Group Director, Software Engineering

• 20+ years of experience in software engineering, with a proven track record of software architecture and design leadership.
• 5+ years leading highly technical teams successfully.
• Strong background in designing and implementing large-scale, distributed, and highly available software systems.
• Expertise in software architecture patterns, design principles, and best practices.
• Proficiency in multiple programming languages and technology stacks.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and mentor engineering teams.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams and driving technical initiatives from concept to delivery.
• In-depth knowledge of emerging technologies and industry trends in the technology space.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, with a focus on practical solutions that balance technical excellence with business needs.
• Proven track record of driving innovation and technical excellence within a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Requirement And Scoping Analysis:

Requires knowledge of:

• Risk analysis methodologies; Cost Analysis; Business objectives; Classification of requirements; Domain Knowledge; User stories concepts; Functional / Non-Functional Requirements; Scoping and Estimation
• To analyze the requirements / updates / modifications for alignment with business objectives and priorities. Articulate the impact of the proposed solution on business and its ability to address requirements. Mediate conflicting requirements of the various stakeholders. Guide teams to assess feasibility of new requirements. Prioritize the product/solution requirements to drive creation of Minimum viable Product (MVP) to meet the core requirements. Proactively identify areas for product enhancements, new features and updates based on customer requirements/ feedback. Contribute to the creation of user stories for complex requirements across the domain (For agile methodology). Direct and guide scoping for epics and user stories, make decisions on trade offs

Solution Design:

Requires knowledge of:

• Software architecture; Distributed systems; Scalability; Design patterns; Disaster Recovery; Tech Stacks; Minimum Viable Product- MVP; Non-Functional Requirements; Detailed Design
• To create simple, modular, extensible and functional design in adherence to the requirements for multiple products/solutions within a domain.
• Understand Customer requirements and analyze the gaps between existing architecture and customer requirements. Analyze system performance impacting the complete product for non-functional requirements like reliability, operability, performance efficiency and security.
• Create detailed design using mock screens, pseudo codes and detailed functional logic of the modules for an entire product. Finalize the tech stack (For example MEAN, LAMP etc) - for products/systems based on the business needs. Review the MVP to uncover risks and check for performance and usability; guide the team during MVP creation. Drive design of software, production and pre-production environments and deployment pipeline to continuously generate records for telemetry.

Coding:

Requires knowledge of:

• Coding standards and guidelines; Coding languages (eg JavaScript, Python, C# etc), frameworks(eg ActiveX,Dotnet, Cocoa, Android application framework etc), tools(eg Monday.com, Linx, Embold etc) and Platforms (eg Microsoft Azure, Apple IOS etc);Quality, Safety and Security (PCI etc) standards; Emerging tools and technologies; Telemetry; CI / CD; Code Management Tools; SDLC; Secure SDL frameworks and tools
• To select appropriate frameworks (eg, ActiveX, Dotnet, Cocoa, Android application framework etc), platforms (Microsoft Azure, AWS, Apple IOS etc), and environments for software coding/configuration and scripting (Applicable to IC & PL). Guide the team on coding patterns, languages and frameworks in line with evolving trends in the industry (Ex: reactive vs. imperative etc) and drive scalability and security (Applicable to IC & PL). Drive Implementation of telemetry features by determining data/metrics requirement within the domain (Applicable to IC & PL). Support ad-hoc reviews of software code to ensure baseline mitigations for known risks. (Applicable only to IC). Create/configure minimalistic code for entire product/system and ensure the product is meeting business requirements, non-functional requirements, low-maintainability, high-availability and high-scalability needs (Applicable only to IC). Conduct code reviews for code developed by the team (Applicable only to IC). Arrange project requirements in programming sequence by analyzing requirements (Applicable only to IC). Drive creation of scripts for automation of repetitive and routine tasks in CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery), Testing or any other process across the domain (Applicable only to IC). Drive security of the Code Base and ensure that no security violations are introduced.
• Testing:
• Requires knowledge of:
• Test case preparation; Test Objectives; Test Strategy; Test types; Test tools (eg - Automation - Selenium, Agile - Jira, Mobile - Eggplant etc); Test Environment; Root cause analysis; Code Coverage; Test Coverage.
• To translate customer requirements into test strategy (Applicable to IC & PL). Determine the testing tools (eg - Automation - Selenium, Agile - Jira, Mobile - Eggplant etc), domains, environments and test types to be employed to achieve testing objectives (Applicable to IC & PL). Select, introduce and implement various tools for testing (Applicable to IC & PL). Identify scope and method of testing for each requirement (Applicable only for IC). Ensure that the test cases cover all the test scenarios (eg, for functionality, performance, security, integration, data migration and accessibility) for the product/solution requirements (Applicable only for IC). Drive execution of test cases to test the code and detect errors and defects for the entire product utilizing relevant test automation techniques (Applicable only for IC). Ensure that the test cases cover all the test scenarios (eg, for functionality, performance, security, integration, data migration and accessibility) for the product/solution requirements (Applicable only for IC). Ensure code coverage for relevant functional area.
• Program Monitoring:
• Requires knowledge of:
• Program metrics; Program Reporting, logging tools and processes; Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CICD)
• To provide inputs to define performance objectives and metrics for tracking completion status of programs across multiple products within a domain. Engage with the relevant stakeholders to design a coherent view on program success metrics. Take proactive decisions in dealing with program risks related to forecasts, budgets and milestones. Strategize on the CICD management while ensuring business objectives are met as per plan.
• Defect Management and Troubleshooting:
• Requires knowledge of:
• Defect life-cycle process, defect tracking tools and methodologies; Defect reporting; Regression testing; Root cause analysis; Root cause corrective action.
• To conduct root cause analysis (RCA) and root cause corrective action (RCCA) to identify the origin of defects/ performance gaps and prevent them from recurring. Track registered issues for the product/solution and prioritize them for resolution. Measure usability of the product/solution as per customer/business requirement after defect fixing and plugging test gaps. Analyze the issues and plan a series of steps which potentially includes reconfiguration, integration, removal or addition of application components to enhance the applications functionality, usability and security.

