Principal Technology & Architecture consultant

We are seeking a senior, business-oriented Technology & Architecture Consultant to lead current-state and future-state architecture assessments across applications, data, DevOps, and AI readiness. This role focuses on evaluating how modern, cloud-based platforms support document-driven workflows, digital commerce, and scalable product experiences, and defining a clear, pragmatic target architecture aligned with business growth. The ideal consultant combines deep technical expertise with the ability to translate business strategy into clear architectural direction and actionable roadmaps. Key Objectives • Assess the current-state architecture across applications, data, DevOps, and cloud platforms • Identify gaps, risks, scalability issues, and technical debt • Define future-state architecture principles and blueprints aligned with business and product goals • Create a prioritized modernization roadmap with sequencing and investment guidance • Ensure technology supports document workflows, integrations, e-commerce, and AI enablement Core Responsibilities 1. Discovery & Current-State Assessment • Lead structured discovery across: • Application architecture • Data platforms and databases • DevOps pipelines and cloud infrastructure • Conduct stakeholder interviews across product, engineering, and operations • Evaluate: • System workflows, integrations, and dependencies • Data models, consistency, and performance • CI/CD maturity, automation, and deployment reliability • Cloud governance, security, and observability • Document pain points, constraints, and improvement opportunities 2. Application & Integration Architecture • Assess modern web and platform architectures built with: • React-based frontends • API-driven and service-oriented backends • E-commerce platforms (e.g., BigCommerce-type systems) • Review integration patterns (REST APIs, webhooks, eventing, middleware) • Evaluate document and workflow handling, metadata, permissions, and versioning • Recommend modernization approaches (API-first, modular, event-driven) 3. Data, AI Readiness & Databases • Assess relational and NoSQL data stores (e.g., SQL, MongoDB) • Evaluate data ingestion, transformation, and synchronization between systems • Identify data quality, governance, and scalability gaps • Assess readiness for AI-enabled use cases such as: • Document classification and extraction • Metadata enrichment and search • Workflow automation and recommendations • Define principles for operational vs analytical data separation 4. DevOps & Cloud Architecture • Evaluate CI/CD pipelines, release processes, and environment consistency • Assess Azure-based cloud architecture and services • Review infrastructure provisioning, automation, and cost efficiency • Evaluate observability, monitoring, and incident response practices • Identify opportunities for Infrastructure-as-Code and standardized pipelines 5. Future-State Architecture & Roadmap • Define future-state architecture across: • Applications & integrations • Data & analytics platforms • AI enablement • DevOps & cloud infrastructure • Establish clear architectural principles and guardrails • Develop a phased modernization roadmap (short-, mid-, long-term) • Support executive reviews and architecture alignment workshops Key Deliverables • Current-State Architecture Assessment • Gap & Risk Analysis • Future-State Architecture Blueprints • Data & AI Readiness Strategy • DevOps & Cloud Modernization Strategy • Prioritized Implementation Roadmap • Executive-ready summary and recommendations Required Experience & Qualifications Must Have • 10+ years of experience in architecture, platform engineering, or technical consulting • Proven experience leading current-state / future-state assessments • Strong hands-on knowledge of: • Azure cloud services • React-based web applications • MongoDB and relational databases • E-commerce platforms (BigCommerce, Shopify, or similar) • Strong understanding of business workflows and product strategy • Ability to translate technical findings into business-focused recommendations • Excellent stakeholder facilitation and communication skills Nice to Have • Experience with AI/ML enablement or AI-ready data architectures • Experience with document-centric or workflow-heavy platforms • Background in B2B, construction, or regulated industries • Prior experience as a Principal Consultant or Lead Architect Engagement Style • Strategic and hands-on • Business-first, technology-enabled • Comfortable working with executives and delivery teams • Focused on clarity, pragmatism, and execution-ready outcomes Apply tot his job