Architect - VKB Properties, Head Office Reitz

Introduction to the VKB Group

The VKB Group is an agricultural company providing support to farmers and producing straight-from-the-farm foods for consumers. Apart from its various consumer brands, the VKB Group is also represented by its regional brands: VKB, GWK and NTK.

Our roots are firmly planted in agriculture, with farming at our core, continuously growing and evolving throughout the years. Starting with providing everything needed on the farm to produce food, we now operate across the entire food supply chain, including processing, logistics, storage, handling and national and international market channels.

This "house of brands", established with the support of our farmer shareholders, forms the foundation for building the agribusiness of the future.

More About VKB Group Property and Development

The Property and Development team is responsible for designing, developing and enhancing the facilities that support VKB Group's agricultural, commercial and retail operations. From modern retail environments and fuel stations to functional operational facilities, the team plays a vital role in ensuring that every development aligns with the Group's long-term growth strategy, operational requirements and corporate identity standards.

Why This Role Matters

This is an opportunity for an experienced Architect to influence the future appearance and functionality of VKB Group's facilities across South Africa. The successful candidate will drive architectural excellence from concept through execution, ensuring that projects meet operational requirements, legislative standards, sustainability objectives and the Group's Corporate Building Identity.

Your work will directly contribute to creating environments that enhance customer experiences, improve operational efficiency and support the continued growth of one of South Africa's leading agribusinesses.

Why Join VKB?

At VKB Group, you'll have the opportunity to work on diverse, large-scale projects that combine architecture, innovation, technology and business impact.

You will:

• Influence the design direction of a nationally recognised group of companies.
• Work on retail, fuel station and commercial developments across multiple regions.
• Be part of a values-driven organisation built on Humble, Hungry, Smart, Bold and One Team principles.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including engineers, project managers and operational stakeholders.
• Contribute to sustainable building practices and initiatives focused on reducing environmental impact.

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role means consistently delivering high-quality architectural solutions that balance functionality, aesthetics, compliance and cost efficiency.

You will:

• Deliver innovative architectural designs aligned with VKB's Corporate Building Identity.
• Successfully manage council submissions and approvals.
• Produce accurate and detailed construction documentation.
• Ensure projects progress smoothly through collaboration with consultants and stakeholders.
• Maintain high standards of design quality, technical accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Drive continual improvement in architectural standards across the Group.

Who Are We Looking For?

We are seeking a highly skilled, detail-oriented and forward-thinking Architect who combines strong technical expertise with creativity and practical problem-solving ability.

The ideal candidate:

• Thrives in a fast-paced project environment.
• Enjoys transforming concepts into practical, buildable solutions.
• Has a strong understanding of commercial, retail and filling station developments.
• Can confidently engage with stakeholders, consultants and local authorities.
• Is passionate about innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrates strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Master of Architecture (M.Arch)
• Professional registration with SACAP

Essential Experience

• Minimum 8 years' post-graduation architectural experience
• Proven experience in Retail and Filling Station developments
• Advanced experience with council documentation and submission processes
• Extensive experience producing technical detailing and construction documentation
• Experience integrating engineering designs into architectural projects
• Experience managing or leading draughting and technical design teams
• Experience with evacuation planning and regulatory compliance
• Exposure to sustainability initiatives and carbon footprint reduction strategies

Competencies

• Strategic and analytical thinking
• Strong attention to detail
• Problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Planning and organisational skills
• Stakeholder relationship management
• Leadership and team collaboration
• Professional accountability
• Client-focused approach
• Results-driven mindset
• Adaptability and continuous learning

Skills Required

• Advanced proficiency in Revit Architecture
• Strong 3D visualisation and presentation capabilities
• Advanced knowledge of building regulations and construction methods
• Proficiency in council submission procedures
• Knowledge of Autodesk ReCap, CloudWorx or similar software
• Proficiency in 3D laser scanning and reality capture technologies
• Point cloud processing and modelling expertise
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams
• Strong report writing and documentation skills

Key Responsibilities

• Engage with stakeholders to determine project requirements and objectives.
• Develop conceptual architectural designs and 3D visualisations for project feasibility and budgeting purposes.
• Produce detailed architectural designs and construction documentation.
• Coordinate and incorporate engineering disciplines into architectural projects.
• Prepare and manage council submission documentation, including Site Development Plans (SDPs) and Building Plans.
• Develop and maintain project specifications.
• Collaborate with consultants, contractors and internal stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.
• Attend site inspections and project progress meetings.
• Enhance and maintain the VKB Group Corporate Building Identity standards.
• Develop and maintain evacuation plans for Group facilities.
• Manage draughting resources responsible for 3D scanning and as-built documentation.
• Facilitate applications and approvals for Flammable Liquid Certificates with relevant authorities.
• Stay informed of industry trends, emerging technologies and best practices.
• Promote sustainable architectural solutions and opportunities to reduce environmental impact.

Important Information for Applicant

• Project name and type
• Your specific role and responsibilities
• Conceptual design examples
• Technical drawings or construction documentation examples
• Council submission experience (where applicable)
• Retail, commercial and/or filling station projects (where applicable)
• 3D visualisations and rendered presentations
• Multidisciplinary coordination examples (engineering integration, consultant coordination, etc.)

VKB Group reserves the right to close or withdraw any vacancy at its discretion. All personal information submitted through the Career Portal will be used solely for recruitment purposes and, where applicable, for matters related to employment.

As an equal opportunity employer, VKB Group is committed to Employment Equity, transformation, and the inclusion of People with Disabilities. Our recruitment decisions are aligned with the VKB Group Employment Equity Plan and Transformation Strategy.

When applying, please ensure that:

• You use Google Chrome to access the Career Portal.
• You upload a clear and professional CV in PDF or Word format only.
• Your CV does not contain handwritten notes or markings.
• Supporting documents such as your ID, driver's licence, certificates, or other documentation are uploaded in the designated sections and not combined with your CV.
• Your profile photo meets the minimum size requirement of 300 x 300 pixels.

A Note on Honesty and Integrity

As part of the application process, you will be required to complete a screening questionnaire. We strongly encourage all candidates to answer every question honestly and accurately.

At VKB Group, our culture is rooted in the values of being Humble, Hungry, Smart, Bold, and Playing as One Team. We believe in building authentic relationships and making sound decisions based on trust and integrity. Misrepresenting qualifications, experience, competencies, criminal history, or any other information may result in your application being withdrawn or your employment being terminated should discrepancies be identified during verification processes.

We respect your time and ask that you respect ours by providing truthful information throughout the recruitment process. This helps ensure that we focus on candidates who are genuinely aligned with the requirements of the role and the values of our organisation.

VKB is hiring for this full-time position in Free State.

See all 44 jobs at VKB →

Full-time positions like this one are ideal for building real-world experience. Even if you don't meet every requirement, applying shows initiative — and many employers value attitude over experience for entry-level roles.

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