Director, ERP Solutions Architect

Position Summary:

The Director Solution Architecture role is responsible to lead the end-to-end solution architecture and technology design for our cross functional system. This senior leadership role will provide strategic direction, functional and architectural oversight, and governance to ensure the successful deployment of  Ventura Foods applications and  integration with the broader enterprise technology ecosystem.. This role will set and execute on a strategic vision and roadmap for the organization by collaborating with stakeholders and executive leadership. The role will act as a strategic thought partner and liaison between several cross functional teams. As a leader of the team, you have a direct impact on design, standards, security, and feature enhancements. You will work across functions – Applications , Architecture , Data , Stakeholders – to develop strategic vision and adherence to overall IT strategy and vision. You will manage multiple delivery initiatives and ensure compliance with standards and policies. You will stay ahead of changing technologies and demonstrate experience with clean interfaces and successful user journeys.

The ideal candidate will combine strong leadership, business partnership, and enterprise architecture experience with  deep cross functional expertise in Modern ERP solutions.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Create a platform roadmap and define priorities, liaising with stakeholders. Serve as the overall Solution Architect for the Ventura Foods Application implementation, accountable for defining and maintaining the end-to-end solution blueprint. Responsible for building and implementing innovative customer strategies around customer engagement, data insights and digital channels. Build and maintain cross-functional relationships with stakeholders to ensure the solutions teams meet expectations and contribute to achieving business goals. Align ERP solution architecture with business strategy, IT roadmaps, and enterprise architecture standards.
• Define Integration architecture between Modern Cloud based Commercial Systems (like Oracle Fusion, COUPA etc.) and other enterprise systems (e.g., JDE legacy, TMS, CRM, Data Platforms, HRIS). Lead the solution architecture and design across Finance, Supply Chain, Procurement, HR, and Manufacturing modules of Modern ERP. Lead and mentor a team of solution architects, integration leads, and technical SMEs. Develop knowledge-sharing practices and ensure architectural decisions are well-documented and communicated. Accountable for ensuring ongoing support, architectural design, and custom dev activities as well as responsibilities for enhancements, upgrades, data conversations, release updates, and reporting for multiple departments. Managing enhancements of business processes and driving operational efficiencies across the organization. Manage the maintenance of the ERP, HCM solution architecture documentation that includes Business Capability Maps, Business Process Flows, solution architecture, core concepts and key decisions.
• Identify and gather requirements, translating into best practice, scalable solutions with a focus on exceptional user experience. Establish architectural governance, guiding principles, and best practices throughout the ERP program lifecycle. Review and approve key design decisions, ensuring consistency and adherence to standards. Partner with program management to track risks, issues, and design dependencies. Proactive system maintenance including Security Reviews, Release Updates, Health Check, and Optimizer. Manage the Software Development Life Cycle to Ensure that all delivery activities are performed in an efficient, quality, and compliant manner.
• Work closely with business leaders, functional process owners, and IT teams to ensure business needs are met. Own the communication of any platform changes to end users and stakeholders. Manage relationships with multiple vendors and ensure accountability and quality of delivery by reviewing KPIs and other performance metrics on a regular basis. Administer system security ensuring users are granted appropriate and approved access. Ensure up-to-date documentation of system functions, processes, and capabilitiies.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field, including 15+ years of relevant IT experience is required.
• 7+ years of direct people leadership & vendor resource management experience is required.
• 7 + Experience with at least one full large scale global implementation of Modern Cloud ERP like Oracle Fusion.
• Strong background in  administration, customization, and integration of core business systems like Oracle, SAP, Salesforce, COUPA etc.
• Deep cross-functional knowledge of  ERP modules (Finance, Procurement, Supply Chain, HR).
• Strong background in enterprise integration (MuleSoft, OIC, APIs), data migration, and master data governance.
• Familiarity with reporting tools (OTBI, BI Publisher, PowerBI, Tableau) and data platforms (Snowflake, Databricks, or similar).

Knowledge and Skills:

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of SDLC and agile best practices and techniques.
• Interface and partner with C-level Executives and Senior Management.
• Ability to understand the business, business needs and identify areas that can be optimized.
• Demonstrated ability working on complex issues of diverse scope where analysis of situations or data requires evaluation of a variety of factors, including an understanding of current business trends.
• Experience with preparing and adhering to a budget.
• Ability to think critically, solve problems, make decisions, and build trust across the organization.
• Ability to guide team on multiple tasks and deliver results with aggressive timelines.
• Previous experience of having overall control of planning, staffing, budgeting, managing expense priorities, and recommending, and implementing change.
• Experience in change management and governance.
• Using analytical thinking, problem-solving skills and showing attention to detail.
• Experience in Food Manufacturing or Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industries is preferred.
• Knowledge of legacy JDE ERP and migration strategies to Oracle Fusion is preferred.
• Familiarity with Agile/Hybrid delivery models for ERP transformations is preferred.
• Certifications: Oracle Cloud Architect, TOGAF, PMP, or equivalent is preferred.
• Leading with a positive attitude and willing to work outside normal hours to troubleshoot high priority issues when needed.