Founding Systems & Automations Architect
Why this role exists Khanya Life is building a seller-led distribution and ownership system for the informal economy, powered by our own proprietary platform. We are not building “an app”. It is a system of tools, workflows, automations, and behaviours that must work together seamlessly. We have: Product Early pilots A strong founding team What we are missing is one owner of the operating system, someone who can design how everything connects, scales, and runs lean. This is a sweat equity role. No retainer at this stage. Real ownership for foundational work. The one-line mandate Design and wire a lean, automated operating system that lets Khanya Life scale without headcount sprawl. What you will OWN This is not advisory. You own system architecture. The Core WhatsApp System You will architect it as: A reseller enablement system A data and incentive engine A behaviour-driven platform Work closely with our Data Scientist You define: Journeys Triggers Rules Feedback loops Tool \& Platform Integration (Critical) You will design how the following work as one system: WhatsApp (API / WATI / similar) Zoho (CRM, campaigns, workflows, analytics) Meta (lead capture, retargeting, attribution) Email \& calendar automations Ecommerce \& payments \& last mile logistics You don’t need to code everything, but you must know what should talk to what, when, and why. AI tools and agents to reduce daily admin, decision load, and manual coordination We’re looking for a Founding Systems, Automation \& AI Architect to co-design this system end-to-end. Org \& Workflow Design You will: Define clear roles, handoffs, and responsibilities Design workflows that work for young, fast-moving teams Remove duplication, ambiguity, and manual work Ensure the founder is not the system glue The system must work without heroic effort. Scale Readiness \& Breakpoints You will: Identify what breaks at certain milestones Define scale gates and readiness checks Design repeatable rollout playbooks across township nodes This role is about anticipation, not firefighting. Who this role is for · You’ve designed end-to-end operating systems, not just parts of them · You’ve integrated tools like CRM, messaging platforms, automations, and analytics into something that actually runs day to day · You actively use AI tools or agents to remove admin, coordination, and decision overhead · You think in workflows, triggers, and failure points, not org charts · You’re comfortable working in low-infrastructure, real-world environments · You can simplify chaos without over-engineering · You don’t need a team to feel important · You value ownership and long-term impact more than short-term cash You are probably: · A former founder, COO, platform lead, or systems architect · A senior operator who’s done with corporate drag · A diaspora or semi-retired builder looking to do one meaningful thing · Financially stable enough to contribute time for sweat equity Not for: Early-career builders Anyone needing a salary “Let’s build an app first” thinkers Pure consultants with no implementation scars How to respond Upload or send your CV to: Brandsdeskafrica@gmail.com Include: Why does this role fit how you think 1–2 systems you’ve wired together that scaled Your availability If this excites you, you’re probably our person. Job Type: Part-time Expected hours: 8 – 16 per week Application Question(s): Do you understand that this is a Sweat Equity Role? No remuneration or consultant fees paid monthly. Highly recommend you are financially independent or have alternative source of income. Experience: Operating systems: 5 years (Required) Work Location: Remote