Principal Enterprise Architect - Hybrid - Quaker Houghton

Company Overview:

At Quaker Houghton, we are experts in the development, production and application of chemical specialties, process fluids, lubricants, and coatings for the manufacturing industry. We have been an integral part in the growth of the world’s largest industrial companies and to this day our experience and expertise show in the actions and dedication of our Associates worldwide. Today, we have a global presence, with our corporate headquarters located in Conshohocken, PA. Quaker Houghton is a global publicly traded company with a unique collaborative culture that supports career growth for its associates and offers competitive compensation and benefit programs.

Position Summary:

The Principal Enterprise Architect is a newly established role within our global Digital Information Technology (DIT) organization, focused on developing an enterprise architecture practice that aligns with our strategic goals and operational agility.

Reporting directly to the VP of DIT Strategy and Governance, this role is responsible for overseeing the digital landscape, guiding solution direction, defining domain architecture, and conducting architecture assessments.

The Principal Enterprise Architect will ensure that application and platform selection, as well as lifecycle management, are conducted efficiently, with a focus on streamlined processes and support for the organization's dynamic needs.

Accountabilities

Digital Landscape Oversight:

• Define and maintain an overarching view of the organization’s digital landscape, ensuring that it supports strategic business objectives and integrates seamlessly with existing systems.
• Inventory and map all digital assets and their interactions, thereby providing a foundation for strategic decision-making.

Solution Direction and Strategy:

• Provide strategic direction and guidance for solution development and implementation, ensuring alignment with both short-term and long-term business and DIT objectives.
• Select appropriate technologies and methodologies that deliver optimal outcomes and performance.
• Establish and promote architectural standards and best practices across the lifecycle of IT solutions

Domain Architecture Development:

• Design and define the architecture for specific business domains, such as sales, operations, and customer service, ensuring that the IT infrastructure supports these business processes effectively. Create detailed models that describe the structure, interaction, and dependency of systems within each domain, facilitating clear decision-making and integration.

Architecture Assessments:

• Conduct thorough reviews of existing digital architecture to identify areas for improvement, integration, or rationalization, ensuring that IT infrastructure remains agile and capable of supporting business changes. Actively participate in projects for vendor, technology, platform selection, assessing the architecture of candidate solutions for compatibility and fit with the organization's needs.

Lifecycle Management:

• Oversee the entire lifecycle of applications and platforms, from selection and deployment to maintenance and retirement, focusing on maximizing value and efficiency.

Innovation and Technology Exploration:

• Lead the exploration and proof of concept (POC) projects for emerging technologies. Investigate new innovations that could enhance business processes or introduce strategic advantages, ensuring the organization stays ahead in a competitive landscape.

Enterprise Architecture Solution Alignment

• Partner with the Cybersecurity and Compliance team to reduce risks associated with digital and technology initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Business Technology Solutions (BTS) teams on solution lifecycle and vendor selection to ensure alignment with architectural standards and business goals.
• Work closely with Infrastructure & Operations (I&O) to assess and ensure infrastructure fit for new and existing technologies.
• Partner with the Data and Analytics team to ensure that we implement solutions that are modern, well-constructed and easy to adopt and support.

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field. Certifications in enterprise architecture frameworks are highly beneficial.

At least 7-10 years of experience in IT architecture, with a strong track record in the strategic implementation of enterprise architecture within a global organization.

Skills

• Expert knowledge of enterprise architecture frameworks, principles, and practices.
• Expertise in system integration, cloud computing, data architecture, software development and security architecture.
• Drive to stay up to date on emerging technologies and strategic mindset to see the possibilities with the ability to inspire others on the potential
• Agile mindset, adept at promoting innovation and adapting to change while ensuring architectural viability.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of articulating complex architectural concepts and strategies to a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical abilities for problem-solving and translating business needs into technology solutions.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance architectural decisions with business outcomes.

What's in it for you:

• Competitive pay programs with excellent career growth trajectory
• Hybrid work environment
• Opportunities to see your efforts contribute toward the success of the business
• Work for a global leader in the industrial process fluids industry
• On-site Fitness Center and Cafeteria

Quaker Houghton is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse workforce. Quaker Houghton provides equal employment opportunity for all qualified candidates. Quaker Houghton does not discriminate against any candidate for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, veteran’s status, physical/mental disability, genetic information, or any other category protected by U.S federal, state, and/or local employment law. Furthermore, Quaker Houghton is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates with physical and/or mental disabilities. Applicants with a disability who need assistance applying for a position may emailOneHR@quakerhoughton.com.