Solutions Architect (Senior)

Sanlam Limited; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services company in Johannesburg seeks a Senior Solutions Architect to design and implement technology solutions aligning with business objectives. Key qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, expertise in Java and Spring Boot, and experience with cloud-native technologies like AWS. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years in software development and a strong understanding of architectural principles. This role offers opportunities for professional growth within a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in software development with strong Java and Spring Boot expertise.
• Experience designing and implementing microservices and RESTful APIs.
• Strong understanding of architectural patterns and principles.

Responsibilities

• Define and document solution architectures for projects.
• Provide technical direction to development teams.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders and translate requirements into designs.
• Support architectural governance processes and ensure compliance.

Skills

Java

Spring Boot

Microservices architecture

Cloud-native technologies (AWS, Azure)

Containerization (Docker/Kubernetes)

CI/CD pipelines

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

TOGAF or equivalent architecture certification

Cloud certifications (AWS, Azure)

Job description

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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:

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.

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: 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.

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 11 December 2025

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.