Application Architect

Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members' retail operations, trading under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market, and Di Bruno Bros. Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern’s co-operative members benefit from the company’s extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best-in‑class procurement practices. Position Overview Wakefern Food Corp’s Technical Division is seeking an experienced and innovative Application Architect to join our dynamic IT team. The ideal candidate will lead the design, development, and implementation of scalable application solutions that support our business operations across the organization, with a particular emphasis on optimizing and enhancing supply chain processes. This is a critical role in ensuring the seamless flow of goods, data, and services from suppliers to stores, leveraging technology to drive efficiency and resilience throughout our supply chain network. Responsibilities Design and oversee the implementation of complex application architectures that align with business needs and IT strategy, focusing on solutions that streamline workflows and improve end-to-end operational visibility. Collaborate with business analysts, developers, and key stakeholders to gather requirements and translate them into technical solutions that address real-world logistics and inventory challenges. Develop and maintain architectural standards, guidelines, and best practices that support robust operations, ensuring flexibility and scalability for future growth. Evaluate and recommend new technologies, tools, and frameworks to improve application performance, security, and scalability, with an eye toward innovations that can strengthen overall responsiveness and agility. Ensure applications are robust, secure, and compliant with Wakefern’s IT policies and industry regulations, particularly those impacting safety and traceability in logistics. Lead code and design reviews to maintain high standards of software quality with a focus on applications supporting logistics, procurement, and inventory management. Mentor and guide development teams in best practices, architectural patterns, and emerging technologies relevant to retail and logistics technology ecosystems. Participate in project planning, estimation, and risk assessment activities, with special consideration for continuity and risk mitigation strategies in operations. Document application architectures, processes, and integration points, highlighting critical interfaces and dependencies within the business network. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred. 10+ years of experience in software development and architecture roles, ideally with significant exposure to logistics or related domains. Strong proficiency in designing enterprise-level applications using modern frameworks (e.g., Java, NodeJS, Python, SQL), with direct application to business operations preferred. Experience with integration platform as a service (iPaaS) systems and/or event streaming technologies such as Apache Kafka, particularly as they apply to real-time data integration. In-depth knowledge of API design, integration, and security best practices, including for partner connectivity and EDI transactions. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a complex environment, with demonstrated success supporting initiatives in logistics or inventory management. Experience working in the retail, logistics, or distribution industry is a plus. Experience with IBM mainframe is a plus. Core Competencies Communicate Effectively: Communicates thoughts and ideas in a well‑organized manner, encouraging two‑way communication. Build Relationships: Creates cross‑functional partnerships through the development and maintenance of constructive and cooperative relationships. Stay Competitive: Demonstrates a mindset of continuous improvement while exhibiting passion and enthusiasm for their work. Embrace Change: Looks for new ways of working by supporting advancements in processes and technology. Develop You: Identifies and capitalizes on opportunities for personal and professional career growth. Drive for Results: Supports divisional and strategic objectives through achievement of work goals. Wakefern is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well‑being, and professional development of our Associates. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match & annual company contribution, paid time off, holidays, and parental leave. Associates also enjoy access to wellness and family support programs, fitness reimbursement, educational and training opportunities through our corporate university, and a collaborative, team‑oriented work environment. Many of these benefits are fully or partially funded by the company, with some subject to eligibility requirements. #J-18808-Ljbffr