Application Systems Architect (IT)

KnitWell Group • Pataskala, OH

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Application Systems Architect to play a critical role in transforming and scaling our technology platform across our eight distinctive brands. This position will be instrumental in architecting unified yet flexible architecture that honor each brand's unique identity while leveraging shared infrastructure and capabilities to drive operational excellence and customer experience innovation. As a key member of our technology architecture team, you will architect platforms & systems that serve millions of customers across multiple touchpoints—physical stores, e-commerce, mobile apps, and emerging channels. You'll work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where your expertise will directly impact the growth trajectory of America's most beloved women's fashion brands.

Requirements

• Minimum 7+ years of hands-on experience in IT Systems architecture and implementation
• Education & Certifications: bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related technical field
• MANDATORY: Multi-brand systems architecture — proven track record designing and implementing technical solutions & systems across multiple brands, business units within a single organization
• Full lifecycle implementation experience with at least 2-3 major enterprise platforms.
• Proven success delivering large-scale, mission-critical systems architecture and solutions serving millions of customers
• Experience with high-transaction-volume retail environments (peak traffic handling, seasonal demand)
• Technical Systems architecture including expertise in platforms, multi-brand architecture, and cloud platforms
• Leadership & Collaboration skills: Collaborative mindset with ability to work across brands, functions, and geographies, Strategic thinking balanced with hands-on technical problem-solving, Comfortable working in fast-paced, agile environments with evolving priorities and Exceptional communication skills with ability to influence technical and business stakeholders

Nice To Haves

• Women's specialty apparel retail experience strongly preferred — understanding of women's fashion retail dynamics, sizing complexities, seasonal merchandising, and customer engagement strategies

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture governance, design reviews, and technical standards across the organization
• Evaluate and recommend platforms, technologies, and vendor partnerships
• Develop and maintain technology roadmaps that align with business strategy and industry best practices
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend solutions that enhance operational efficiency and competitive advantage
• Create architectural standards, guidelines, and frameworks for system development and integration
• Develop architectural frameworks that balance centralized efficiency with decentralized brand autonomy, allowing each brand (Ann Taylor, Chico's, Lane Bryant, LOFT, Soma, Talbots, White House Black Market, Haven Well Within) to maintain its unique identity and customer relationship
• Design efficient architecture standards and best practices that can operate independently per brand or leverage cross-brand opportunities
• Develop API-first, microservices-based architectures that enable agility and scalability
• Implement disaster recovery, business continuity, and high-availability architectures
• Partner with fellow architects across security, database, networking and cloud/infra cross functional work streams, brand leaders, and executive team on technology roadmap and strategic initiatives
• Lead proof-of-concept initiatives to validate architectural decisions

Benefits

• You will be eligible to receive a merchandise discount at select KnitWell Group brands, subject to each brand’s discount policies.
• Support for your individual development plus opportunities for career mobility within our family of brands.
• A culture of giving back – local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities.
• Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Time off – paid time off & holidays.
• Any job offer will consider factors such your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills.
• Eligibility of certain benefits and associate programs are subject to employment type and role.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level