Enterprise Architect – Integration

We are on the journey to transform our digital capabilities, bringing core business processes, people, data & technology together - an enabler for IKEA to become an even better home furnishing retailer in the future. A journey that needs passionate people who embrace change, dare to question and want to make a difference. If that sounds like you, come and join us. Together we can do great things!

About the area

Inter IKEA Group is organised in three core businesses - Range, Supply and Retail Concept - and five enabling functions. Together we contribute to the success of IKEA and share responsibility for the franchise offer.

The enabling functions lead key common activities in networks across Inter IKEA Group, as well as cover specific needs for the core businesses. The five Enabling functions are Operations Management, Business Performance & Support, Communication, Sustainability and People & Culture.

About the job

The purpose of this position is to lead the development of strategic systems strategy and IT architecture (strategic blueprints, roadmaps, migration, application integration, standards and methods for Applications, Information and Technology), that enables the achievement of Inter IKEA Groups’ strategic and tactical plans.

As an Enterprise Architect – Integrations at Inter IKEA, you will be instrumental in shaping and implementing our technology strategy, with a specific focus on Integration. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and optimise systems that enhance performance, scalability, and data management capabilities.

You will be responsible for setting the future direction of these capabilities, outlining a roadmap that meets the strategic needs of Inter IKEA Group and working with the relevant teams to assure their delivery.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with IT leaders, other Enterprise Architects across business functions and across Inter Ikea Group, and leaders in the business to document IT capability requirements as part of on-going planning and governance.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand business requirements and translate them into effective middleware and data platform solutions.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive technology architecture strategy aligned with organizational goals and objectives.
• Lead and guide teams in the design, implementation, and optimization of Integration architecture and platforms.
• Define and implement best practices for integration, ensuring seamless communication between diverse systems.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies in integration platforms, providing recommendations for adoption.
• Assess existing integration infrastructure regularly, proposing enhancements and optimizations to improve efficiency.
• Deliver Enterprise IT strategic roadmaps for Integration Platforms (3+ year forward looking view) that are focused on technology capabilities for Business, Information (data) and Technology solutions.
• Ensure that roadmaps reflect invest/divest, retirement, and consolidation strategies for systems globally and that industry best practices and benchmarks are incorporated into deliverables.
• Partner with IT functions and their solution architects to design integrated IT solutions (including the build vs. buy decision) that translate business capability requirements and adhere to established global IT technology standards (infrastructure, application, integration, data).
• Provide Architecture consulting to solution architects within delivery/execution teams (design, build/test, conversion/cutover) for business and technical projects across the globe.
• Provide analysis and recommendations, via benchmarks and external industry point of view, on enterprise department performance for “Run and Maintain”.
• Act as informal mentor and coach to Domain/Solution Architects within other IT teams.
• Work directly with external vendors and advisory agencies to bring relevant best practices to the Enterprise Architecture team.

About you

You are enthusiastic about creating value through strong IT and Business Architecture and dedicated to advancing IKEA by nurturing relationships and networks while embodying its culture and values. You have a passion for driving innovation through technology to improve everyday life and are motivated by empowering individuals and fostering high-performing teams.

To be successful in this role, the following knowledge, skills and experiences would be valuable:

• Proven experience as an Enterprise Architect with expertise in Integration.
• In-depth knowledge of Integration technologies, data platforms, and integration patterns.
• Strong proficiency in relevant technologies, programming languages, and development frameworks.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and guide technical teams.
• Experience in creating and maintaining documentation for software architectures and designs.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound recommendations based on thorough analysis.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Understanding of technology directions, trends and strategic business impacts related to the retail industry.
• Experience leading systems implementations to a successful conclusion.
• Clear understanding of the software development lifecycle (SDLC) and project and business process management methodologies and tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and presentation skills.
• Ability to serve as a change agent and influence business direction.
• Ability to work effectively in a global and matrixed environment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering or related discipline/experience preferred
• Proficiency in relevant programming languages, scripting, and system integration tools.
• Well-versed in Enterprise Architecture, including network, data, application, system, integration and business architecture.
• TOGAF Certification or other architecture professional certification a plus

More Information

This role is full-time (40-hours per week) and based in Malmo, Sweden or Delft, Netherlands. This role sits in the Technology & Platform area, Data & Technology Architecture Team and reports to the Architecture Manager.

At IKEA, we are looking for people who believe everyone deserves a seat at the table. You’re welcome no matter where you come from, what you believe, and what you look like. We don’t even care how you have furnished your home. We’re interested in you simply because you’re you. Even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. We believe that people’s different perspectives, backgrounds, and personalities make us better at understanding our customers dreams and needs. At IKEA, we’re all on the same project.

If you have a special need that requires accommodation in the recruitment process, just let us know.