Cloud Architect (Infrastructure)

About The Position

Santam is accelerating its cloud transformation journey through a lift-and-shift migration to AWS, with a strategic goal of rearchitecting for cloud-native scalability. We are seeking a technically skilled Cloud Infrastructure & Network Architect to design, implement, and optimize our AWS cloud networking and infrastructure. This role is critical to ensuring secure, scalable, and cost-effective cloud connectivity across Santam’s hybrid environments. This role can be based in Gauteng or the Western Cape.

Key Responsibilities

Cloud Infrastructure & Networking

• Design and implement secure, scalable AWS networking architectures including:
• Establish and manage multi-account AWS environments using Landing Zones and IAM best practices
• Collaborate with security teams to enforce network security policies using Security Groups, NACLs, and firewall configurations
• Optimize network performance, latency, and availability across regions and Availability Zones
• Automate infrastructure provisioning using Terraform, CloudFormation, or similar IaC tools
• Amazon VPCs, subnetting, routing, NAT gateways
• VPC peering, Transit Gateway, PrivateLink, Direct Connect
• Hybrid connectivity between on-premises and cloud environments

Cloud Architecture Support

• Work closely with Enterprise Architects and Solution Architects to ensure infrastructure aligns with Santam’s cloud strategy and governance
• Support application teams in deploying workloads to AWS with appropriate networking and infrastructure configurations
• Participate in design reviews and provide technical guidance on cloud infrastructure decisions

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Santam and Sanlam Group cloud architecture principles and security standards
• Contribute to the development and enforcement of cloud infrastructure governance frameworks
• Maintain documentation of network designs, configurations, and operational procedures

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Stay current with AWS networking innovations and best practices
• Evaluate emerging technologies to improve cloud infrastructure efficiency and security
• Identify opportunities for cost optimization and performance improvements

Qualifications And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate or Professional (preferred)
• 5+ years of experience in cloud infrastructure and networking, with a strong focus on AWS
• Proven experience with:
• Strong understanding of network security, routing, DNS, and load balancing in cloud environments
• VPC architecture and peering
• Transit Gateway and Direct Connect
• Private Link and hybrid cloud setups
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools

Competencies

•  Client Focus
• Collaboration
• Flexible and adaptable
• Cultivates Innovation
• Building and maintaining relationships
• Strategic alignment
• Cloud Architecture Development
• Systems Architecture Development
• Data Security
• IT Policies, standards, industry regulations and best practices
• Technologies
• Reporting and Administration
• Business Requirements Definition

About Santam

Santam is the market leader in the general insurance industry in Southern Africa. As a large, diversified, and expanding company, we are committed to transformation and growth. While our headquarters are in South Africa, we are rapidly extending our presence into emerging markets across Africa and Asia.

With a client base of over 1 million policyholders, Santam serves individuals, commercial enterprises, specialist business owners, and institutions—including 80 of the Top 100 companies listed on the JSE. Our commitment to Insurance, Good and Proper goes beyond just providing cover—we offer peace of mind, ensuring our clients can focus on living in the moment, not worrying about the unexpected. Because at Santam, we believe the freedom to seize every day is worth protecting.

People drive our business, and we are committed to attracting the best talent, whether for permanent roles or short-term opportunities. 

Santam is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities. We are dedicated to neuro-inclusivity and fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive. 

Take the next step in your career—apply now and be part of a company that’s shaping the future of insurance. This is Freedom!