Enterprise Architect Principal - Remote

Company: United Natural Foods
Location: Providence
Posted on: January 18, 2026

Job Description:

The Enterprise Architect (EA) Principal is responsible for leading enterprise-wide system architecture focusing on the effectiveness, design, and development of solutions for complex application problems and architecture. This role focuses on defining and verifying the stability, portability, security, or scalability of systems applications across the enterprise. The position provides leadership direction and accountability for strategic application architecture plans, system design, and implementation. The Enterprise Architect Principal independently determines and develops architectural approaches and solutions, conducts business reviews, documents current systems in the portfolio, and recommends how to proceed with the applications (e.g., replace, retire, maintain, etc.). This is a senior role in architecture and regularly works with senior leaders and stakeholders across the enterprise. Essential Functions: Job Responsibilities Enterprise Architecture (70%) Leverages advanced technical skills to define principles that guide technology decisions for the enterprise and provide broad understanding of platforms and applications across all technologies Creates the architecture development and evaluates current architecture and provides recommendations and design solutions for the enterprise Evaluates existing systems to determine effectiveness, and suggest changes to meet organizational requirements Collaborate and guide engineers or software developers to select appropriate design solutions or ensure the compatibility of system components Communicate and partner with internal team members and senior stakeholders to understand specific system requirements and provides recommendations and technical guidance Define and analyze objectives, overall scope issues, and organizational impacts of systems Incorporates SOA principles into enterprise architecture design, including identifying opportunities for common services and service reuse Investigates system components suitability for specified business purposes and makes recommendations regarding the system use Participates in the research and maintains knowledge in emerging technologies and possible application to the business, focusing on two or more areas specific to the grocery/distribution industry Partners with fellow architects, engineers, and security to direct the development and operation of systems and can translate business needs into system development Strategic Leadership & Coaching (30%) Provides strategic advice on project costs, design concepts, or design changes included risks and assessment of decisions Communicate project information to senior stakeholders that includes technical reporting and high visibility presentations Directs the overall installation of systems, networks, or application software Train system engineers in operations and maintenance Performs other relevant job duties as required Job Requirements: Education/ Certifications/or Equivalent combination of education training and experience Bachelor’s degree in computer science, systems analysis, or a related study Experience 10 years of overall relevant IT experience 6 years of experience with enterprise architecture, software architecture, and design patterns 6 years of experience with complex architectural patterns (SOA), building APIs microservices, and event driven design Deep experience with software design and delivers on cloud platforms (such as AWS) with an understanding of economic and business models for software in the cloud 6 overall software development experience on multi-tiered systems Experience with S/4 Hana and Lean-ix Integration and usage, or familiarity with SAP Reference Architecture Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities Understanding of Enterprise Architecture Tools, preferably Lean-ix Understanding of hybrid cloud architecture using the principle of Well-Architected Framework Understanding modern data architectures, nice to have Databricks experience Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate and influence at all management levels and with both technical and non-technical individuals and successfully manage in a cross-functional environment and remote locations Strong analytical, problem-solving and conceptual skills. Ability to effectively collaborate in a matrixed environment Ability to effectively adapt to rapidly changing technology and apply it to business needs Strong analytical, problem-solving and conceptual skills Strong project management skills; experience organizing, planning and executing large-scale projects from vision through implementation, involving internal and external resources In depth and breadth knowledge across multiple software engineering disciplines Advanced knowledge of Cloud Native Architectures, in particular architecting enterprise applications on public cloud such as AWS, GCP or Azure Advanced knowledge of meCommerce in a retail or wholesale organization Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available Physical Environment/Demands: Some travel may be required Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at desk or computer terminal While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone and other office equipment in the course of normal workday Stooping, bending, twisting and reaching may be required in completion of job duties The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Company: United Natural Foods Inc. Compensation: UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state/provincial and local laws. Benefits: Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program (or retirement savings plan if in Canada); medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account (U.S. only), subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. Sales Positions Only: For sales positions that are commission-based, the above range is an estimate of total potential commission-based compensation during an associate’s first year, but UNFI offers an introductory period minimum of $680 per week. After the introductory period, as a 100% commission-based role, there is no set salary. UNFI’s commission plans are uncapped and average earnings vary depending on territory and sales achieved, among other factors. UNFI’s compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum. Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act or for Canadian applicants in accordance with provincial human rights legislation.

Keywords: United Natural Foods, Boston , Enterprise Architect Principal - Remote, IT / Software / Systems , Providence, Massachusetts