Solution Architect (Director) - Web, Mobile, Digital

We are looking for a highly dynamic individual to join our enterprise architecture team.  This individual will be responsible for helping to define and execute the technology future of our mobile platforms.  We are introducing new and innovative interactions for our guest and associates.

The Mobile Application Solutions Architect should thrive in a creative, idea-driven culture with a deep desire to produce groundbreaking work. The Mobile Application Architect should have a firm understanding of mobile smart phone, tablet and such devices (including large screen platforms and devices) development platforms, including iPhone, iPad, Android, and Windows Mobile. The individual should be proficient in developing applications on at least two of these platforms. The successful candidate should also be comfortable working in a distributed systems environment.

The Mobile Solutions Architect expands the company’s use of technology to enable and achieve the organization’s goals and objectives.

• Strategically designs, develops, and implements technology models for enterprise-level applications and systems.
• Governs and reviews the output of the managed Service Providers who are responsible for the actual hands-on delivery of services, managing outcomes and results.
• Collaborates with peers and leadership to negotiate and influence strategic roadmaps for our mobile solutions.
• Candidate is expected to lead Mobile and Web application architecture efforts. Web Architecture includes proxy, rendering engine, micro services and caching framework. Mobile Architecture includes authentication/authorization, native/hybrid component design and deep understanding of Mobile frameworks. Web front end expertise, micro services, integration with marketing platforms, responsive design, dynamic tiles and content management platform integration.  Experience with X code, Swift, Java, experience with offline applications, data persistence and security on the mobile device is a must.   Experience integrating to IOT and Beacons will be a plus.
• Design generalized solutions across problem domains using a common set of architectural assets to maintain consistency
• Provide technical leadership and architectural oversight on complex projects to assist business units
• Contribute to the evaluation and recommendation of new technologies to increase efficiencies
• Formulate application architecture strategies with a focus on reusability, total cost of ownership, time-to-market and high availability
• Serves as application architecture subject matter expert to business areas, project teams and vendors to apply and execute appropriate use of technology solutions and lead efforts to examine technology vision, opportunities and challenges.
• Builds consensus around principles of application architecture and interprets and clarifies these principles.
• Evaluates strengths and flaws in application architecture designs including performance, quality, availability, simplicity of design, security and total cost of ownership.
• Facilitates project handoffs including preparing documentation, educating and supporting to ensure smooth transitions.
• Selects and designs tools that allow reuse of design components and patterns between projects.

CANDIDATE PROFILE 

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Management Information Systems, or related 
• Minimum 15 years’ experience in the industry designing and developing consumer facing internet applications.
• 5+ years experience in mobile development for published apps in the store 
• Building best in class mobile platform that seamlessly builds the app, runs automated tests, performs code quality analysis and submits the application to the Apple App Store/Google play store
• Exceptional fundamentals in Objective-C, C#, iOS SDK, and Android. Strong Experience with Cross Platform Mobile Development in Xamarin. Ability to create and consume complex bindings for both iOS and Android
• Excellent knowledge of working with dynamic data (e.g., JSON, XML, AMF) through various interface types (e.g., REST, SOAP)
• Experience using features for the iOS platform such as Swift, Dynamic UI, Extensions, Core Data and Grand Central Dispatch
• Experience using RESTful resource-oriented web services to fetch and modify data
• A solutions based consultative mindset with the ability to guide projects
• Knowledge of enterprise grade authentication protocols (for example SAML, Kerberos, SSO, Certificate auth)
• Knowledge of creating Architecture roadmaps and operational models that span the Technology, Application and Data layers for complex, high-available systems  in Web, J2EE, Mobile, COTS, CRM and/or Mainframe environments
• Experience Architecting Mobile applications, native or hybrid mobile strategy, 3rd party mobile frameworks/plugins, client side rendering frameworks. Experience crafting Mobile first strategy and positive Mobile user experience. Design, develop, and deliver application features in the native mobile app, embedded web views, as well as server-side web and API components
• Cross-browser/cross-platform compatibility issues and ways to work around them.
• Experience Architecting high transaction volume eCommerce sites is a plus
• Experience or exposure to emerging web technologies like NGINX, Node.JS, Play, Docker in addition to proven web technologies like Tomcat, Coherence, Ping federate, Spring Framework
• Experience with Cloud technologies Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), products/standards like Open Stack and Cloud Foundry. 

