Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Cover Letter
Languages
Certification
Achievements
Timeline
Generic

Thobekani Ndlovu

Cloud Engineering Manager
Pietermaritzburg

Summary

I am a results-driven cloud engineering professional with a solid track record of successfully leading and managing complex cloud initiatives for a diverse range of organizations. My unique expertise extends to being a certified engineer on two major cloud platforms, Azure and AWS. Furthermore, my passion for cloud technologies goes beyond the professional sphere. I thoroughly enjoy mentoring and teaching others about the intricacies of cloud technologies, and this is evidenced by my role as a certified AWS trainer. My commitment to fostering knowledge and expertise within the realm of cloud computing is a testament to my dedication to continuous learning and sharing my skills with others.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications

Work History

Cloud Engineering Manager

SOLVYNG
03.2020 - Current
  • At Solvyng, my role as a Cloud Engineering Manager encompasses the orchestration of project engineering and delivery for our diverse clientele, whether they are leveraging AWS or Azure
  • In addition to these client-focused responsibilities, I also oversee cloud services, including Office 365, that are pivotal to Solvyng's operations
  • As a hands-on manager, I actively engage in the technical aspects of our projects, ensuring their successful execution
  • Simultaneously, I am deeply invested in the professional growth and development of our engineering team, which comprises individuals of varying levels, including seniors, intermediates, and juniors
  • This multifaceted role encompasses all facets of talent management, from establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to providing mentorship, all geared toward advancing their careers and nurturing their skills.

Lead Consulting Cloud Engineer

BankservAfrica
10.2021 - Current
  • In my current role at BankservAfrica, where I am placed by Solvyng, I serve as a Lead Cloud Engineer in two key areas: Modernization and Cloud Center of Excellence (CCOE)
  • In the Modernization domain, I lead efforts focused on the delivery of cloud infrastructure while simultaneously driving the modernization and migration of on-premises services
  • Notable initiatives in this space involve infrastructure design for new projects such as Payshap and transitioning from on-premises services like API Gateway to cloud-based solutions, for services such as AVS-realtime and RTC API.
  • Additionally, we explore the modernization of various processes by leveraging cloud services, such as secure file sharing with other financial institutions and seamless API integration
  • We've successfully introduced innovative solutions, including the utilization of storage gateway, Lambda functions, and S3 replication, to ensure secure and efficient file sharing with partner banks
  • Within the newly established Cloud Center of Excellence (CCOE), my role as a Lead Engineer is to guide and introduce cloud practices to various teams. Notable initiatives here includes; Migration of the organization oracle database cluster, from development to production underpinned by over 20 virtual machines.
  • We are dedicated to setting up comprehensive guardrails and engineering processes to facilitate and optimize cloud adoption throughout the organization
  • This pivotal role allows us to drive a culture of cloud excellence, ensuring that the adoption of cloud technologies aligns with industry best practices and the specific needs of BankservAfrica
  • As a Lead Cloud Engineer at BankservAfrica, I'm committed to spearheading transformative initiatives that enhance infrastructure, foster innovation, and strategically drive the organization's journey into the cloud age.
  • Mentored junior engineers on industry best practices, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing within the team.
  • Provided technical support to internal stakeholders, diagnosing and resolving complex issues related to the organization''s cloud environment.

Lead Consulting Cloud Engineer

Old Mutual
  • In my capacity as a Lead Cloud Engineer in Old Mutual's Digital Division, placed by Sovlyng
  • I spearheaded vital efforts to fortify our API architecture in a cloud setting
  • My role encompassed crafting forward-looking APIs within a cloud-native, event-driven, and serverless framework, all in alignment with industry best practices
  • As a steward of API security, I defined and implemented robust security measures for cloud-based APIs, actively engaging with security teams to establish top-tier security practices
  • Additionally, I leveraged my proficiency in Infrastructure as Code (IAC) using tools like Terraform and CloudFormation to ensure consistent and efficient API configurations
  • Promoting excellence, I set and communicated API best practices across the organization, and orchestrated strategic API migrations to the cloud, facilitating seamless transitions between cloud environments to enhance operational efficiency
  • Beyond my technical responsibilities, I played a pivotal role in building and expanding the API Enablement team, contributing both cloud expertise and leadership
  • Furthermore, my commitment to mentorship and knowledge sharing created a collaborative environment that facilitated continuous learning and growth
  • In this role, my deep cloud engineering acumen was instrumental in driving the development of cutting-edge and resilient API solutions, all within a culture of shared knowledge and collaboration.

