Manager - Enterprise Architecture

About the Role

Costco IT is responsible for the technical future of Costco Wholesale, the third largest retailer in the world with wholesale operations in fourteen countries. This role is part of the IT Management Team, where you will manage, develop, and lead a team of employees while overseeing team performance and deliverables. As a steward of the company, you will develop and execute your team’s strategic vision and ensure alignment with the larger goals of the company and the IT Division.

The Enterprise Architecture Manager is a strategic leader who collaborates with cross-functional teams to shape, implement, and govern the organization's architectural vision and standards. This role requires expertise in enterprise architecture, strategic planning, and team leadership, overseeing architectural practices across technology, data, infrastructure, networking, security, and AI architectures. You will develop and execute IT strategies, ensure alignment with business objectives, and foster innovation and operational excellence.

As a leader, you will model Costco’s values, foster engagement and trust, and maintain open communication. This is a full-time management/leadership position requiring 45+ hours per week, including off-hours support as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of employees, overseeing performance, deliverables, and strategic execution.
• Develop and implement IT strategies, roadmaps, and architectural blueprints aligned with business objectives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define business capabilities and guide technology, data, infrastructure, networking, security, and AI architectures.
• Conduct regular governance reviews of architecture and engineering design for discovery efforts, products, projects, and programs.
• Facilitate quarterly Architecture and Engineering forums.
• Maintain and support Enterprise Architecture tooling, applications, and budgets.
• Research, evaluate, and integrate emerging technologies into the enterprise architecture.
• Collaborate with peer managers and business stakeholders to drive long-term technical strategies.
• Communicate technical strategy, architecture, standards, and constraints to business stakeholders.
• Facilitate business improvement through modernized solutions while fostering a sense of urgency.
• Hold monthly 1:1 meetings with employees to set performance expectations and provide coaching and feedback.
• Conduct yearly performance reviews and provide professional development opportunities.
• Review applicant submissions, conduct interviews, and make hiring recommendations.
• Respond to employee concerns using problem-solving skills, tact, and discretion.
• Develop and sustain positive working relations with business stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with IS security policies and maintain confidentiality of employee and member information.
• Lead, motivate, and influence diverse teams and stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills to diagnose complex issues and propose solutions.
• Understand business processes and how technology drives business value.
• Model Costco’s culture of engagement, trust, and open communication.
• Adhere to the Code of Ethics and the Standard of Ethics for Managers and Supervisors.
• Provide exceptional member service and ensure staff does the same.
• Manage department coverage, budget, and performance expectations.
• Navigate difficult conversations with employees, members, and suppliers.
• Encourage inclusion, diverse approaches, and employee input in decision-making.
• Support off-hours work, including weekends, holidays, and rotational 24/7 on-call responsibilities.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience managing architecture, solution design, development, and governance teams.
• 3+ years of experience in IT operations, business team management, or application management.
• 3+ years of experience in business relationship management, including executive-level stakeholders.
• 3+ years of experience developing and implementing IT strategies, roadmaps, and architectural blueprints.
• Domain experience across multiple architectural domains, including:
  • Application Architecture: Designing and integrating complex software systems, microservices, APIs, and enterprise applications.
  • Data Architecture: Data modeling, governance, warehousing, ETL, and analytics platforms.
  • Infrastructure Architecture: On-premise, cloud, hybrid cloud environments, virtualization, containerization, and automation.
  • Networking Architecture: Network design, security, connectivity, and performance.
  • Security Architecture: Cybersecurity principles, identity and access management, data protection, and compliance (GDPR, CCPA, SOX, GLBA).
  • AI/ML Architecture: Designing and implementing AI/ML solutions, data pipelines, and MLOps.
• Understanding and practical application of industry-standard EA frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman, ArchiMate).
• Experience working with international teams and managing projects driving international growth.
• Experience developing strategies with cross-functional teams across disciplines.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects concurrently.
• Proven self-starter with the ability to work under limited supervision.
• Strong business acumen, data analysis, and ability to build business cases.
• High-level understanding of international compliance and regulatory landscape.
• Strong organizational, negotiation, and communication skills with attention to detail.
• Completion of required training within specified timeframes (HIPAA, Supervisors Orientation, Leadership Development 101, Costco Pay Policies).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field (recommended).

Benefits

• Comprehensive package including paid time off.
• Health benefits: medical, dental, vision, hearing aid, pharmacy, behavioral health, and employee assistance.
• Health care reimbursement account and dependent care assistance plan.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• AD&D insurance and life insurance.
• 401(k) and stock purchase plan for eligible employees.

Pay

Pay Range: $137,000 - $200,000, with eligibility for bonus and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).