• In depth understanding and experience in industry frameworks and architecture methodologies like TOGAF, Zachman’s framework
• Experience working in a microservices based architecture, Cloud environment
• Experience working in projects using Agile methodology
• Knowledge of the mobile ecosystem including MDM, Analytics, and MBaas platform
• Experience working in a matrix environment/culture
• Experience working for large organizations with an ability to influence stakeholders across multiple teams/groups.
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic IT technologies and related processes, procedures, and decision support
• server platforms, Web applications, etc.)
• Ability to create constructive relationships, influence, and communicate (to project team, IT management, and non-technical staff).
• Experience in researching emerging technologies and trends, standards, and products.

• Develops and delivers long-term strategic goals for technology architecture vision and standards in conjunction with Service Providers, data users, department managers, clients, and other key stakeholders
• Assesses and determines governance, stewardship, and frameworks for managing technology across the organization
• Creates short-term tactical solutions to achieve long-term objectives and an overall technology management roadmap
• Conducts technology life cycle, duration, usage requirements, feasibility studies, and other tasks
• Identifies and develops opportunities for data reuse, migration, or retirement
• Verifies that technology strategies and architectures are in regulatory compliance.

Developing and Maintaining EA Standards

• Develops and promotes technology management methodologies and standards
• Defines standards for Service Providers to address technology-related problems in regards to systems integration, compatibility, and multiple-platform integration
• Defines guidelines for Service Providers to develop and implement key components as needed to create testing criteria in order to guarantee the fidelity and performance of technology architecture
• Defines guidelines for Service Providers for documenting the technology architecture and environment in order to maintain a current and accurate view of the larger technology picture.

Building Successful Relationships

• Collaborates with Project Managers and business unit leaders for all projects involving enterprise applications
• Acts as a leader and advocate of technology management, including coaching, training, and career development to staff
• Liaises with vendors and Service Providers to select the products or services that best meet company goals.

MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES

• Communication - Conveys information and ideas to others in a convincing and engaging manner through a variety of methods.
• Leading Through Vision and Values - Keeps the organization's vision and values at the forefront of employee decision making and action.
• Managing Change - Initiates and/or manages the change process and energizes it on an ongoing basis, taking steps to remove barriers or accelerate its pace; serves as role model for how to handle change by maintaining composure and performance level under pressure or when experiencing challenges.
• Problem Solving and Decision Making - Identifies and understands issues, problems, and opportunities; obtains and compares information from different sources to draw conclusions, develops and evaluates alternatives and solutions, solves problems, and chooses a course of action.
• Professional Demeanor - Exhibits behavioral styles that convey confidence and command respect from others; makes a good first impression and represents the company in alignment with its values.
• Strategy Development - Develops business plans by exploring and systematically evaluating opportunities with the greatest potential for producing positive results; ensures successful preparation and execution of business plans through effective planning, organizing, and on-going evaluation processes.

• Building a Successful Team - Uses an effective interpersonal style to build a cohesive team; inspires and sustains team cohesion and engagement by focusing the team on its mission and importance to the organization.
• Strategy Execution– Ensures successful execution across of business plans designed to maximize customer satisfaction, profitability, and market share through effective planning, organizing, and on-going evaluation processes.
• Driving for Results - Sets high standards of performance for self and/or others; assumes responsibility for work objectives; initiates, focuses, and monitors the efforts of self and/or others toward the accomplishment goals; proactively takes action and goes beyond what is required.

• Customer Relationships - Develops and sustains relationships based on an understanding of customer/stakeholder needs and actions consistent with the company’s service standards.
• Global Mindset - Supports employees and business partners with diverse styles, abilities, motivations, and/or cultural perspectives; utilizes differences to drive innovation, engagement and enhance business results; and ensures employees are given the opportunity to contribute to their full potential.
• Strategic Partnerships - Develops collaborative relationships with fellow employees and business partners by making them feel valued, appreciated, and included; explores partnership opportunities with other people in and outside the organization; influences and leverages corporate and continental shared services and/or discipline leaders (e.g., HR, Sales & Marketing, Finance, Revenue Management) to achieve objectives; maintains effective external relations with government, business and industry in respective countries; performs effectively as a liaison between locations, disciplines, and corporate to ensure needed resources are received and corporate strategies are understood and executed.