identify service integration requirements, leading the definition of the solution that meets the agreed requirements. This employee ensures understanding of the technical and key business drivers that clients need and can utilise this in conversations and meetings. They understand the commercial construct of a solution and how to incorporate this into a business case for the client in conjunction with the Sales Specialist and other business partners. They understand and can apply the key drivers in a service level agreement (SLA) and can assist clients to negotiate on the requirements of a SLA in relation to the business solution being proposed. They have good knowledge of project management principles and they ensure that projects with clients are executed accordingly.

• Proof of concept

A strong stakeholder and client relationship is required to ensure an understanding of the business need, related products and solutions and technology positioning. The individual is expected to manage the proof of concept (POC) initiatives, which will require the involvement of the appropriate resources (engineers and/or developers), and setup and delivery of the POC. To obtain a working client solution the individual acts as a bridge between the client, Engineers, Client Managers and Project Management teams. On all large sized enterprise engagements the Networking Solutions Architect owns the proposed solution and transitions the build / implementation to the delivery team. This means that they remain engaged with the client all the way through to the transfer to business as usual and return as “thought leaders” for the next opportunity.

• Research

The Solutions Architect researches and investigates emerging infrastructure technologies and the best practices associated with them. They are adept at analysing client business needs and they are able translate this knowledge into an understanding of how markets and clients will respond to new trends in technologies.

• Business development

They increase business opportunities for Company by acting as entrepreneurs and generating opportunities within clients. The can qualify opportunities and contribute to the process of selling solutions and services. This employee will support sales activity in presenting our solution approach and methods to client stakeholder groups.

• Vendor engagement

They interact with vendors as required to obtain full knowledge of vendor roadmaps, new developments and new product offerings. They include vendors in solution design when required, creating win-win scenarios for the different parties.

• Behavioural skills

Solutions Architects act as experts in the Company Networking organisation and they mentor less experienced consultants. They work and engage with other team members and act as advisor and decision maker in solution design situations. They also continuously contribute to the improvement of internal effectiveness by contributing to improving current methodologies, processes and tools. They are analytical in their approach and display the required interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with a variety of stakeholders. This employee needs an ability to share and communicate ideas clearly, both orally and in writing, to executive staff, business sponsors, and technical resources in clear concise language.
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Requirements:

• Relevant IT degree or diploma, ora minimum of 8-10 years relevant IT experience
  
• IT qualification example, CCDP/CCDE/CCIE, does not need to be networking centric
  
• ITIL understanding
  
• TOGAF/ZACHMAN advantageous
  
• Network Architecture and Industry trend advocate.
  
• Architecting of Solutions
  
• Infrastructure engineering and design
  
• Establish and own Architecture Frameworks and standards pertaining to telecommunications
  
• Building the case for design changes and optimisation
  
• Strategy formulation
  
• Create and maintain 3y technical roadmap for telecommunications in alignment with budget and business requirements
  
• Solutions tailor-made to clients’ expectations, risk and cost appetite, within boundaries of ITISS governance and standards.
  
• Troubleshooting high-impact system failures
  
• Understanding and acknowledging the priorities, constraints and strategies of the shared Clients network
  
• Presenting to senior management
  
• Identify opportunities to create competitive advantage for the business through innovative and effective application end enablement of technology or process changes.
  
• Construction of infrastructure and services business cases and benefits calculations
  
• Technical debt register maintained for all clients.
  
• Rationalization and standardization of vendors and products.
  
• Contribute to establishment of enterprise architecture for ITISS.
  
• Contribute to fit-for-purpose network security policies and baselines.
  
• Reporting and management of technology and design and architecture risks.
  
• Translating IT concepts into business terms and vice versa
  
• Ability to constructively interact with technical and non-technical parties and vendors
  
• Facilitation of meetings and workshops
  
• Presentation and communication skills
  
• Familiarity with basic graphical modeling approaches and tools
  
• Driving RFP, RFQ and RFI processes for selection of products and services
  
• Technical lead role on telecommunications projects
  
• Relationship Management
  
• Strong analytical & numerical ability
  
• Problem solving skills
  
• Good communication / interpersonalskills
  
• Action / results orientation
  
• Quality Orientation
  
• Knowledge seeking / learning orientation
  
• Vendor management

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Technology Areas:

• Network domains, technologies and protocols.
  
• Infrastructure optimization
  
• Capacity Planning
  
• Performance and Availability management
  
• MPLS WAN
  
• LAN including WLAN
  
• Data Centre LAN
  
• Knowledge of the Network service providers’ technologies
  
• Wireless LAN
  
• Software Defined WAN
  
• Software Defined Data Centre
  
• Good understanding of cloud computing and services
  
• Multiple product set advantageous (Avaya/Aruba/Arista/etc.)

Email CV, Salary Requirements and Availability: [email protected]