DevOps Orientation:

• Requires knowledge of:
• Different operating systems; Software maintenance tools and techniques; Application monitoring tools and techniques; Debugging tools; Mock screen; Pseudocodes; Reverse Engineering; Traceability matrix; System performance, security, integration; Data migration and accessibility; Design Methodologies; Telemetry.
• To establish end-to-end processes for application monitoring and support along with traceability matrix. Oversee initiatives for reducing Maintenance Debt for legacy/ declining applications liability, prioritizing urgent requirements and problems. Oversee domain/ multiple initiative level maintenance activities and reviews performance reports and user feedback, considering technical and practical constraints.
• Provides overall direction by analyzing business objectives and customer needs; developing, communicating, building support for, and implementing business strategies, plans, and practices; analyzing costs and forecasts and incorporating them into business plans; determining and supporting resource requirements; evaluating operational processes; measuring outcomes to ensure desired results; identifying and capitalizing on improvement opportunities; promoting a customer environment; and demonstrating adaptability and sponsoring continuous learning.
• Develops and implements strategies to attract and maintain a highly skilled and engaged workforce by diagnosing capability gaps; recruiting, selecting, and developing talent; supporting mentorship, workforce development, and succession planning; and leveraging the capabilities of new and existing talent.
• Cultivates an environment where associates respect and adhere to company standards of integrity and ethics by integrating these values into all programs and practices; developing consequences for violations or non-compliance; and supporting the Open Door Policy.
• Develops and leverages internal and external partnerships and networks to maximize the achievement of business goals by sponsoring and leading key community outreach and involvement initiatives; engaging key stakeholders in the development, execution, and evaluation of appropriate business plans and initiatives; and supporting associate efforts in these areas.

Live our Values - Culture Champion - Models the Walmart values to foster our culture; holds oneself and others accountable; and supports Walmarts commitment to communities, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability; maintains and promotes the highest standards of integrity, ethics and compliance.

• Live our Values - Servant Leadership - Acts as an altruistic servant leader and is consistently humble, self-aware, honest, and transparent.
• Embrace Change - Curiosity & Courage - Demonstrates curiosity and a growth mindset; fosters an environment that supports learning, innovation, and intelligent risk-taking; and exhibits resilience in the face of setbacks.
• Embrace Change - Digital Transformation & Change - Drives continuous improvements, supervises the adoption of new technology, and supports digital disruption in line with Walmarts business model.
• Deliver for the Customer - Customer Focus - Delivers expected business results while putting the customer first and consistently applying an omni merchant mindset and the EDLP and EDLC business models to all plans and initiatives.
• Deliver for the Customer - Strategic Thinking - Adopts a holistic perspective that considers data, analytics, customer insights, and different parts of the business when making plans and implementing strategies.
• Focus on our Associates - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Supports strategies and drives initiatives that attract and retain diverse and inclusive talent; builds high-performing teams; embraces diversity in all its forms; and actively supports diversity goal programs.
• Focus on our Associates - Collaboration & Influence - Builds strong and trusting relationships with team members and business partners; works collaboratively and cross-functionally to achieve objectives; and communicates with energy and positivity to motivate, influence, and inspire commitment and action.
• Focus on our Associates - Talent Management - Creates a discipline and focus around developing talent, builds the talent pipeline, fosters an environment allowing everyone to bring their best selves to work, empowers associates and partners to act in the best interest of the customer and company, and regularly recognizes others contributions and accomplishments.

