Sr IT Architect Merchandising Systems & Processing

• System Software: Evaluate new system software, review system software updates, plan the installation and testing of new versions of system software, troubleshoot software problems and advise on the correct and effective use of system software.
• Systems Design: Manage the system design within the functional area and on programs/projects and ensures adherence to relevant technical strategies, policies, standards and practices (including security).
• Solution Architecture: Lead the development of architectures for complex systems, ensuring consistency with specified requirements agreed with both external and internal customers while balancing between functional, service quality and systems management needs. Ensure that appropriate standards (corporate, industry, national and international) are adhered to.
• Information Management: Develop and communicate the organization's strategy for managing information, ensuring that uniformly recognized and accepted data definitions are developed and applied throughout the organization. Ensure that the business processes and information required to support the organization are defined and devise appropriate standards, processes and data architectures. Evaluate the impact of any relevant statutory, internal or external regulations on the organization's use of information and develop strategies for compliance.
• Innovation/Research: Manage, monitor, and seek opportunities, new methods, trends, capabilities and products to the advancement of the organization.
• IT Governance: Support the work of the governing authority/board, lead the review of management processes (and decisions) for compliance with the organization's strategy for corporate governance of information and develop architecture policies and standards.
• IT Strategy & Planning: Develop policies, standards and guidelines for how the organization conducts IT strategy development and planning and lead the creation or review of an IT strategy which meets the requirements of the business.
• Relationship Management: Develop long-term, strategic relationships with senior stakeholders, maintain a strong understanding of industry and business and act as a subject matter expert on technology.

• Possesses expert knowledge of different Merchandise process and functions like Master data, Integrated planning, Retail demand planning and Assortment planning
• End to End process knowledge of different core Merchandise processes and how they work together
• Experience in Merchandise platforms like O9 or Blue Yonder that provides multiple core Retail merchandising functionalities
• Thorough knowledge on Master data and how it impacts different Materials management transactions
• Knowledge of how core Merchandising platforms interacts with S/4 and impacts of data changes
• Trusted partner on projects, solving problems, influencing decisions, and recommending solutions while considering current and future roadmap direction. Able to evaluate, recommend new tools, technologies, methodologies, and solutions.
• Stays current on Retail Merchandising technology and roadmap
• Partners with IT partners including SAP Technology, Infrastructure, Security and Functional to identify emerging technologies, and evaluate their application value. Able to provide guidance, mentorship to cross-functional technical teams as required.
• Advises on significant level improvements and measurable business benefits by identifying, proposing, initiating, and leading significant programs of improvement.
• Performs the analysis of business processes, including recognition of the potential for automation of the processes, assessment of the costs and potential benefits of the new approaches considered and, where appropriate, management of change, and assistance with implementation.
• Ability to work independently, as a member of a team, or as a team lead. Methodical, hands-on, detail-oriented approach to problem-solving.

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, a related field, or applicable work experience.
• 7+ years as solution architect in core Retail Merchandising landscapes and platforms with experience in integrating with ERP like S4.
• Experience working and architecting solutions on Retail Merchandise platforms
• At least 2 implementations as an architect of core Merchandise process in a retail environment covering Demand planning, Assortment planning, Integrated planning areas.
• Knowledge of Merchandising platforms and areas of Merchandising including Assortment, Demand/Fulfillment/Inventory Optimization; Pricing etc. and its interactions with S/4.
• Demand Planning / Supply Planning and Inventory planning with S/4 Integration.
• Experience in project estimation, project planning, and evaluating staffing needs.
• Experience architecting, planning, managing, delivering, implementing, supporting, training, administering and/or monitoring in any of core Retail Merchandise platforms.
• Strong Proven technical focus, analytical and problem-solving skills. Thorough knowledge of the software development life cycle.
• Experience leading software and vendor evaluations
• Experience presenting solutions and options to leadership, project teams and other stakeholders adapting style to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills and leadership skills
• Ability to work in team in diverse/ multiple stakeholder environments

Ulta Beauty