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Director of Application Infrastructure Architecture

31402

We are Farmers!

We are… more than just your favorite commercials.  At Farmers, we strive to deliver peace of mind to our customers by providing protection and comprehensive advice and delivering in the moments of truth. That means having people who can help us meet changing customer and business needs. Farmers high-performance culture is focused on results and the people who achieve them. We hold ourselves and others accountable for sustainably growing the business and each other. We seek solutions, own our actions, and grow through discomfort. We see setbacks as opportunities while continuously asking ourselves how we impact our customers. 

 

Farmers is an award winning, equal opportunity employer, committed to the strength of an inclusive workforce. We are dedicated to supporting the well-being of our people through our extensive suite of benefits, as well as the well-being of the communities we serve through employee volunteer programs and nonprofit partnerships. Helping others in their time of need isn’t just our business – it’s our culture!  To learn more about our high-performance culture and open opportunities, check out www.Farmers.com/careers/corporate and be sure to follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok. 

 

Workplace: Hybrid ( #LI-Hybrid ), Remote ( #LI-Remote )

Farmers believes in a culture of collaboration, creativity, and innovation, which thrives when we have the ability to work flexibly in a virtual setting as well as the opportunity to be together in person. Our hybrid work environment combines the best of both worlds with at least three (3) days in office and up to two (2) days virtual for employees who live within fifty (50) miles of a Farmers corporate office. Applicants beyond fifty (50) miles may still be considered.

Job Summary

Farmers is seeking a visionary Director of Application Infrastructure Architecture, reporting to the Head of Technology and Security Architecture, to define and lead the enterprise strategy for application platforms and delivery frameworks. This leadership role oversees the full application infrastructure stack, ensuring scalability, resilience, and agility across diverse business systems. The scope includes application hosting platforms, middleware, integration frameworks, SDLC governance, DevOps enablement, observability, AI-driven optimization, and the transition from traditional waterfall delivery to SAFe architecture practices, all aligned to business objectives and regulatory requirements.

Strategic Leadership

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive application infrastructure architecture strategy and roadmaps that support enterprise modernization, AI and automation capabilities, and accelerate business delivery.
  • Manage and mature governance processes for application lifecycle management, including standards for architecture, security, and compliance.
  • Lead the transition from waterfall delivery models to SAFe architecture, embedding agile principles into infrastructure design and delivery.
  • Drive adoption of modern development practices (DevSecOps, CI/CD, SAFe) and ensure alignment with enterprise architecture principles.
  • Champion Architecture as Code to enable automated, version-controlled, and policy-driven infrastructure design.

Platform & Technology Oversight

  • Oversee application deployment frameworks (on-prem and multi-cloud), middleware platforms, and integration services.
  • Govern API management, service mesh, and microservices architectures for secure and scalable application ecosystems.
  • Define strategies and roadmaps for observability frameworks for proactive monitoring, performance optimization, and incident response.
  • Enable AI-driven automation for application performance tuning, predictive analytics, and operational efficiency.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Lead and mentor a strong team of architects, fostering innovation and accountability.
  • Partner with business leaders, product owners, and development teams to ensure infrastructure capabilities meet evolving business needs.
  • Communicate complex technical strategies in clear business terms to influence executive decision-making.

Technical Scope:

  • Containerization & Orchestration: Red Hat OpenShift (ROSA), Docker.
  • Application Frameworks: .NET Core, Java (Spring), Red Hat.
  • CI/CD & DevOps: Backstage, Jenkins, GitHub Enterprise, CloudBees CDRO/Unify.
  • Observability: Dynatrace, Splunk, OTEL.
  • Integration & APIs: MuleSoft, IBM MQ.
  • Security & Compliance: HashiCorp Vault, OPA, container security.
  • Data & AI Enablement: Snowflake, Databricks, AI-driven observability.
  • Governance & SDLC: SAFe, DevSecOps practices, Architecture as Code (Terraform, Ansible, GitOps).