Additional Job Description:

• Tech Problem Formulation
• Collaborates with multiple business stakeholders to gain an understanding of complex organizational problems from varied perspectives to create effective technology focused solutions.
• Designs multi-stage, data-driven solutions to real-world problems for issues that are amenable to a data-driven solution Identifies return on investment including KPI s that allows tracking and sharing.
• Understanding Business Context, develops business strategy with executive leaders, Evaluates proposed business cases for projects and initiatives. Approves strategies, initiatives, and projects Contributes to strategic business decision making regarding key initiatives.
• Outlines business cases to be developed and drives delivery of work that has meaningful return on investment to the business.
• Finalize new enterprise-wide processes and ways of working Models industry best practices.
• Proactively engages in the external community to build Walmart s brand and influence industry practice.

What you'll bring:

Key Responsibilities:

• Architectural Leadership: Provide visionary and strategic leadership in defining and evolving the software architecture that aligns with the organizations business goals and technical vision.
• Technical Strategy: Develop and communicate a clear technical strategy that outlines the principles, guidelines, and best practices for software development and architecture across the organization.
• Technical Oversight: Review and approve architectural designs, ensuring they adhere to architectural principles, scalability, security, and other relevant factors.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with other senior leaders, product managers, engineering teams, and stakeholders to understand business needs and ensure that the architecture supports those needs effectively.
• Technology Evaluation: Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends, evaluating their potential impact on the organizations technical landscape and making informed recommendations.
• Mentorship and Team Development: Provide mentorship, guidance, and career development support to architects and technical leads, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Risk Management: Identify potential architectural risks and provide mitigation strategies to ensure the robustness, reliability, and maintainability of the software systems.
• Architectural Governance: Establish and enforce architectural governance processes, including design reviews, code quality standards, and architectural documentation.
• Performance Optimization: Collaborate with engineering teams to optimize the performance of software systems, addressing bottlenecks and scalability challenges.
• Technical Communication: Effectively communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including executives, to ensure alignment and understanding.
• Innovation: Drive innovation in software architecture, exploring new technologies and methodologies that can enhance the organizations technical capabilities.
• Project Planning and Execution: Work with project managers to define technical requirements, estimate effort, and plan software architecture-related tasks within projects.
• Vendor and Tool Evaluation: Assess third-party tools, frameworks, and services to determine their suitability for integration into the architecture.
• Problem Solving: Lead the resolution of critical technical issues and challenges that may arise during development, ensuring timely and effective solutions.
• Continuous Improvement: Continuously assess and refine the software architecture processes, standards, and practices to adapt to changing business needs and technological advancements.
• Solution Design: Design solutions that encompasses multiple applications / modules / business processes / functionality for large scale programs consisting of multiple products (for the product suite). Monitor and control high level product specifications with attention to system integration and feasibility; ensuring adherence to architecture design and coding standards.
• Operational Excellence:
• Developing and implementing a telemetry strategy that provides visibility into the performance and behavior of software systems across people tech organization.
• Developing and implementing observability practices and monitoring strategy that provides real-time alerts and notifications to stakeholders for critical systems
• Collaborating with DevOps and Site Reliability Engineering teams to ensure telemetry and monitoring tools are integrated with CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure automation.
• Ensuring that telemetry, observability, and monitoring tools are designed and implemented with security and privacy considerations in mind.

Benefits

• Beyond our great compensation package, you can receive incentive awards for your performance. Other great perks include a host of best-in-class benefits maternity and parental leave, PTO, health benefits, and much more.

Minimum Qualifications...

• Option 1: Bachelors degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer information systems, software engineering, or related area and
  8 years experience in software engineering or related area.
  
  Option 2: 10 years experience in software engineering or related area.
  
  5 years supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master s degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer information systems, software engineering, or related area and 6 years experience in software engineering or related area