The Ideal Candidate

To serve as the IT Infrastructure Architect you will design and implement information systems that support enterprise infrastructure for Genesco. A key part of this mission is ensuring we have optimized IT infrastructure for the efficient and secure operation of the company's computing and networking infrastructure - and to do that, we need a qualified and dedicated architect. Preferred candidates will be skilled at identifying pain points and designing or modifying technical solutions to solve company problems. The solution architect will be deeply involved in daily work across all business units, regularly interacting with both stakeholders and subject matter experts.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Design and participate in the development of strategies for the future direction of the company's information management technology infrastructure.
• Define and document architectural standards, patterns, and best practices for cloud and on-premise infrastructure solutions.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand business requirements and translate them into technical solutions that leverage a cloud-first mindset, security and operational excellence.
• Lead infrastructure projects; participate in the company's application development projects as a systems specialist and solution provider, with the overall aim of providing well engineered, secure, and integrated solutions.
• Provide guidance and expertise to infrastructure and development teams; conduct design reviews ensuring adherence to architectural principles and design standards in the implementation of enterprise solutions.
• Drive an automation-first approach for all infrastructure deployments and configuration operations, including mentoring administrators in the use of automation tools and capabilities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including network, security, and operations, to ensure seamless integration of solutions into the overall IT ecosystem.
• Conduct technical evaluations and proofs-of-concept to evaluate software and hardware products from external vendors and report on the same as a technical expert and advisor.
• Work closely with security coordinators and advisers to remediate security risks through technical and procedural endeavors.
• Initiate and implement architecture and design changes, while ensuring that existing infrastructure services are not negatively impacted.
• Manage and monitor data replication/protection and disaster recovery strategies to ensure the recoverability of data and systems in a timely manner and for appropriately defined periods of retention.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in cloud computing and infrastructure architecture.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and advisor to senior leadership on matters related to cloud and infrastructure architecture.

Experience and Skills You'll Need to Have

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum eight years of hands-on infrastructure experience in enterprise infrastructure design, automation, and server administration.
• Broad technical and practical skills with common infrastructure systems including but not limited to: Microsoft Azure, AWS, Linux, Microsoft Windows Server, Virtualization/VMware, server clustering, MS Active Directory, enterprise backup, storage, server hardware, network protocols, DNS/DHCP, general networking concepts.
• Proven ability to build professional relationships with cross functional teams.
• Ability to identify complex problems, review information to develop and evaluate options, then propose solutions is imperative.
• Advanced skills with Microsoft office, including skills with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Visio is necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment with a positive demeanor, generating innovative solutions to complex challenges.
• Troubleshooting and organizational skills with a can-do attitude and the ability to adjust to changing requirements are essential.
• Proven influence and customer service skills including the ability to manage and respond to different organizational situations while maintaining a positive and friendly attitude is essential.
• Security work or collaboration with security policy and compliance teams.
• Working knowledge of the software development lifecycle (SDLC).
• Expertise in building CI/CD pipelines with automated build tools is a plus (Atlassian, Jenkins).
• Strong communication skills, including effective presentation skills.