Vodacom is hiring a Principal Data Solution Architect to lead the design and implementation of modern, scalable, and secure data platforms across multiple African markets. You’ll drive the architecture for data lakehouses, AI/ML systems, and BI tools to support Vodacom’s digital transformation. This is a high-impact leadership role for someone passionate about cloud, big data, and machine learning technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead architecture for data, AI/ML, and analytics platforms across Vodacom markets.

• Design solutions for BI, AI/ML, real-time streaming, and governance.

• Ensure compliance with data privacy, security, and regulatory standards.

• Align data architecture to business strategy and AI transformation goals.

• Support data engineers and ML engineers with technical guidance.

• Work with stakeholders to influence technical direction and innovation.

• Promote modular, cloud-ready, and hybrid-friendly solutions.

• Evaluate technology options and support delivery planning.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science, Data Engineering, or related.

• 8+ years in data architecture, cloud or big data solutions.

• Deep expertise in AWS, Spark, Kafka, Data Lakehouse, and MLOps.

• Strong understanding of governance, security, and privacy standards.

• Cloud certification preferred (e.g., AWS Solutions Architect).

• Telecoms or regulated industry experience is an advantage.