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