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, ensuring alignment with the larger goals of Costco 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, with responsibilities spanning business capabilities, technology, data, infrastructure, networking, security, and AI architectures. You will develop and execute IT strategies, ensure architectural alignment with business objectives, and foster innovation and operational excellence.

As a leader, you will model Costco’s values and guiding principles, fostering a culture of engagement, trust, and 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 and deliverables while aligning team actions with company and IT Division goals.
• Develop and execute IT strategies, roadmaps, and architectural blueprints that align with business objectives.
• Oversee the architectural practice, including business capabilities, technology, data, infrastructure, networking, security, and AI architectures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive business value through technology and modernized solutions.
• Communicate technical strategy, architecture, standards, and constraints to business stakeholders.
• Conduct regular governance reviews of architecture and engineering design and implementation 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 new and emerging technologies into the enterprise architecture.
• Hold monthly 1:1 meetings with employees to set performance expectations and provide coaching and feedback.
• Conduct yearly performance reviews and provide regular training and professional development opportunities.
• Review applicant submissions, conduct interviews, and make hiring recommendations.
• Respond to employee concerns using problem-solving skills, tact, and discretion in accordance with company policies.
• 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.
• Support off-hours work, including weekends, holidays, and 24/7 on-call responsibilities on a rotational basis.

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 aligned with business objectives.
• Domain experience across multiple architectural domains:
  • Application Architecture: Designing and integrating complex software systems, microservices, APIs, and enterprise applications.
  • Data Architecture: Data modeling, data governance, data warehousing, ETL, and data 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, understanding data pipelines for AI, and MLOps.
• Understanding and practical application of industry-standard EA frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman, ArchiMate).
• Experience working with international teams and managing projects that drive international growth.
• Experience developing strategies with cross-functional teams across a variety of 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 and quality.
• Completion of required training within specified timeframes (HIPAA Training, 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).
• Proven expertise in collaborating with technical teams, vendors, and all levels of management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose complex issues and propose effective solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain self-control in high-pressure or hostile situations.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that encourages diverse approaches and ideas.

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).