Software Development Manager - Modernization

JAVA MODERNIZATION & APPLICATION TRANSFORMATION

Lead the teams to build the next-generation warehouse management platform.

Who We Are:

United States Cold Storage owns and operates one of the most complex temperature-controlled logistics networks in North America. Every day, our systems coordinate the storage and movement of food on a national scale across a network of state-of-the-art distribution centers, including multiple highly automated warehouse facilities.

We continue to advance our core warehouse and logistics platforms. Our current focus is on modular, event-driven, API-first, and cloud architecture. We are also strengthening site reliability engineering and responsible AI practices to improve system reliability and engineering productivity. This investment supports continued innovation and operational excellence across our facilities.

If you want to build durable systems that operate in the physical world at scale, this is the opportunity.

The Role:

The Software Development Manager - Modernization will lead multiple engineering teams responsible for modernizing US Cold’s warehouse management platform. This role requires a highly technical software leader with deep experience in Java application development, enterprise architecture, and large-scale application modernization.

Your teams will incrementally transform a large, production Java monolith built with Spring and Hibernate into an API-first, event-driven microservices architecture on Microsoft Azure. You will remain actively involved in architecture discussions, technical design reviews, code reviews, and engineering decisions. You will help teams make sound tradeoffs that balance delivery speed, reliability, security, and long-term maintainability.

You will partner closely with Architecture, Platform, Site Reliability Engineering, Quality Assurance, Product, and business stakeholders. You will also own team performance, execution, hiring, vendor accountability, and delivery outcomes while serving as a credible technical voice with senior leadership.

This role blends technical architecture with traditional people management. The successful candidate must be able to challenge designs, guide implementation, assess code quality, and lead engineers through complex modernization work.

What You Will Own:

• Manage two engineering teams of approximately 3–6 engineers each, including a new internal team and an established European-based consulting team.
• Build and staff for the new internal team, define the technical hiring bar, and own the full hiring process.
• Lead and own delivery performance for both teams.
• Provide coaching, performance feedback, and career development for the internal team.
• Establish measurable objectives and key results at the team and individual level.
• Own roadmap execution, delivery outcomes, technical quality, and production readiness.
• Champion standards for architecture, observability, reliability, and operability.
• Communicate technical decisions, tradeoffs, risks, and resource needs clearly to leadership.
• Drive alignment across Architecture, Platform, Quality Assurance, and Product.
• Create an environment of accountability, clarity, and continuous improvement.

Technical Environment:

• Legacy enterprise Java monolith using Spring and Hibernate, backed by Oracle, actively being decomposed into microservices.
• Java and Spring Boot services deployed to Microsoft Azure.
• Cloud-native, API-first, event-driven architecture and distributed systems.
• Relational and fit-for-purpose non-relational data stores.
• Multi-region high availability for operationally critical systems.
• Infrastructure as Code using Terraform and Ansible.
• Jenkins and GitHub Actions for continuous integration and delivery.
• Observability using Dynatrace and Azure Monitor.

What We’re Looking For:

• 10+ years of software development experience with 5+ years of leadership experience.
• Demonstrable experience in modernization of monoliths to microservices.
• Expertise in the Java ecosystem: Spring, Hibernate, etc.
• Strong understanding of system design principles including 12-factor app methodology, observability, and performance optimization.
• Experience with Azure or a similar cloud platform.
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Why This Role Is Different:

You will:

• Inherit an established team while building a new internal engineering team.
• Play a lead role in a highly visible project to modernize the warehouse management platform that drives US Cold.
• Combine people leadership, delivery ownership, vendor management, and meaningful technical involvement.
• Build systems whose performance affects real-world warehouse and logistics operations on a national scale.

Compensation & Structure:

• Salary Range: $160,000.00 - $190,000.00/yr.
• Bonus Eligible
• Location: Hybrid, Camden, NJ
• Travel: Less than 10%
• Reports to: Associate Director, Software Development

Operational Context:

This role is primarily technical and office-based, with occasional interaction in operational environments depending on system needs.

Benefits Include:

If annual hours are attained, these benefits may apply. Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription, Legal Insurance, Pet Discount, Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity, Long Term Care + Permanent Life Insurance, Identity Theft Protection, Short Term Disability Insurance, Long Term Disability Insurance, Supplemental Disability Insurance, Basic Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Supplemental Life Insurance, Supplemental Spouse Life Insurance, Child Life Insurance, Loan Solution, Health Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Flexible Spending Account, Telemedicine, Virtual Primary Care, Prescription Savings Plan, Prescription Specialty Copay Assistance Program, Weight Management Program, Chronic Condition Management, Care Navigator Program, 24/7 Nurse Line, Expert Medical Opinion, Precious Additions Maternity Program, Health Advocacy, Employee Assistance Program, Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Digital Physical Therapy, Behavioral and Mental Health Platforms, Auto and home discount program, Secure Travel Protection, Discount Programs, 401(k) plan, Education Assistance, Paid Time Off, Referral program & Commuter Benefit (NJ ONLY).

Physical & Operational Context:

May require physical effort associated with using the computer to access information, or occasional standing, walking, lifting needed to carry out everyday activities. Effective communication, vision, and hearing are essential for safety and productivity. Operate scanners, tablets, radios, phones, computers, and other essential equipment as required. Additional work hours may be requested by management to help manage employee production, projects, and/or special events. Engage in frequent personal interaction and communication. Attend in-person meetings and/or training on a regular basis. Possess strong arithmetic and reading skills. Follow verbal instructions, written instructions, and company policies. Work independently and coordinate with others. Fast-paced environment, managing stress and meeting productivity standards.

Additional Information:

Job functions may vary based on the area of operation. This description outlines the most common tasks required for the job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties. This job description may not encompass all tasks necessary to complete the role.

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