Cloud Architect

We are seeking a Supply Chain and Cloud IT Architect for a 6-month contract-to-hire opportunity. This role offers the flexibility to work remotely initially if not located in Chicago, with relocation required upon full-time conversion. The Architect will lead the design and implementation of scalable, innovative, and efficient supply chain solutions, focusing on WMS, TMS, ERP integrations, and cloud modernization. This role will serve as a trusted advisor to business and IT leadership, ensuring strategic alignment, technical excellence, and operational efficiency across supply chain technologies.

Role Title: IT Solution Architect

Employment Type: Contract to Hire

Duration: 6 months to convert FTE

Preferred Location: Local hybrid onsite in the Northern Chicago area

**For non-local candidates, open to remote during the initial contract, but must be willing to relocate within 2 months after converting FTE, relocation assistance is available**

Key Responsibilities:

Architecture & Strategy

• Define the technology roadmap for supply chain systems, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Act as a strategic advisor, influencing business models and operational decisions through technology innovation.
• Apply architecture principles and best practices across WMS, TMS, ERP, and cloud platforms.
• Evaluate and recommend emerging technologies that enhance efficiency, scalability, and competitiveness.
• Ensure compliance with enterprise security, resiliency, and governance standards.

Design & Technical Leadership

• Architect cloud-first solutions leveraging Azure (preferred), Kubernetes, and API-driven integrations.
• Develop technical blueprints, solution roadmaps, and reference architectures for supply chain systems.
• Oversee application modernization efforts, cloud migrations, and WMS/TMS transformations.
• Define and implement CI/CD pipelines, DevOps practices, and automated testing for high-quality deployments.
• Lead solution design for API-based, event-driven, and legacy integrations.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with business, IT, and operations teams to align technology initiatives with supply chain needs.
• Work closely with development teams to validate architectural decisions and remove roadblocks.
• Mentor and guide technical teams to implement innovative solutions.
• Drive governance activities ensuring cost optimization, performance, scalability, and compliance.

Innovation & Emerging Technologies

• Stay updated on trends in warehouse automation (WCS/WES, robotics, AGVs, IoT) and AI/ML-driven supply chain optimization.
• Evaluate and recommend AI/ML, automation, and cloud-native technologies to enhance supply chain capabilities.

Required Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in IT Architecture, Solution Design, or Enterprise Architecture within large, complex enterprises.
• Expertise in Azure (preferred), AWS, or Google Cloud Platform cloud-native architectures.
• Strong experience in application integrations, middleware, and event-driven architectures.
• Proven ability to guide development teams, craft technology roadmaps, and oversee execution.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Strong cloud architecture expertise (Azure preferred).
• Experience with WMS, TMS, ERP, and supply chain integrations.
• Skilled in API-based, message-driven, and legacy integrations.
• Hands-on expertise in modernizing applications using Kubernetes, serverless computing, and automation frameworks.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with an innovative mindset.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Deep expertise in Supply Chain & Logistics Technologies (WMS, TMS, ERP, SCM).
• Experience leading supply chain technology implementations, including WMS, TMS, or ERP solutions (SAP, Oracle, Manhattan, Blue Yonder).
• Knowledge of warehouse automation, IoT-enabled logistics, and AI/ML-driven supply chain optimization.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled architect to drive innovation in supply chain technology while transitioning into a full-time leadership role. Apply today to be part of a transformative team!