Solutions Architect Retail Systems

The RETAIL SYSTEMS SOLUTION ARCHITECT will have progressive experience in IT Applications and Development, including excellent functional and technical skills.

S/He will have deep expertise around industry best practices in the various aspects of IT, technology trends, retail knowledge and ability to develop solutions to implement key business strategies. The candidate will champion the functional and technical aspects of the business processes and applications in the areas of Merchandising & Planning applications. S/He possesses deep analytical skills, technical expertise, cross functional retail knowledge, solution orientation, strategic thinking, the ability to establish rapport at all levels of the organization, and the ability to drive consensus.

Retail industry and systems background required

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

- Develop a macro view of current and future state business and application architecture that is well connected with the business strategy for Merchandising & Planning applications. Operate with a 1-5 year view of technology direction and develop roadmaps for this timeframe based on business and customer needs, technology trends and innovation. Identify the business requirements that affect the business/application architecture and provide solutions that mesh into the overall architectural vision
- Provide thought leadership in innovation, developing standards, architectural governance, architectural design patterns and IT best practices. Work with other architects to develop a comprehensive view of all aspects of Enterprise Architecture
- Develop and demonstrate architecture subject matter expertise focused on Merchandising & Planning applications. Prior experience in other retail cross-functional areas such as Allocation, Supply Chain & Stores is a plus. Evaluate new technologies that can be leveraged in Enterprise Architecture. Identify the benefit case for using new technologies
- Work with other IT staff and review business requirements, solution alternatives, designs, and standards compliance. Train, guide and mentor other IT staff in adapting IT standards, best practices to provide superior quality solutions for business requirements. Infuse architectural concepts like reusability, standards-based, configuration driven, scalable and manageable solutions. Provide support to other IT staff in high priority issue resolution

COMPETENCIES

- Analysis and Judgment
- Drive Results
- Business Acumen
- Communication
- Technical Competency/Expertise
- Customer Service
- Influence
- Teamwork

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Proven track record of highly seasoned, senior level resource who has led multiple innovation projects and delivered business benefits
- 10+ years' experience in IT, with at least the last 3 years in solution or application architecture-related roles specific to the Retail industry
- Experience working for a national retailer with multiple distribution centers
- Retail Systems and/or POS system experience required
- Skills and experience in developing a strategic vision and roadmap within a business portfolio and architecture space
- Solid understanding of overall retail functional verticals with emphasis on merchandising and planning applications
- Experience in working with and implementation of packaged applications for retail order management, merchandising operations, planning, PIM, MDM, etc.
- Experience in participating in and influencing vendor selection of packaged applications including contribution to RFPs
- Strong analytical, problem solving, and modelling skills
- Ability to develop system concepts, logical architectures, solution options, pros and cons of options
- Expertise and solid understanding of the broad application architecture concepts like SOA, custom development (J2EE) frameworks and design patterns, portals, web-oriented architecture, Mobile Apps and Web 2.0, Master Data Management etc.
- Demonstrated ability to execute basic financial analysis, such as ROI
- Undergraduate degree in information systems, computer science, or a related technical discipline
- Desire to make a difference in the business, work with a highly talented set of peers, and work on challenging projects
- High sense of responsibility
- Highly organized and detail oriented
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to articulate issues, build consensus around recommendations, and define/execute next steps
- Professional presence, displays business and organizational maturity
- Ability to influence and lead by example
- Some travel will be required

PREFERRED

- Expertise and solid understanding of the broad concepts like SDLC, Change Management, Issue Management
- Experience with the Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project and Visio
- Demonstrated project management experience including a demonstrated ability to manage blended teams of consultants and internal resources
- Retail and Systems Integration Consulting experience
- Master's degree