Solutions Architect (Intermediate)

Sanlam; Bellville; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 850 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services company in South Africa is seeking a skilled Software Architect to design and implement scalable and secure technology solutions. This role demands expertise in Java, Spring Boot, and cloud-native technologies while ensuring alignment with business objectives. Responsibilities include stakeholder engagement and governance adherence. Ideal candidates will have over 5 years of relevant experience and a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. Join us to contribute to our commitment to diversity and transformation in the workplace.

Benefits

Career growth opportunities

Inclusive workplace environment

Qualifications

• 5+ years in software development with strong expertise in Java and Spring Boot.
• Experience designing and implementing microservices and RESTful APIs.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices.

Responsibilities

• Design and document solution architectures for cloud and bespoke environments.
• Provide technical direction to teams and conduct code reviews.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate requirements into technical designs.

Skills

Java

Spring Boot

Microservices architecture

Stakeholder engagement

Governance compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Cloud certifications (AWS, Azure)

TOGAF or equivalent architecture certification

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Who are we?

Sanlam Life and Savings (SLS) is focused on serving our retail and corporate clients in South Africa and further developing our strategic advantages in the South African market. Sanlam Life and Savings consists of the following business units Retail Mass, Corporate, Risk and Savings, Glacier and various business enabling functions. The Sanlam Life and Savings Office provides strategic direction, coordination and support to the four clusters, as well as performing governance oversight that includes assurance provided by second line of defense functions in SLS, to enable us to meet our business objectives.

What will you do?

Business Description:

The Sanlam Life and Savings cluster is responsible for Sanlam’s retail business in South Africa. We provide clients across different market segments (entry-level, middle-income, affluent, professional market and business owners) with a comprehensive range of appropriate and competitive financial solutions. These include traditional life insurance risk and savings products, investment, retirement, health and fiduciary services. Our products are designed to facilitate long-term wealth creation, protection and niche financing and therefore these solutions are engineered around client needs.

At Sanlam we believe in creating and cultivating a positive, energised working environment that gives you every opportunity to achieve success. Sanlam is committed to transformation and embracing diversity. This commitment is what drives us to achieve a diverse workplace with employment equity as a key goal to create an inclusive workforce, representative of the demographics of our society.

Job Purpose

Design and implement effective, scalable, and secure technology solutions that align with Sanlam’s business objectives and IT strategy. This role focuses on translating business requirements into technical architectures, leveraging Java, Spring Boot, and cloud-native technologies to enable digital transformation.

What will make you successful in this role?

Outputs / Core Tasks

• Solution Design & Architecture: Define and document solution architectures for projects and BAU initiatives across cloud, packaged, and bespoke environments. Ensure solutions adhere to enterprise architecture principles, security standards, and Sanlam’s technology strategy.
• Technical Leadership & Guidance: Provide technical direction to development teams, ensuring best practices in Java, Spring Boot, and microservices architecture. Conduct code reviews and assist in resolving technical issues to maintain alignment with architectural standards.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with business stakeholders and the Business Change team to understand requirements and translate them into technical designs. Communicate architectural decisions clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Governance & Compliance: Support architectural governance processes and ensure compliance with regulatory and security requirements. Participate in RFI/RFP evaluations and due diligence for technology solutions.
• Continuous Improvement: Analyze the IT environment to identify deficiencies and recommend improvements. Stay updated on emerging technologies and propose innovative solutions to enhance business capabilities.

Role Requirements

Qualifications

• Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM; Azure (Certification is advantageous)
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.
• TOGAF or equivalent architecture certification (advantageous).
• Cloud certifications (AWS, Azure) preferred.

Experience

• 5+ years in software development with strong Java and Spring Boot expertise.
• Experience designing and implementing microservices and RESTful APIs.
• Exposure to cloud-native technologies (AWS, Azure) and containerization (Docker/Kubernetes).
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices.
• Strong understanding of architectural patterns and principles.
• Experience in Claims, Underwriting, Reinsurance, Payments & Collections and product administration solutions will be advantageous.

Competencies

• Cultivates innovation – Contributing strategically
• Customer focus – Contributing strategically
• Drives results – Contributing strategically
• Collaborates – Contributing strategically
• Being resilient – Contributing strategically

Build a successful career with us

We’re all about building strong, lasting relationships with our employees. We know that you have hopes for your future – your career, your personal development and of achieving great things. We pride ourselves in helping our employees to realise their worth. Through its five business clusters – Sanlam Fintech, Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Allianz, Santam, as well as MiWay and the Group Office – the group provides many opportunities for growth and development.

Turnaround time

Closing Date: 7 January 2026

The shortlisting process will only start once the application due date has been reached. The time taken to complete this process will depend on how far you progress and the availability of managers.

Our commitment to transformation

The Sanlam Group is committed to achieving transformation and embraces diversity. This commitment is what drives us to achieve a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace as we believe that these are key components to ensuring a thriving and sustainable business in South Africa. The Group's Employment Equity plan and targets will be considered as part of the selection process.