Strategic IT Architect

Job Overview

The Enterprise Architect Software Engineering role leads the development of strategic IT architecture at Inter IKEA Group. This position is crucial in creating strategic blueprints, roadmaps, and integration standards for applications, information, and technology, supporting the achievement of Inter IKEA Group's strategic and tactical plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaboration and Integration
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business requirements and translate them into effective software solutions.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of software solutions across the enterprise.
  • Partner with IT functions and their solution architects to design integrated IT solutions that translate business capability requirements and adhere to IKEA software architecture standards.
• Strategy and Planning
  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive software architecture strategy that aligns with the organisation's goals.
  • Deliver Enterprise IT strategic roadmaps for Software Engineering with a 3+ year forward-looking view, focusing on technology capabilities for software development.
  • Ensure that roadmaps reflect invest/divest, retirement, and consolidation strategies for systems globally, incorporating industry best practices and benchmarks.
• Leadership and Standards Enforcement
  • Lead and guide the software development teams in adopting best practices and ensuring adherence to architectural standards.
  • Provide Architecture consulting to solution architects within delivery/execution teams for business and technical projects globally.
  • Act as an informal mentor and coach to Domain/Solution Architects within other IT teams.
  • Design and Implementation
    • Oversee the design and implementation of software systems, ensuring they are scalable, secure, and maintainable.
    • Define and implement testing strategies to ensure the quality and reliability of software applications.
  • Continuous Improvement and Industry Alignment
    • Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies, providing recommendations for continuous improvement.
    • Conduct regular assessments of existing software architecture and propose enhancements or optimizations.
    • Work directly with external vendors and advisory agencies to bring relevant best practices to the Enterprise Architecture team.

Required Experiences

• Proven experience as an Enterprise Architect with a focus on Software Engineering and Testing.
• In-depth knowledge of software design principles, testing methodologies, and quality assurance practices.
• Strong proficiency in relevant technologies, programming languages, and development frameworks, including API development and management.
• Extensive experience in designing, developing, and managing APIs for scalable, secure applications, emphasizing RESTful services and effective API gateway solutions.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and guide technical teams.
• Experience in creating and maintaining documentation for software architectures and designs, including comprehensive API specifications and architecture diagrams.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound recommendations based on thorough analysis.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Understanding of technology directions, trends, and strategic business impacts related to the retail industry, particularly in digital transformation.
• Experience leading systems implementations to a successful conclusion, with a specific focus on API-driven architectures and services.
• Clear understanding of the software development lifecycle (SDLC) and project and business process management methodologies and tools, including those relevant to continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and presentation skills.
• Ability to serve as a change agent and influence business direction.
• Ability to work effectively in a global and matrixed environment.

Qualification

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering or related discipline/experience preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years of IT experience in an architecture role responsible for both business systems support and the successful delivery and deployment of IT technology-based solutions.
• Well-versed in Enterprise Architecture, including network, data, application, system, integration and business architecture.
• TOGAF Certification or other architecture professional certification a plus.