Leadership Competencies

  • Visionary Leadership: Ability to anticipate future technology trends and align them with business strategy.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Skilled at bridging gaps between development, operations, and business units.
  • Influence & Negotiation: Proven ability to secure buy-in for complex initiatives across diverse stakeholders.
  • Team Building: Experience creating high-performing architecture teams and fostering innovation.
  • Strategic Communication: Ability to simplify technical complexity for executive audiences and inspire confidence.

Required Experience

  • Progressive experience in Information Technology with a strong focus on application infrastructure and architecture.
  • 4+ years in a formal architecture role (e.g., Enterprise Architect, Principal Architect) with demonstrated ability to define and implement enterprise-wide application strategies.
  • 3+ years in a leadership capacity, managing senior technical staff and driving large-scale modernization initiatives.
  • Proven track record of leading application infrastructure transformation programs across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
  • Deep expertise in:
    • Application Hosting & Middleware (Red Hat OpenShift, Docker, IBM MQ).
    • Integration & API Management (MuleSoft, service mesh, microservices).
    • CI/CD & DevOps frameworks (Jenkins, GitHub Enterprise, CloudBees, Backstage).
    • Observability and Monitoring (Dynatrace, Splunk, OTEL).
  • Strong understanding of security frameworks, container security, HashiCorp Vault, and compliance standards.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical strategies into business outcomes, influencing executive decision-making.
  • Excellent executive communication skills and ability to build consensus across diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Experience

  • Experience implementing Architecture as Code and GitOps for automated, policy-driven infrastructure design.
  • Familiarity with AI-driven observability and predictive analytics for application performance optimization.
  • Exposure to SAFe architecture practices and DevSecOps principles.
  • Hands-on experience with containerization and orchestration (OpenShift, Docker).
  • Knowledge of data platforms and AI enablement (Snowflake, Databricks).
  • Prior experience in regulated industries with strong compliance requirements.
  • Proven ability to mentor and develop high-performing architecture teams, fostering innovation and accountability.

Education Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Master’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or MBA.

Physical Actions

Sits or stands for extended periods of time, up to a full work shift. Occasionally reaches overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting, pulling, and stooping. Occasionally moves, lifts, carries, and places objects and supplies weighing 0-10 pounds without assistance. Listens to, interprets, and differentiates auditory information (e.g. others speaking) at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Visually verifies and reads information. Visually locates material, resources and other objects. Ability to operate a computer for extended periods of time, up to a full work shift. Physical dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms, and shoulders repetitively to operate keyboard and other office equipment up to a full work shift.

Physical Environment

This position operates in an open office working environment which will include normal and customary distractions, noise, and interruptions.

Benefits

  • Farmers offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, qualifications and location.
    o CA Only: $173,440 - $276,320
    o CO Only: $162,640 - $238,480 
    o HI/IL/MN/VT Only: $162,640 - $255,090
    o MA Only: $162,640 - $255,090 
  • o MD Only: $162,640 - $255,090
    o DC/NJ/NY/OH Only: $162,640 - $276,320 
             o Albany County, NY/Cleveland, OH: $173,440 - $238,480 
    o WA Only:  $162,640 - $289,875 
  • Bonus Opportunity (based on Company and Individual Performance)
  • 401(k)
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Tuition Assistance
  • For more information, review “What we offer” on https://www.farmers.com/careers/corporate/#offer

 

Job Location(s): R_US - United States

 

Anticipated application deadline: At Farmers, the recruitment process is designed to ensure that we find the best talent to join our team. As part of this process, we typically close open positions within 8 to 21 days after posting. If you are interested in any of our open positions, we encourage you to submit your application promptly.

 

Farmers will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance or other applicable law.  Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1033, Farmers is prohibited from employing any individual who has been convicted of any criminal felony involving dishonesty or a breach of trust without prior written consent from the state Department of Insurance.

 

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

 

Farmers is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in any employer/employee relations based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military and veteran's status, or any other basis protected by applicable discrimination laws. 

 

Want to learn more about our culture & opportunities? Check out www.Farmers.com/careers/corporate and be sure to follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

 

Spokane, WA only:  Residents who prefer not to provide their address click here to submit your resume via email: careers@farmers.com

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