Enterprise Architect, Technology Innovation & Modernization

Position SummaryThe Staff Architect plays a critical role in shaping and executing the information technology strategy for GIA by defining future-state architecture and guiding the modernization of enterprise platforms. This role reports directly to the Head of Technology Shared Services and is a key member of the Enterprise Architecture team.This position is central to GIA’s digital transformation, supporting legacy ERP and application modernization, cloud migration, and AI adoption. The Staff Architect designs and enables scalable, secure, and resilient solutions by leveraging cloud-native, microservices-based, and AI-driven technologies to transform legacy environments and accelerate business outcomes.Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesStrategy & Planning (20%)Partner closely with the Head of Enterprise Architecture and IT leadership to plan and execute application modernization and cloud migration initiatives.Define and drive the enterprise application architecture roadmap, ensuring alignment with business strategy, technology vision, and long-term scalability.Collaborate with Enterprise Architects to develop the Enterprise Blueprint, including architectural standards, patterns, and guardrails across all application development initiatives.Governance & Standards (30%)Support the Enterprise Architecture Review Board by conducting architectural design reviews and advising business and technology stakeholders on complex technical decisions.Partner with the AI Governance team to publish GIA-approved AI tools based on validated business and IT use cases.Participate in the periodic review of AI tools and provide recommendations to the Executive AI Task Force.Contributes to the development and maintenance of Application Portfolio Management and the CMDB, ensuring compliance with the Common Service Data Model (CSDM) framework and establishing end-to-end relationships between infrastructure, applications, and business services.Innovation & Modernization (30%)Accelerate adoption of modern architectural paradigms including microservices, event-driven architectures, and API-first design.Define target-state architecture for ERP modernization, transitioning from monolithic Oracle/Java-based systems to cloud-native, microservices-based platforms.Improve overall IT resilience by enhancing system availability, reliability, and disaster recovery readiness.Mentorship & Team Development (20%)Serve as direct manager for one or more architects, with full accountability for performance management, career development, and goal achievement.Communicate effectively across all levels of leadership, translating complex technical concepts into actionable business and strategic insights.Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement by promoting modern architectural practices, Agile and DevOps principles, and product-centric operating models.Perform other duties as assigned.Job Competencies (Skills & Abilities)Leadership & Accountability: Demonstrates initiative and continuous improvement mindset while holding self and others accountable and modeling GIA values.Technical & Functional Expertise: Possesses deep architectural knowledge with broad awareness of related disciplines; remains current with emerging technology and industry trends.Service Mindset: Builds strong relationships and delivers customer-centric, value-driven solutions.Talent Optimization: Develops team capabilities through coaching, mentoring, and performance-driven development.Engagement & Collaboration: Creates an inclusive, high-engagement culture through strong interpersonal skills and approachability.Results Orientation: Sets ambitious goals and consistently drives measurable outcomes.Decision Quality & Problem Solving: Applies holistic thinking to make timely, ethical decisions and resolve complex problems.Analytical & Strategic Thinking: Evaluates data comprehensively while considering long-term business and technology impacts.Communication Excellence: Delivers clear, audience-appropriate verbal and written communication with confidence.Time & Priority Management: Effectively balances competing priorities in dynamic environments.Technology Proficiency: Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and enterprise technology platforms.Systems Modernization: Proven ability to modernize legacy Oracle/Java systems into cloud-native, microservices-based architectures.AI & Cloud Expertise: Strong understanding of AI governance, cloud migration strategy, distributed systems, API-first design, and event-driven architectures.Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge & Experience)Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, or a closely related field.8+ years of experience in enterprise architecture and application development within large-scale, complex environments.Minimum of 3 years of experience leading and managing technical staff.Demonstrated experience building and developing high-performing architecture organizations.Strong working knowledge of enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF).Hands-on experience with cloud platforms including AWS, Azure, and Oracle Cloud (compute, storage, databases, networking).Experience with containerization, orchestration, application integration, messaging services, and CI/CD pipelines.Familiarity with DevOps practices, security testing (SAST/DAST), and modern development toolchains.Additional RequirementsHybrid role. On-Site in our New Jersey Location; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.Work Environment / Physical DemandsWork is performed in a professional office environment.Extensive use of computers, phones, and standard office equipment.Prolonged periods of sitting, typing, and screen time are required.Pay Range: $160K-$200KAn Equal Opportunity EmployerAll employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.Disclaimer: This job description indicates in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification and it may be changed by management at any time. Other duties may also apply. Nothing in this job description changes the at-will employment relationship existing between the Company and its employees.