JOB PURPOSE STATEMENT
We are looking for a seasoned Solutions Architect with deep expertise across Windows and open-source environments, and a strong grounding in enterprise networking. You will be instrumental in designing, deploying, and supporting scalable infrastructure solutions for multiple retail clients across South Africa. This includes supporting environments that enable Business Intelligence (BI) and data-driven decision-making in a retail context.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
| Key Performance Area: | Duties: |
| Infrastructure Architecture & Solutioning: | · Design end-to-end IT infrastructure solutions tailored for high-availability retail environments , including store, branch, head office, and central data centre layers.
· Architect integrated solutions across Windows, Linux, networking, storage, virtualisation, and cloud platforms. · Translate business requirements into scalable, secure, and cost-effective infrastructure designs. · Architect environments that support Business Intelligence platforms, ensuring data pipelines, compute capacity, and integration points are reliable and performant. · Produce and maintain solution architecture documents, network diagrams, BOMs, and implementation guides.
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| Networking Design & Optimisation: | · Architect and implement LAN/WAN/WLAN environments for distributed retail environments (store-to-HQ-to-cloud).
· Lead network designs using Aruba and Cisco switching and wireless solutions for both back-office and customer-facing networks. · Configure secure guest Wi-Fi, back-office SSIDs, captive portals, and role-based access using Aruba Central, ClearPass, and Cisco Meraki. · Support implementation of Dell Networking (N-Series, S-Series) in cost-sensitive deployments. · Optimise WAN performance across SD-WAN, MPLS, and broadband-based networks for retail branches.
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| BI & Data Infrastructure Knowledge:
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· Work with client stakeholders to understand infrastructure requirements for Business Intelligence platforms such as:
o Microsoft Power BI o Tableau o Qlik Sense / QlikView o Custom open-source BI solutions (e.g., Metabase, Redash) · Ensure infrastructure supports data ingestion, ETL processing, secure API access, and performance optimisation for BI workloads. · Collaborate with database teams to ensure high-performance compute/storage environments for SQL Server, PostgreSQL, or other DB platforms. · Support integration of BI platforms with Active Directory, secure access layers, and multi-tier application designs.
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| MSP Client Engagement: | · Work directly with retail clients on infrastructure assessments, capacity planning, IT roadmaps, and BI-readiness reviews.
· Assist in pre-sales and scoping activities for new client projects. · Act as a technical authority during solution delivery phases, collaborating with internal engineers and third-party vendors. · Provide Tier-4 escalation and design assurance for complex deployments.
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| Technical Skills & Experience
Networking:
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· Strong experience with Aruba Central, Aruba Instant APs, Aruba Switches (2930, 6100, 6200), ClearPass NAC, AirWave.
· Hands-on with Cisco Meraki (MX, MR, MS series), Cisco Catalyst switches, and wireless controllers. · Design and troubleshooting of VLANs, STP, LACP, RADIUS, 802.1X, DHCP Snooping, Private VLANs, ACLs. · Familiarity with retail network zoning – POS isolation, guest Wi-Fi, CCTV segmentation, VOIP. · Experience with Dell Networking for budget-optimised switching in edge locations.
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| Infrastructure & Servers: | · Expert with Microsoft Server 2016/2019/2022, Active Directory design, GPOs, Certificate Services.
· Proficient in Linux administration, with scripting (Bash, Python) for automation. · Virtualisation expertise: VMware vSphere, ESXi, vCenter, Hyper-V. · Experience with Dell EMC solutions – PowerEdge, PowerVault, PowerStore, and Unity.
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| BI & Data Integration: | · Understanding of infrastructure requirements for BI platforms such as Power BI, Tableau, Qlik, or open-source equivalents.
· Familiarity with underlying data sources and their connectivity (SQL, PostgreSQL, flat files, cloud sources). · Experience designing or supporting secure, performant environments that process and present large retail datasets.
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| Security & Integration:
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· Experience designing security zoning, IPSec tunnels, SSL VPNs, and SD-WAN solutions.
· Familiarity with firewall solutions such as FortiGate or Sophos for retail branch security. · Understanding of PCI-DSS requirements in a retail context. · Exposure to hybrid cloud models and cloud integration (Azure, AWS, Microsoft 365 and Private Cloud Stacks).
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| Soft Skills & Consulting Ability: | · Proven ability to work across multiple client environments in a fast-paced MSP setting.
· Excellent communication and documentation skills—able to interface confidently with both technical teams and business stakeholders. · Strong time management and ability to prioritize across concurrent projects. · Ability to lead customer workshops and training sessions. · Comfortable with on-site visits to retail branches and data centers across South Africa as needed.
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JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Information Technology, Computer Science, or similar.
- 7+ years’ experience in infrastructure or network engineering roles, 3+ years in a solution design/architecture capacity.
- Preferred Certifications:
- Aruba Certified Switching Associate / Professional (ACSA/ACSP)
- Cisco CCNP / Meraki Specialist
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect / Windows Server
- VMware VCP-DCV
- Dell EMC Proven Professional
- Exposure or certification in BI platforms (Power BI Data Analyst Associate, Tableau Certified Associate) is a plus.