Sr. Solutions Architect

The Architectural Services segment is part of Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: APOG), founded in 1949 and headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. Apogee is a growing, profitable company with annual revenues approaching $1.5 billion. It provides distinctive metal and glass solutions for enclosing commercial buildings, and glass and acrylic solutions for picture framing and display applications. To learn more visit www.apog.com.

The Architectural Services segment, operating under the Harmon brand, has grown from $250M to $400M over the last 5 years through organic growth and acquisition. As a fully integrated specialty sub-contractor (self-performs design, engineering, manufacturing, and field installation), Harmon is the largest full-service glazing contractor in North America, doing business in the United States and Canada.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and visionary leader to spearhead the modernization of our business processes and technologies. This role is critical in designing and building an integrated prototype that reimagines and transforms how our company operates, beginning with estimating, continuing through engineering and take-off, enabling streamlined procurement, inventory management, fabrication, and field installation. From this prototype, creation of a roadmap to follow with systems sequenced and implemented into production.

The ideal candidate will combine strategic leadership with a hands-on approach, acting as both the architect of the solutions and the primary executor of technical activities. This role requires expertise in business process analysis, establishing fully integrated systems including full integration, ideally in the commercial glazing or construction industry. A thorough understanding of IT (Information Technology) and ET (Engineering Technology) is essential along with commercially available solutions. The candidate should be comfortable operating with a small team dedicated to the R&D to establish a working prototype in a 12 to 18 month timeframe and follow with implementation in the production environment.

Responsibilities

1. Vision and Strategic Planning:

• Develop and communicate a clear vision for an end-to-end integrated digital platform, aligning with the company's business goals.
• Conduct an in-depth analysis of existing business processes and identify opportunities for improvement through technology and any necessary business process or role changes.
• Collaborate with the team and stakeholders across departments to gather requirements and prioritize functionality.
• Develop, align, and enable a comprehensive multi-year roadmap including all systems and changes required to pragmatically advance towards the new ecosystem.

2. Prototype System Development:

• Lead the design and development of a prototype system that integrates key business functions specific to the supply chain but not limited to the following:
  • Engineering: Systems for CAD/BIM integration and shop drawings.
  • Take-Offs: Tools for engineered materials take-off
  • Procurement: Supply chain management, vendor portals, and automated purchasing.
  • Inventory Management: Real-time tracking of materials and components.
  • Fabrication & Assembly: Integration of production schedules and machine automation.
• Create proof-of-concept tools and pilot new solutions and workflows using a mix of off-the-shelf solutions minimizing customizations.

3. Technical Execution:

• Research, evaluate, and implement commercially available software tools and technologies.
• Champion innovative solutions based on current industry trends and partnerships with all resources available including internally like the VP of Digital Applications.
• Develop system integrations using APIs, middleware, or custom coding (as needed).
• Build data models and databases to store and analyze operational data.
• Ensure the prototype system is scalable, secure, and user-friendly.
• Leverage modern IT architecture and design principles to inform technology selection

4. Leadership and Collaboration:

• Act as the primary technical leader driving innovation.
• Serve as the main point of contact with external vendors and technology partners.

5. Testing and Iteration:

• Oversee iterative testing, prototyping, and feedback loops to refine the system.
• Determine the success of prototypes by tracking KPIs such as efficiency gains, error reduction, and cost savings.
• Document lessons learned and provide a roadmap for system development and deployment.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will be expected to be a high-energy, creative and resourceful self-starter who demonstrates leadership skills, instincts, and significant capacity for work. He/she is highly intelligent and enthusiastic with a commitment to excellence. In terms of personal competencies, the successful candidate must be a hands-on leader who possesses the best combination of strategic thinking and drive to achieve tangible business results. In addition, he/she should possess the following competencies:

• Ethics: Highest level of professional integrity and honesty as well as personal credibility.
• Leadership Skills: Deep understanding and experience with the ability to practically apply, clearly communicate, and inspire others. Leadership experience driving change and adoption of new solutions thorough influence based on strong teamwork and collaboration.
• Transformation Focused: Passion for innovation and modernizing traditional industries. A proven track record of leading complex projects and teams that successfully achieve milestones and complete deliverables.
• Results-Oriented: A driver who possesses the ability to take actions and implement effective solutions in a timely manner often while influencing across different functions and levels of the organization.
• Problem Solver: A creative yet pragmatic problem solver. Methodical and hands-on as well as detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills including the ability to translate business needs into technical solutions.
• Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making: A "conceptualizer" of business strategies and objectives who can then integrate that thinking into initiatives. Excellent planning, execution and project-management skills. Strong business acumen and an in-depth understanding of the business and financial implications of business decisions.
• Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills: A team player, receptive to ideas from others. Shares information and keeps team members and partners informed. Works effectively with others to identify and resolve issues. Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to interact successfully with all levels of management as well as a diverse work force. Ability to understand and add value to high-level management interactions and collaborate across departments.

Education & Experience

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor or Masters degree in Engineering, Architecture, Computer Science, Business Administration or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in business process improvement, technology implementation, or digital transformation, preferably in the construction, glazing, or manufacturing industry.
• At least 5 years progressive experience effectively influentially leading and managing teams.
• Experience managing activity/relationships in multiple manufacturing facilities.
• Ability to interact with all levels of the organization and influence progressive change in a mulit-location environment.
• Strong technical skills, including knowledge of ERP systems, database development, CAD/BIM software, and system integrations (e.g., APIs).
• Proven experience leading end-to-end system implementation projects.
• Familiarity with tools and technologies such as:
• Estimating: Bluebeam, PlanSwift, ProEst, or equivalent
• Engineering: AutoCAD, Revit, Inventor, Rhino
• ERP/Manufacturing: Oracle, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Epicor, IFS Cloud, Viewpoint, or Equivalent
• Procurement/Inventory: NetSuite, Coupa, or custom-built tools
• Installation: Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud
• Hands-on coding or development experience with languages such as Python, JavaScript, SQL, or similar.

Pay Range:

• $140,000 - $180,000

This role is for someone who is excited about rolling up their sleeves, designing systems from the ground up, and leaving a lasting impact on how we operate. If you're a builder of systems and processes who thrives on solving complex challenges, we want to hear from you!

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Our Benefits

We care about and invest in our employees. We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their well-being and foster professional development. Here is a glimpse of what you can look forward to if you join our team.

• Competitive Benefits Package for employees and their dependents (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability)

• Incentive Plans

• 401(k) with employer contribution and match

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with employer match

• Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick Time)

• Paid Holidays

• Tuition Reimbursement Program

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Wellness Program

• Training and Career Progression

Apogee and our brands are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.