Senior Director of Enterprise Architecture & Innovation

Taylor Communications•Eden Prairie, MN

About The Position

Taylor Corporation is seeking a Senior Director of Enterprise Architecture & Innovation, a senior technology leader in Taylor IT COE. The role defines and governs enterprise-wide architecture standards, modernizes and innovates the application portfolio, and establishes an integrated DevSecFinOps operating model. Its core mandate is to build modular, composable architecture frameworks and DevSecFinOps practices that support legacy application rearchitecture and scalable innovation. The position leads enterprise architecture strategy and governance across application, data, infrastructure, and integration domains; develops reference architectures and technology standards for on-premises and cloud environments; and guides adoption of cloud-native, API-first, microservices, and related practices. It also establishes DevSecFinOps capabilities spanning software engineering, security, and cost optimization, and leads application portfolio assessments and modernization strategies. The Senior Director identifies and tests emerging technologies, helps turn successful pilots into scalable solutions, and works with business and technology leaders to align architecture with organizational goals. The role reports to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and may have Enterprise Architects, Domain Architects, and Platform Architects as direct reports. It is instrumental in establishing repeatable architectural standards and governance, embedding DevSecFinOps, and leading modernization across Taylor business units.

Requirements

12–15+ years of experience in enterprise architecture, solution architecture, or senior engineering leadership roles.
Experience with architecture frameworks such as MACH, TOGAF, Zachman, or similar.
Proven track record leading large-scale digital transformation and modernization initiatives.
Deep expertise in cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP, as well as microservices, APIs, and distributed systems.
Demonstrated success implementing DevOps and integrating security and financial governance practices (DevSecFinOps).
Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, compliance, and risk management.
Excellent stakeholder management and executive communication skills.
Authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience in manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, eCommerce, or enterprise SaaS environments.
Experience supporting ERP transformations, such as Oracle Fusion or SAP S/4HANA.
Certifications in cloud platforms or architecture frameworks.
Familiarity with data architecture, analytics platforms, and AI/ML integration.
Experience working with global teams and complex organizational structures.

Responsibilities

Define and maintain enterprise architecture frameworks, standards, principles, reference architectures, capability maps, technology selection criteria, and future-state roadmaps.
Establish modular, composable architecture practices, including MACH and AI-first software development lifecycle practices.
Collaborate with the Governance Committee and Architecture Review Board to ensure architecture standards are followed.
Provide architectural oversight for major programs, with attention to scalability, interoperability, and long-term sustainability.
Develop and promote reference architectures for on-premises and cloud applications, eCommerce and digital platforms, data, integration, and security.
Standardize technology stacks, APIs, integration patterns, and practices for hybrid and multi-cloud environments and platform engineering.
Ensure architecture aligns with regulatory, compliance, and cybersecurity requirements.
Establish and scale a unified DevSecFinOps model integrating development practices, security posture, and cost optimization.
Drive AI-first software engineering practices, CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure-as-code, automated testing, and release management frameworks.
Embed security controls into development workflows and SDLC processes.
Drive cloud and AI cost governance, usage optimization, and financial transparency; define KPIs and dashboards for engineering productivity, security posture, and cost optimization.
Assess the application landscape and define modernization strategies, including rehosting, replatforming, refactoring, retiring, or replacing systems.
Lead transformation toward microservices, API-first, cloud-native, and composable architectures; reduce technical debt and redundant or underperforming systems.
Partner with business stakeholders to prioritize modernization initiatives based on value and risk, and establish modernization playbooks, tooling, and migration frameworks.
Identify, evaluate, and incubate emerging technologies, including Spec-Driven Development, AI/ML, Agentic AI, automation, and data platforms.
Lead innovation programs, proofs of concept, and pilot initiatives, and collaborate with product, engineering, and business teams to scale successful solutions.
Build partnerships with technology vendors, startups, and system integrators.
Partner with the CIO, CISO, and IT and business leaders to align architecture strategy with organizational goals.
Mentor architects and engineering teams, lead architecture communities of practice, and promote knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
Influence executive decision-making with data-driven insights and architectural trade-offs.