Chief Application Architect - Military veterans preferred

We invite you to be part of our team of trailblazers dedicated to helping people discover and enjoy the outside. Come join us. Because on the inside we’re all outsiders. And if it’s outside, we’re all in.

L.L.Bean is currently searching for a Chief Application Architect, to join the Information Services team located in Freeport, Maine.

* Hybrid only

As the Chief Application Architect, you will be responsible for leading and overseeing the IT Applications architecture strategy and technical direction. You will play a critical role in designing, developing, and maintaining scalable and innovative software solutions. As a key member of the Application IT leadership team, you will collaborate with stakeholders to define the architectural roadmap and ensure alignment with business objectives.

This role owns long-term technical vision and application roadmaps and is responsible for implementing the vision through the course of enterprise-wide projects by collaborating with Development and Business teams.

Jointly with Development leadership, the chief IT Applications Architect develops, promotes, and governs architecture principles, standards and strategies, practices and processes, development technologies, coaches’ development leads, application architects, system analysts and other technical stakeholders.

Essential Functions:

• Own the application suite end-to-end architecture vision and roadmap.

• Lead a team of architects and engineers in designing and implementing scalable, reliable, and secure software solutions.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand business strategies and translate them into technical roadmaps and solutions.

• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, frameworks, and tools to support the organization's goals.

• Drive the adoption of best practices, standards, and architectural principles across the organization.

• Provide guidance and mentorship to architects and engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning.

• Stay updated with emerging technologies, industry trends, and advancements in software architecture, development tools and processes and methodologies.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure effective integration and interoperability of systems.

• Conduct architectural reviews and provide recommendations for improvement.

• Identify and mitigate risks related to software architecture and design.

• Engage with external partners, vendors, and industry experts to leverage their expertise and stay informed about industry best practices.

• Mentor and lead other Architects and technologists.

• Collaborates with IT service teams (e.g., Infrastructure, Security, Enterprise Information) to ensure application/development practices and processes align with their standards/requirements. Directly supports regulatory and compliance efforts as applicable to application systems.

• Core team participant on major cross functional efforts to ensure end-to-end design cohesion and consistency.

• In partnership with Program/Project Managment and sponsors, deliver project assignments on time, within budget and with high quality.

• As Chief IT Application Architect, all IT Applications will be accountable, either directly, or indirectly, to you.

• Partner with the IS Security and Compliance teams to ensure applications and application development teams are educated and informed of security best practices, cyber threats, regulations and standards, such as PCI, NIST, etc., and that application designs and implementations are applicably compliant.

Qualifications:

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or above in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field

• 10+ years of experience in software development, with a focus on architecture design

• Proven experience as a Chief Architect or in a similar leadership role

• Strong technical expertise in designing and implementing scalable, cloud-based solutions.

• Proficiency in multiple programming languages and frameworks

• In-depth knowledge of cloud technologies and architectures (e.g., GCP)

• Familiarity with modern software development practices, including Agile methodologies.

• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.

• Proficient with security principles and best practices in software development

• Previous experience in leading architecture transformation initiatives

• Broad knowledge across data engineering (e.g., ETL/ELT, data modeling), data governance (e.g., data modeling, data classification, data catalog and lineage), batch and real-time streaming data platforms and cloud services (e.g., GCS, BigQuery,).

• Expertise in Web Services (REST), API Design, Service Oriented Architecture (SOA), Cloud Computing Platforms (e.g., GCP) and Containerization Technologies (e.g., Kubernetes)

• Extensive experience in the design, development, and delivery of software products with a large user base.

• Strong track record in an architect role with large-scale software development data backed services and applications.

• A clear vision for architecture design and great communication skills to articulate that to all levels of stakeholders.

• Have strong business acumen to be able to bridge technical and business priorities.

• Track record of collaboration and influence - recognized as a great partner for the business and technology teams.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

• Experience managing and building strong partnerships with key vendors.

• Strong organizational skills, ability to guide and lead through change.

• Direct people management responsibilities.

If you care about the outdoors, joining L.L.Bean is a great way to feel good about what you do. Our benefits package makes a good thing even better, with programs and perks designed to support your health and financial goals. Plus, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and re-charging outside are all part of the plan. Because, when it comes to the outside—we’re all in. Visit to learn more.

Being outside brings out the best in us, no matter where we come from or what we believe. At L.L.Bean, we value individual differences and encourage our co-workers to be themselves – because  the uniqueness of each individual makes L.L.Bean better.