Lead Application Architect

Gordon Food Service • Michigan, MI

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Lead Application Architect will focus on our custom solutions ecosystem, bridging critical operational gaps where standard software and SaaS packages fall short. This is a high-visibility, autonomous role perfect for a seasoned technical leader eager to take full architectural ownership of a modern supply chain and procurement tech stack. In this role, you will work with a high degree of independence to design scalable custom applications, define domain-wide coding standards, and lead our transition to modern cloud environments. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional technical and business teams to translate complex supply chain challenges into resilient, future-ready software systems. It is the ideal role for a visionary architect who wants to drive cloud modernization (including GCP 2.0 and Postgres migrations) and shape our upcoming "Agent-in-the-Loop" AI roadmap.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field required.
• 5+ years of advanced application and database architecture experience required.
• Direct, proven experience designing and maintaining systems within a modern tech stack centered on GCP, relational databases (Postgres/Oracle), and Enterprise Java frameworks (Spring Boot).
• Strong capability to design custom software integrations that align seamlessly with core supply chain and procurement data pipelines.
• Highly motivated to architect complex solutions under loose supervision, making data-driven recommendations to resolve long-term structural constraints.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; ability to act as the resident technical expert and translate highly complex system designs into clear, actionable business value for non-technical stakeholders and executives.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Appian, SAP BTP, Terraform, BigQuery, Looker Studio, or enterprise supply chain suites (o9, JDA), alongside a familiarity with Google domain AI tools.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary authority for the availability, stability, and modernization of custom applications.
• Lead legacy database migrations (Oracle to Postgres) and optimize our modern cloud ecosystem utilizing Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Spring Boot frameworks.
• Define robust domain architecture standards and conduct rigorous code reviews to reduce development cycles for engineering teams while maintaining top-tier software quality.
• Operate within a core agile team (Team Manager, Scrum Master, Developers, and QA Testers) while serving as a vital technical liaison across the broader organization—partnering with Enterprise Architecture, the Procurement Certified Data Set Team, and various GFS Business Teams.
• Champion the technical path forward for our custom systems, integrating advanced capabilities like low-code automation (Appian/SAP BTP) and laying the groundwork for Google domain AI tools (Vertex AI, Agent Builder).
• Successfully navigate multiple large initiatives simultaneously with minimal oversight.
• Take ultimate accountability for system reliability, which includes participating in an off-hours support rotation to ensure mission-critical application continuity.

Benefits

• Gordon Food Service values our customers and understands that their success is largely dependent upon their workforce.
• Equal Employment Opportunity is a matter of policy at Gordon Food Service, Inc. and we are committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.
• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.
• If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please submit your request to [email protected] and use the words “Accommodation Request” in your subject line.
• All Gordon Food Service locations are tobacco-free.
• Gordon Food Service is a drug-free workplace and conducts pre-employment drug tests.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior