Job Description

The position of Senior Manager – Solution Architecture Services has accountability for evaluating / researching the digital engagement landscape, governing the architecture / design of digital merchandizing solutions and supporting the implementation of regionally relevant digital solutions. Furthermore, this role enables the identification and implementation of big themes such as omni-channel consumerization and integration with the global eCommerce platform. The role partners with global marketing and cross-functional regional teams to understand the business and technology needs of their markets and to support the implementation of solutions that can be applied globally through common frameworks, deployment guidelines and standards.

The Senior Manager – Solution Architecture Services will also work with multiple teams that include global marketing, business insights, CXD/RSG to identify business direction and execute business cases that can be leveraged by the regions / markets. The role will support the execution of all technical aspects of development, as well as the oversight of the tasks assigned to cross-functional regional teams.  In order for the execution of the above, the role will require strong program/project management responsibilities, including typical software lifecycle activities such as requirements & change management, solution architecture, implementation governance, product testing/QA management, vendor management, release management and deployment management.

The ideal candidate should have a good grasp of the current digital engagement and merchandizing landscapes / trends and their applicability in the QSR industry. He / she should also have the self-direction of translating multiple strategic digital needs into cohesive implementable platforms with the flexibility of enabling local / relevant innovation extensions for these platforms. A comprehensive understanding of the integration of digital solutions with the QSR ecommerce transaction models will be essential.  The role will also manage requirements from multiple stakeholders, analyze cost-benefits of each request to determine optimal plan for program execution, drive the design of global solutions and execute the implementation of these solutions in collaboration with the regional IT and marketing teams. The candidate will also have a proven track record of successful delivery of enterprise level digital solutions and strong experience in working with large global and regional teams driving the activities of the SDLC.

Responsibilities

Digital Merchandising Strategy Development & Execution

·Work with cross-functional, global and regional teams to develop strategic direction for the digital retail space and establish project streams

·Provide technology input on key digital strategies and implementation approaches

·Partner with global and regional marketing / IT teams to define and prototype digital solutions

·Collaborate to establish project stream priority and provide program level oversight for execution of a portfolio of digital projects

Technical Assessments of Digital Technologies

·Oversee the execution of digital concept assessments with internal and vendor teams

·Work with the business teams to compile assessment findings, technical blueprints and high-level point-of-view documentation

Solution Architecture

·Work with retail architects to design solutions and understand the global store impact for internal and externally created solutions

·Lead project teams in business, technical and architecture reviews and stakeholder signoffs

Global Digital Standards & Guidelines

·Work with retail architects to understand global commonalities and areas for global standards

·Lead efforts with cross functional teams to establish global standards and guidelines across multiple functions, including technology, marketing and restaurant design

·Collaborate with cross-functional teams to communicate, socialize and update living standards and guidelines

Cross-Functional and Program Alignment

·Work with cross-functional teams, including global marketing, business insights, concept and design and restaurant technology to update program progress, as well as identify potential risks and shifts in direction

·Provide tailored updates to project teams and senior and executive level management via status reporting, project dashboards as well as project and steering meetings

·Identify, assess and communicate system impacts to digital development, in addition to impacts to digital solutions from other system development

Vendor Management and Industry Assessments

·Work with Global Digital, market IT and procurement teams to conduct vendor RFI, RFP and assessments

·Collaborate with global and regional IT teams to compile technical specifications and requirements for technical and industry assessments

·Maintain thought leadership and the impact of technology trends on corporate IT departments

Program/Project Management Skills

·Collaborate with internal teams and lead development efforts where necessary for the following

o   Cost-Benefit Analysis

o   Business Case Development

·Manage all aspects of SDLC (not limited to the following):

o   Estimate and Cost Management

o   Communication Management

o   Requirements Management

o   Solution Architecture/Design Oversight

o   Risk Management

o   Issue Management

o   QA Management

o   Release and Deployment Management

o   Change Management

o   Vendor Management

o   Deployment Management

Minimum Requirements

·10+ years relevant IT SDLC experience delivering a broad range of technical solutions

·5+ years of global IT experience in managing large-scale technology implementations in a leadership role, directly managing staff of project managers, BA resources and development teams.

·5+ years of program management experience in successfully executing multiple projects and work streams with experience in all stages of the SDLC

·3+ years of working with large global and distributed regional teams in implementing digital merchandising solutions

·PMP certification is strongly preferred, with experience in other project management methodologies that cover both structured as well as iterative (Agile) development

·Experience and expertise with front-end creative / concept solution design and implementation of backend solutions to support these concepts.

·Demonstrated leader with experience motivating project teams towards successful project results.

·Ability to assemble and clearly present technical information to both technical and non-technical teams.

·Highly competent communicator who can successfully interact and lead multi-market project teams, sponsors, senior management, business partners and vendors in a global environment

·Excellent verbal and written communications and presentation skills, with the proven ability to influence, negotiate and drive solution outcomes 

·Proven ability to quickly identify project objectives and define optimal project approach to align business needs with overall program success

·Experience working with marketing and user experience design teams in the development and deployment of technical solutions

·Proven ability to work in fast-paced, often changing environments.

·Entrepreneurial spirit with ability to self-manage and motivate to meet the needs of multiple engagements across varying priorities

·Experience in retail/restaurant technology is strongly preferred

·Willingness to travel internationally

The McDonald’s Retail Technology team provides architecture, design and technology direction for global digital engagements such as digital menu boards, nutrition integration and digital media / content distribution, while enabling flexibility for markets to source and implement locally relevant and competitive digital solutions. This technology design and direction framework provides our markets the core technology capabilities and support that is required to be current in the evolving digital engagement space and the ability to innovate to improve their overall customer engagement models and experiences.