Staff Cloud Engineer

Soho Technologies
  • At Soho Technologies, I commenced my journey as a Senior Cloud Engineer and rapidly advanced to the role of Staff Cloud Engineer within just six months
  • In this leadership position, I assumed responsibility for end-to-end management of cloud platforms, encompassing delivery, security, and operational aspects
  • My key contributions included designing a robust Azure Landing Zone tailored for a microservices-based online betting platform
  • I utilized Terraform to craft templates for provisioning essential landing zone components and codified Azure service patterns using Terraform, streamlining infrastructure deployment
  • Moreover, I played a leadership role in guiding platform engineers throughout the application infrastructure build process
  • I also took charge of defining comprehensive monitoring, traceability, and logging practices to ensure the platform's optimal performance and reliability
  • In the spirit of knowledge sharing and growth, I actively mentored colleagues on their cloud journey, fostering a collaborative atmosphere of continuous learning and development.

AWS Authorized Instructor

independent
  • In my role as an independent AWS Authorized Instructor, I collaborate with AWS EMEA training partners to deliver a range of essential AWS training courses, including AWS Business Essentials, AWS Technical Essentials, Architecting on AWS, and AWS Discovery
  • My expertise has allowed me to provide instruction to various organizations and institutions, ensuring that professionals and teams across different regions have access to AWS knowledge and certification opportunities.

Cloud Technical Lead Engineer

Absa
  • In my capacity as a Cloud Technical Lead Engineer - AVP, heading the client-facing team within the specialized engineering team of the CTO's office, I provided strategic leadership and guidance
  • My primary role involved leading a team of cloud engineers in the creation, configuration, and execution of critical processes and projects
  • These initiatives were designed to support the seamless adoption of public cloud technologies by application teams
  • Additionally, I took an active role in advising and mentoring junior team members, fostering their professional growth, and facilitating technical discussions to drive innovation and efficiency
  • Furthermore, while serving in this pivotal role, I continued to fulfill my previous responsibilities as a core member of the specialized engineering team within the CTO's office, where my contributions were instrumental in advancing cloud engineering practices and capabilities within the organization.

Cloud Engineer

Absa
  • As a Cloud Engineer within Absa Group's specialized engineering team, I played a pivotal role in elevating the organization's cloud capabilities
  • Our multifaceted contributions spanned a wide spectrum of responsibilities
  • We designed and codified AWS architectures, meticulously reviewing and optimizing solution proposals from application teams to ensure alignment with industry best practices
  • Additionally, we championed seamless AWS infrastructure and network integration with the corporate data center, a critical element in achieving secure and efficient networking
  • Another significant facet of our work involved the creation and optimization of landing zones within AWS for application teams, encompassing the setup of VPC components, IAM roles, S3 buckets, and more
  • Furthermore, we undertook the design and implementation of highly available, cost-efficient, and scalable distributed systems, essential for shared services such as Network Proxy, DNS (Route53 solution), Transit Gateway, and ELK (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana)
  • In tandem with our technical responsibilities, we assumed a role of providing hands-on technical coaching, accelerating cloud learning across Absa's engineering services
  • Our expertise and best practices served as catalysts for the technical development of diverse teams within the organization
  • Additionally, we actively guided and assisted application teams in the seamless migration of workloads to AWS, including web servers and databases, ensuring a smooth transition and optimal performance
  • Our comprehensive efforts significantly contributed to advancing cloud engineering practices, fostering innovation, efficiency, and top-tier solutions across the organization.

Graduate Engineer Trainee

MTN South Africa
10.2015 - 02.2016
  • Enhanced cloud infrastructure efficiency by implementing advanced automation techniques and tools.
  • Optimized system performance for increased scalability and reliability through regular maintenance and updates.
  • Reduced server downtime by proactively monitoring cloud resources and addressing potential issues before they escalated.

