Senior Director of Enterprise Architecture & Innovation

Your Leadership.Our Power.Unlimited Potential.Taylor Corporation has big plans for the future and we need talented leaders to get us there. We power the world’s leading brands ― and our employees’ careers ― by unlocking potential everywhere we see it. If you love to lead, are open to new ideas and inspire the best in others, we should talk. We’re passionate about our work, we believe there is always a better way, and we’re looking for professionals like you. Want to be part of something powerful? It’s time to look at Taylor. Your Opportunity: Taylor Corporation is looking for a Senior Director of Enterprise Architecture & Innovation to join their team! The Senior Director of Enterprise Architecture & Innovation is a senior technology leader of Taylor IT COE, responsible for defining and governing enterprise-wide architecture standards, driving modernization and innovation of our application portfolio, and establishing an integrated DevOps, Security, and Financial operating model (DevSecFinOps).The Senior Director ensures modernization and innovation efforts translate into repeatable, scalable engineering capabilities. The core mandate of this role is to establish modular composable architecture framework and DevSecFinOps practices to drive our modernization efforts to rearchitect legacy applications and lead innovation initiatives.Work Authorization: To be considered for the Taylor opportunities, candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship. Key Responsibilities:1. Enterprise Architecture Strategy & GovernanceDefine and maintain enterprise architecture (EA) frameworks, standards, and reference architecture across business domains (application, data, infrastructure, and integration).Establish modular composable architecture like MACH (Microservices, API‑first, Cloud‑Native, Headless) and AI-first SDLC practices.Collaborate with Governance Committee and Architecture Review Board (ARB) to ensure compliance with standards.Develop and enforce architecture principles, design patterns, creating capability maps, technology selection criteria, and future-state architecture roadmaps.Provide architectural oversight for major programs, ensuring scalability, interoperability, and long-term sustainability.2. Reference Architecture & Standards DevelopmentLead the development and adoption of enterprise reference architectures for on-prem and cloud applications, eCommerce & digital platforms, data, integration, and security.Standardize technology stacks, APIs, and integration patterns (e.g., microservices, event-driven architecture).Define best practices for hybrid/multi-cloud environments and platform engineering.Ensure alignment with regulatory, compliance, and cybersecurity requirements.3. DevSecFinOps Operating ModelEstablish and scale a unified DevSecFinOps model integrating development practices, security posture, and cost optimization across Taylor.Drive adoption of AI-first software engineering practices, CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure-as-code (IaC), automated testing, and release management frameworks.Embed security controls into development workflows and SDLC processes.Drive FinOps discipline, including cloud and AI cost governance, usage optimization, and financial transparency.Define KPIs and dashboards for engineering productivity, security posture, and cost optimization.4. Application Portfolio ModernizationAssess current application landscape and define modernization strategies (rehost, replatform, refactor, retire, replace).Lead transformation toward Microservices, API-first, cloud-native, and composable architectures.Reduce technical debt and eliminate redundant or underperforming systems.Partner with business stakeholders to prioritize modernization initiatives based on value and risk.Establish modernization playbooks, tooling, and migration frameworks.5. Innovation & Emerging TechnologyIdentify, evaluate, and incubate emerging technologies (Spec-Driven Development, AI/ML, Agentic AI, automation, data platforms, etc.).Drive innovation programs, including proofs of concept (POCs) and pilot initiatives.Collaborate with product, engineering, and business teams to translate innovation into scalable solutions.Build partnerships with technology vendors, startups, and system integrators.6. Cross-Functional LeadershipPartner with CIO, CISO, and other IT/Business leaders to align architecture strategy with organizational goals.Mentor architects and engineering teams, fostering a culture of engineering excellence and continuous improvement.Lead architecture communities of practice and promote knowledge sharing.Influence executive decision-making with data-driven insights and architectural trade-offs.You Must Have:12–15+ years of experience in enterprise architecture, solution architecture, or senior engineering leadership roles.Experience with architecture frameworks such as MACH, TOGAF, Zachman, or similar.Proven track record of leading large-scale digital transformation and modernization initiatives.Deep expertise in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP), microservices, APIs, and distributed systems.Demonstrated success implementing DevOps and integrating security and financial governance practices (DevSecFinOps).Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, compliance, and risk management.Excellent stakeholder management and executive communication skills.We Would Also Prefer:Experience in manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, eCommerce, or enterprise SaaS environments.Experience supporting ERP transformations (e.g., Oracle Fusion, SAP S/4HANA).Certifications in cloud platforms or architecture frameworks.Familiarity with data architecture, analytics platforms, and AI/ML integration.Experience working with global teams and complex organizational structures.Key Competencies:Strategic Thinking & Systems DesignGovernance & Operating Model DesignInnovation LeadershipFinancial & Cost Optimization MindsetRisk Management & Security IntegrationInfluence Without AuthorityChange Leadership & Transformation ExecutionSuccess Metrics (KPIs):Adoption rate of reference architectures and standardsReduction in technical debt and legacy footprintReduction in security vulnerabilities and compliance gapsMeasurable cloud cost optimization and FinOps maturity improvementsAcceleration of application modernization milestonesBusiness satisfaction and alignment with technology outcomesReporting Structure:Reports to: Chief Information Officer (CIO)Direct Reports: Enterprise Architects, Domain Architects, Platform Architects (as applicable)Role Impact:This role is instrumental in shaping Taylor Corps application portfolio across all business units by establishing comprehensive architectural standards and repeatable patterns, governance models, embedding DevSecFinOps practices, and leading modernization at scale. The Senior Director of Enterprise Architecture & Innovation will enable faster innovation, improved resilience, and optimized cost structures—directly contributing to competitive advantage and long-term growth.The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $180,000 - $230,000. The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. The range listed is just one component of Taylor Corporation’s total compensation and benefits package for employees. About Taylor Corporation One of the largest print and communications firms in North America, Taylor’s family of companies provides a diverse set of products, services and technologies that address the toughest business challenges. We work diligently each day to create printed and digital marketing communication solutions that help power many of the world’s most recognizable brands. With more than 50 years of category expertise and 10,000 employees spanning dozens of U.S. states and multiple countries, Taylor serves businesses and distributors both large and small. Our employees enjoy a comprehensive benefit package including a choice of several health plans, dental, vision, wellness programs, life and disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, a 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off (PTO) and 64 hours of annual holiday pay. The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position. Taylor Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.  Taylor Corporation including all partners and affiliates is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.SummaryLocation: Eden Prairie, MN - Taylor Corporation; OH-Remote; TX-Remote; GA-RemoteType: Full time