Title:  Master Specialist

Job Purpose

We are seeking a Master Specialist at a senior-level, responsible for helping build the AI enabled bank of the future. The role requires deep subject matter expertise and deep technical knowledge in the areas of Software Engineering, Cloud-Native Infrastructure (Kubernetes, AWS, Azure, GCP, etc), Data Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, DeFI and Web3, Security Encryption and Tokenisation, Algorithms, Distributed Systems or Technical Architecture and serves as the pinnacle of technology for NedBank.

Job Responsibilities

Technical Leadership and Strategy

• Technical expert, providing guidance and making critical technical decisions that shape the bank’s technology outcomes.
• Lead the design and implementation of complex systems and architectures across libraries, frameworks, platforms and environments in collaboration with senior leaders, engineers and architects.
• Advise and mentor the design, architecture, and development of high-impact, scalable, and secure IT solutions, ensuring alignment with best practice.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in the IT domain of expertise (e.g., cloud, data, cybersecurity, software engineering, infrastructure, DevOps, DeFi, Mobile).
• Advise and pilot emerging technologies aligned to business strategy and regulatory requirements to enhance the bank’s technical outcomes.
• Advise and mentor enterprise architecture in collaboration existing technology experts within the bank.
• Facilitate the transition towards a composable and reusable system and software ecosystem, which enables the bank to deliver solutions and software rapidly to market.
• Participate in cross-functional governance forums and provide technical input into procurement and vendor evaluations.
• Unlock the ability to sustainably build world class software with existing banking teams, allowing bank owned ecosystem software to financially outperform vendor equivalents. 

Mentorship and Team Development

• An established role model, mentor, and technical thought leader, that actively fosters a culture of agility, innovation, and continuous improvement, driving collaborative, adaptive, and high-performing teams.
• Provide deep technical guidance and mentorship to senior leaders in the technology division (e.g. engineers, architects, infrastructure- and project teams).
• Mentor and coach members of the team and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality products and services, cultivating a culture of technical excellence and continuous development.
• Contribute to building a pipeline of junior talent through from university graduates to seasoned professionals to ensure the bank has a sustainable technology talent pipeline. 

Job Responsibilities Continue

Technical Excellence and Best Practices

• Proven track record of technical deliveries who understands the big picture, while being able to deep dive into technical details.
• Prototype and experiment with new technologies, demonstrating their feasibility and value through proof of-concept implementations.
• Highly experienced and influential senior technologist with deep technical knowledge and an understanding of best practices within the domain of expertise.
• Develop and review technical documentation, libraries, frameworks, and patterns to promote reusability and efficiency.
• Ensure the quality and performance of IT systems through rigorous testing, code reviews, and performance tuning.
• Demonstrating the ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues efficiently. This includes analytical thinking and a systematic approach to problem-solving.

Communication and Advocacy 

• Participate in cross-functional governance forums and provide technical input into procurement and vendor evaluations.
• Represent the company at industry conferences, workshops, and technical forums.
• An effective communicator and cross-functional collaborator and can explain even complex technical concepts to different audiences and spark commitment and engagement.
• Technology ambassador actively promoting technology achievements and best practices, sharing knowledge and influencing, internally and externally. 

Essential Qualifications - NQF Level

Preferred Qualification

Relevant certifications in specialist areas (e.g., AWS/GCP/Azure Architect, CISSP, TOGAF, Kubernetes, PMP, SAFe, JCP, MCP, etc).

Essential Certifications

Minimum Experience Level

• 10+/15+ years of progressive experience in IT (e.g. Software engineering, system architecture, and technology strategy), with at least 3-5 years in a senior or lead specialist role. 
• Hands on experience in a technical leadership role or senior individual contributor.
• In-depth understanding of modern development practices including Agile, DevOps, CI/CD, and SRE principles.
• Experience or exposure to using AI within the SDLC while maintaining high quality standards and maintainable outcomes.
• Experience in high-availability, high-security, and regulated environments, preferably financial services, telecommunications or technology. 

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and cloud-native software.
• Experience with legacy computing platforms (e.g. IBM Mainframe, Z/OS, J2EE, etc) and the engineering patterns that sit within them (nice to have).
• Knowledge where relevant of more than one programming language, idea languages include (C/C++, Java, C#, F#, Rust, Haskell, Go, Python, Typescript, Javascript, Scala, Kotlin).
• Experience in data analytics, AI, GenAI, machine learning, automation, databases, and fintech solutions.
• Recognised as a thought leader, through patents, publications, or participation at major conferences.
• Has a track record in delivering great business / platform products. 

Behavioural Competencies

• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute tactically.
• Self-driven, innovative, and highly accountable.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and complexity.
• Strong customer and stakeholder focus.
• High integrity and ethical standards.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think strategically.
• A passion for technology and a commitment to continuous learning.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and inspire others.