Education

Postgraduate Diploma - Business Administration

University of The Witwatersrand
Johannesburg, South Africa

Masters of Commerce - Information Systems & Technology

University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban, South Africa
01.2017 -

Bachelor of Commerce Honours - Information Systems & Technology

University of KwaZulu-Natal
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
04.2001 -

Bachelor of Science - Computer Science

University of KwaZulu-Natal
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
04.2001 -

Skills

Team Collaboration

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Accomplishments

  • AWS Partner Transformation Program
  • AWS Advanced Partner Status
  • Building & Mentoring Cloud Engineering Teams
  • AWS Professional Services

Cover Letter

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to express my strong interest in the technical leadership role in the cloud space at your company. As an accomplished cloud engineering professional with a robust background in cloud solutions, coupled with a track record of transformative leadership in various sectors, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my expertise to your esteemed team. My education and extensive experience align closely with the requirements of this role, and I am eager to bring my skills to a dynamic organization like your company. With a strong foundation in computer science, including a master's degree in information systems, I have developed a keen understanding of the technical intricacies and the strategic implications of cloud technologies. My career journey has seen me in pivotal roles at renowned organizations, where I played a central role in pioneering cloud adoption and establishing resilient, secure, and highly efficient cloud platforms. These experiences have sharpened my ability to design and implement forward-thinking cloud strategies, manage complex projects, optimize infrastructure, and ensure robust security and compliance. My time at various organizations, where I led critical cloud initiatives and oversaw the development of cloud engineering practices, was particularly instrumental in honing my leadership skills. I have successfully managed cross-functional teams and facilitated innovation, cloud adoption, and best practices within diverse contexts. My experience extends to not only envisioning and architecting cloud-native solutions but also mentoring and coaching team members, further reinforcing my commitment to fostering growth and technical excellence. I am impressed by company's commitment to innovation, technology, and providing cutting-edge solutions to its clients. The prospect of contributing to your ongoing success by leading transformative cloud initiatives is both exciting and aligned with my career aspirations. My deep technical knowledge, strategic insight, and passion for delivering excellence make me well-equipped to lead and inspire your cloud team to new heights. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my qualifications and experiences align with the objectives of your company. I believe my insights, leadership acumen, and strong drive for technical innovation can help propel your cloud endeavors to even greater success. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to have the opportunity to contribute to the forward-thinking culture of business. Please feel free to reach out to me to schedule a conversation at your earliest convenience. SINCERELY, THOBEKANI NDLOVU

Languages

Zulu
English

Certification

AWS Security Specialty

Achievements

Deliver Cloud Solutions in the Banking Sector:

  • Lead infrastructure design and deployments for migrating vast oracle database cluster to AWS environment.
  • Design banks integrations for multiple projects such as Payshap, Transitional Fraud Mitigation System, Account Verification RealTime API.
  • Design Internet Facing Ingress Solution for Cloud Applications


AWS Partner Transformation Program:

As the Program Manager, I spearheaded Solvyng's journey through the AWS Partner Transformation

Program (PTP). This initiative involved a rigorous evaluation and an extensive training and empowerment

program, al geared towards cultivating a thriving and lucrative AWS cloud business.


AWS Advanced Partner Status:

Elevated Solvyng's status from a registered AWS partner to a select partner, and attaining advanced status

in under two years. This accomplishment entailed fulfilling an array of criteria set by AWS, substantiating

our proficiency, expertise, and a track record of successful customer engagements.


Building & Mentoring Cloud Engineering Teams:

had the honor Of providing mentorship to both teams and individuals on their cloud journey In my role as

a Senior/Lead Consultant in 2021 at Old Mutual MOM, I played a pivotal role in designing and architecting

their API future state. Furthermore, I took on the responsibility of cultivating a proficient cloud technology-

oriented APl enablement team that could assist other teams in their cloud adoption journey. This

engagement also encompassed the strategic design of API exposure for OId Mutual partners,including

22seven.


AWS Professional Services:

In 2022 Solvyng signed an MSA with AWS to provide professional services to their clients. This was a big

milestone for Solvyng. We had to meet the AWS requirements to be able to provide professional services



Timeline

Lead Consulting Cloud Engineer

BankservAfrica
10.2021 - Current

Cloud Engineering Manager

SOLVYNG
03.2020 - Current

Masters of Commerce - Information Systems & Technology

University of KwaZulu-Natal
01.2017 -

Graduate Engineer Trainee

MTN South Africa
10.2015 - 02.2016

Bachelor of Commerce Honours - Information Systems & Technology

University of KwaZulu-Natal
04.2001 -

Bachelor of Science - Computer Science

University of KwaZulu-Natal
04.2001 -

Lead Consulting Cloud Engineer

Old Mutual

Staff Cloud Engineer

Soho Technologies

AWS Authorized Instructor

independent

Cloud Technical Lead Engineer

Absa

Cloud Engineer

Absa

Postgraduate Diploma - Business Administration

University of The Witwatersrand

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Thobekani NdlovuCloud Engineering Manager