Director of Architecture - e-Commerce & Digital Retail

The Director of Architecture, e-Commerce & Digital Retail leads architecture strategy and execution for Inspire's global e-commerce and digital retail platforms. This leader owns solution architecture for all guest-facing digital channels, products, and platforms and leads a team of Solution Architects.This critical leadership role requires a strategic thinker with deep technical expertise, a passion for innovation, and the ability to serve as the hands-on architect for select initiatives. The ideal candidate has extensive experience with large-scale, high-performance e-commerce and omnichannel architecture, engineering, and operations; cloud technologies; and the QSR and/or retail industry.This leader is responsible for transforming the Inspire Digital Platform into a scalable, multi-brand, white-labeled platform and driving the integration of Inspire Brands' vertical e-commerce and restaurant technology capabilities into a cohesive Unified Commerce architecture.This role is part of the Architecture & Innovation team and reports directly to the Vice President - Architecture & Innovation.RESPONSIBILITIESStrategic LeadershipDevelop and lead a cohesive architecture strategy for e-commerce and digital retail platformsCollaborate with executive leadership to align architectural initiatives and designs with business objectivesDrive innovation and digital transformation efforts across the organizationArchitecture DevelopmentDesign and implement scalable, secure, and highly performant architectural solutionsEnsure architectural alignment with business goals, industry and company standards, and best practicesOversee the development and maintenance of architectural documentation, standards, and guidelinesTeam Leadership and CollaborationLead a team of architects while fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvementCollaborate with cross-functional teams, including product management, engineering, operations, and marketing, while providing thought leadership and supportMentor and develop team members, promoting knowledge sharing and professional growthTechnology and InnovationStay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends, evaluating their potential impact on the businessDrive the adoption of modern technologies and best practices, including API-driven architectures, cloud computing, and microservicesChampion the use of data and analytics to drive decision-making and enhance customer experiencesProject and Vendor ManagementManage complex architectural efforts and projects from conception through implementation, ensuring timely and successful deliveryManage relationships with external vendors and partners, ensuring alignment with architectural goalsMonitor and report architecture progress, risks, and outcomes to senior leadershipEDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS10+ years of experience in solutions architecture and engineering, with a focus on e-commerce and digital retail6+ years of leaderships experience, including mentoring, coaching, and developing team members4-year Degree in computer science, information systems, or related field; Advanced degree preferredREQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, OR ABILITIESExpert knowledge and experience architecting, designing, and implementing large-scale e-commerce, retail, and omnichannel solutions for restaurant (QSR), retail, and/or hospitality companiesProven expertise designing scalable, secure, and highly performant architectural solutionsAbility to develop and lead architecture strategy for e-commerce and digital retail platformsDeep knowledge and understanding of cloud technologiesExcellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence engineers, peers, and executive stakeholdersStrong understanding of security, compliance, and data privacy requirements in a global contextThorough understanding of modern IT practices such as DevOps, Continuous Delivery, Agile, Lean, and Design ThinkingProven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple prioritiesDemonstrated skills leveraging agile methodologies and project management best practicesStrong skills evaluating emerging technologies and industry trends that may impact the businessDeep knowledge of API-driven architectures, cloud computing, microservices, data, and analyticsStrong knowledge and masterful application of modern application, integration, and data practices and patterns, such as Domain-Driven Design, Event-Driven Architecture, Microservices, CQRS, circuit breaker, and bulkhead patternsAbility to work cross functionally and collaborate with product management, engineering, operations, marketing, external vendors, and senior leadershipThis position is based in our Atlanta Support Center, with an expected on-site presence of 80%.Inspire is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 33,300 Arby's, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin', Jimmy John's, and SONIC restaurants worldwide. We're made up of some of the world's most iconic restaurant brands, but we're much more than just a restaurant company. We're a team of hundreds of thousands who individually and collectively are changing the way people eat, drink, and gather around the table. We know that food is much more than a staple—it's an experience. At Inspire, that's our purpose: to ignite and nourish flavorful experiences.