Principle Technology Architect

Job description

As the Leader of Solution Architecture, you will be a key leader accelerating Deckers technology transformation by driving the transition toward cloud-native, API-first, composable and modular enterprise platforms. You will define the target-state architecture for core applications leveraging modern integration frameworks, microservices, event-driven patterns, and containerized deployments to increase agility, scalability, and resiliency. You will architect and guide the implementation of cloud platforms (AWS/Azure), leveraging serverless capabilities, managed services, and Kubernetes-based workloads to improve performance, reduce operational overhead, and enable faster delivery through automated CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps practices. Your leadership will be instrumental in establishing enterprise-grade integration through an API gateway, service mesh, and standardized API contracts to ensure seamless connectivity between internal systems, partners, and digital channels. This role will also champion the adoption of AI/ML and intelligent automation across planning, forecasting, fulfillment, and financial processes, partnering with data and engineering teams to embed advanced analytics and machine learning models into core applications. You will guide the evolution toward an event-driven and real-time data ecosystem powered by streaming technologies and modern data platforms. 25% Architecture Strategy & Leadership Define and execute the solution architecture strategy for the Core Applications Engineering group in alignment with enterprise technology priorities, cloud transformation goals, and platform modernization initiatives. Establish and communicate a clear target-state architecture covering order management, finance, supply chain, and other mission-critical platforms using cloud-native, modular, and API-first principles. Drive adoption of microservices, domain-driven design, containerization, and event-driven patterns to increase agility, scalability, and resiliency. Ensure all solutions are secure, resilient, performant, and compliant with global and regional standards, embedding security-by-design and operational excellence practices. 25% Enterprise Solution Design & Transformation Lead the design of end-to-end solutions for complex business initiatives, including ERP modernization, enterprise integration platforms, and accelerated cloud adoption (AWS/Azure). Champion modernization of legacy systems into cloud-native, API-driven, microservices-based, and event-based architectures leveraging container orchestration (Kubernetes), serverless capabilities, and managed cloud services. Define and scale enterprise integration through API gateways, service mesh, standardized API contracts, and messaging/streaming platforms to enable real-time data flow and partner connectivity. Identify and evaluate emerging technologies—including AI/ML, automation, and advanced analytics—pilot them in key business processes, and scale solutions that deliver measurable business value. 15% Governance, Standards & Delivery Excellence Define and enforce architectural standards, reference models, and design principles across the Core Applications portfolio, including API lifecycle management, cloud architecture frameworks, and microservices patterns. Provide oversight and guidance to engineering teams during solution delivery to ensure alignment with architecture blueprints, cloud security standards, and integration patterns. Drive continuous improvement in solution performance, observability (logging, monitoring, distributed tracing), cost efficiency, and operational resilience through DevSecOps, automation, and performance engineering practices. Establish design review processes, technical governance forums, and architecture documentation standards to ensure consistent and high-quality delivery. 15% Business Partnership & Stakeholder Influence Serve as a trusted advisor to business and product leaders on solution design, integration strategy, cloud migration paths, and technology innovation opportunities. Collaborate with commercial, finance, supply chain, and operations stakeholders to ensure architecture decisions align with business goals, operational efficiency, and scalability requirements. Translate complex architectural concepts—such as microservices decomposition, API integration models, and cloud modernization approaches—into clear, actionable guidance for senior executives and delivery teams. 20% People Leadership & Capability Building Build, develop, and mentor a high-performing team of solution architects capable of designing and delivering modern, cloud-native enterprise solutions. Promote adoption of agile architecture practices, modern engineering principles, DevSecOps, and design thinking to accelerate delivery and improve quality. Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning across the architecture community, encouraging experimentation with emerging technologies such as AI/ML, automation, and event-driven platforms. Identify leadership talent and succession planning within the team to strengthen organizational capability and sustain architectural excellence.