Lead Architect – Solution Design

About the role

The Lead Architect will head the architecture and integration of all IT systems across PayFast's network platforms, ensuring alignment with the business strategy. Reporting to the Principal Architect, this senior position combines technical leadership with stakeholder management to deliver enterprise‑wide solutions.

Key responsibilities

• Manage and mentor a team of domain architects, defining skill requirements and development plans.
• Maintain the Architecture Repository as a definitive record of current and planned IT assets.
• Govern architecture and technical design for all IT changes, ensuring compliance with enterprise standards.
• Translate business problems into robust technical designs and guide stakeholders in selecting appropriate solutions.
• Promote a continuous‑improvement mindset within the IT team.
• Design and deliver secure IT architecture that mitigates security risks.

Required profile

• Strong leadership experience in building and guiding high‑performing architecture teams.
• Proven experience designing and deploying both cloud and on‑premise solutions.
• Knowledge of IT governance, operations, and banking switch platforms such as Base24 and Postilion.
• Background in enterprise and solution architecture within financial services.
• Certified Architect or equivalent qualification.

Required skills

• Cloud solution design and implementation
• On‑premise infrastructure design
• Base24 banking switch platform
• Postilion banking switch platform
• Enterprise architecture frameworks
• Solution architecture methodologies

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape the technology landscape of a leading payments company.
• Collaborative environment with senior leadership.
• Professional development and certification support.