Enterprise Architecture Role

Seasoned Enterprise Architect with deep expertise in Google Cloud Platform (GCP) to lead a large-scale application modernization. The ideal candidate should possess a strategic mindset, strong architectural leadership, and extensive experience in modernizing complex legacy systems within enterprise environments. They should have extensive experience with an ability to influence architectural decisions at both business and technical levels.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and drive the Enterprise Architecture strategy for application modernization from legacy stacks (Mainframe, COBOL, DB2, older Java) to a modern GCP-based technology stack. Own the end-to-end architecture blueprint, ensuring alignment with business goals, scalability, maintainability, and modernization objectives.

• Provide architecture governance and ensure adherence to enterprise standards and best practices across all teams and vendors involved.

• Leverage C4 Modeling extensively to articulate architecture views (Context, Container, Component, Code) for technical and business audiences.

• Evaluate and present architecture options with clear recommendations and rationale, supporting data-driven and strategic decisions.

• Engage with multiple stakeholder groups including Ford's Leadership, Application Architects, SI Partners, Alfa vendor teams, and Ford's internal product teams to ensure seamless alignment and delivery.

• Guide and mentor solution and technical architects across the program; establish architectural patterns and reference models.

• Champion event-driven and API-first architecture principles as part of the future state technology direction.

• Collaborate with Application SMEs to extract legacy knowledge and ensure effective transition into the modern stack.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 15+ years of IT experience, with 7+ years in architecture roles, including 3+ years in an Enterprise Architect capacity.

• Proven experience leading enterprise-wide modernization programs in large, complex environments.

• Strong expertise in Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and its role in scalable, enterprise-grade applications.

• Proficiency in C4 modeling for architecture documentation and stakeholder communication.

• Experience modernizing applications from mainframe/COBOL/DB2/legacy Java to modern stacks like Java, ReactJS, PostgreSQL, and GCP-native services.

• Demonstrated ability to work across business, technology, and vendor ecosystems, aligning divergent interests toward a cohesive architecture vision.

• Solid understanding of event-driven systems, microservices, and API-based integrations.

• Excellent communication, leadership, and negotiation skills.

Additional Qualifications:

• Google Cloud Professional Architect or Enterprise Architect Certification

• Experience in the automative or manufacturing domain.

• Exposure to TOGAF or similar enterprise architecture frameworks is desirable.