IT Applications Architect

Business Unit Overview

Michael Foods, Inc. is a leader in the food processing and distribution industry with business in egg products, refrigerated grocery and potato products. We offer exciting job possibilities throughout our organization where you can enhance your career, sharpen your talents and make an impact. Join our company and be part of an innovative team that’s First in Food.

Location Description

Hopkins, MN is home to our Michael Foods, Inc. corporate headquarters. Hopkins is located 7 miles west of Minneapolis, boasting natural surroundings in a suburban environment that also provides quick access to major travel ways and local restaurants that give our community a distinct character. Located in the Excelsior Crossing building where employees are provided with beautifully landscaped walking paths and water features creating an optimal environment for outdoor and walking meetings, along with the opportunity to take a relaxing walk or outdoor lunch before, within, or after your work day.

Responsibilities

POSITION SUMMARY:

The IT Applications Architect serves as a key technical and functional leader within the organization, responsible for designing and delivering robust solutions that align business needs with IT capabilities.  This role leverages expert-level knowledge of SAP systems, integration, and business processes to drive innovation, lead projects, and mentor team members. This role may also serve as a technical resource for the design, integration, and support of AI agents developed within Microsoft Copilot or similar enterprise AI platforms.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Business and Functional Expertise 

• Demonstrates strong business-functional knowledge and translates it into effective SAP configurations. 

• Serves as a trusted advisor to multiple functional groups, providing guidance and expertise. 

• Supports business plans and strategies by delivering innovative IT solutions aligned with organizational goals. 

• Provides expert-level advice on business processes, policies, and practices, ensuring alignment with IT systems.
• Define the overall architecture across SAP modules (e.g., S/4 HANA, FICO, MM, SD, EWM, etc.).

• Ensure integration between SAP and non-SAP systems (middleware, APIs, 3rd party tools).

SAP Configuration and Technical Leadership 

• Possesses expert-level SAP configuration skills across multiple functional areas, with a focus on integration and complex interfaces. 

• Recommends upgrade/patch strategies and evaluates future maintenance costs for budgeting purposes. 

• Demonstrates a solid understanding of ABAP development, data loads, data conversions, and interfaces, with an ability to debug and troubleshoot effectively. 

• Explores and implements new technology trends to deliver innovative business opportunities. 
• Evaluate when to use SAP standard features versus when custom development is justified.

Project Leadership and Execution 

• Leads projects of varying sizes, showcasing the ability to manage complex initiatives and deliver results. 

• Develops and completes project feasibility studies, charters, and methodologies with precision and thoroughness. 

• Coordinates contractor activities on projects and ensures effective project completion performance reviews. 

• Coaches and mentors team members on small to medium-sized projects to build their skills and knowledge. 

Team Collaboration and Coaching 

• Provides effective coaching, feedback, and performance appraisals to team members and project staff.

• Collaborates across teams, supporting problem resolution and technical issue troubleshooting. 

• Mentors IT and functional team members, sharing knowledge and expertise to strengthen the organization's capabilities.

Support and Maintenance 

• Acts as a system owner, ensuring smooth operations and recommending system improvements. 

• Utilizes online resources to efficiently identify, troubleshoot, and resolve technical issues.

• Coordinates support activities and demonstrates resourcefulness in resolving cross-functional challenges. 

Strategic Contribution 

• Translates business strategies into scalable IT architectures and solutions. 

• Stays ahead of technology trends and identifies opportunities to enhance business capabilities. 

• Effectively architects integration requirements for diverse software solutions. 

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPEREINCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Expert-level SAP configuration knowledge spanning multiple functional areas. 

• Extensive experience (typically 12+ years) in SAP configuration, functional processes, and technical integration.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to align IT capabilities to business goals. 

• Proficient in writing programming specifications and working with MS Desktop tools. 

• Basic understanding of network, Unix, Windows Server, security, and cybersecurity requirements. 

• Effective communicator with strong leadership and coaching capabilities. 

• Demonstrated strength in IT project methodologies, from feasibility to delivery.
• Proven track record of leading projects and coaching technical teams.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• Experience in SAP modules related to supply chain (EWM, ECC WM, MM, QM, PP, APO, IBP, etc.)
• Familiarity with Microsoft Copilot, AI agents, and emerging enterprise AI technologies, including their application and integration within business systems.
• Experience with shop floor tools like Redzone and Rockwell
• Experience with rolling out solutions (e.g. SAP) to a new production plant location
• Experience with acquisition process and technical integration
• Familiarity and ability to support with PPDS
• Experience in a food manufacturing environment

The pay range for this position is $117,407 - $183,154 per year.