Director - Solution Architect
Job Description
Who we are
GMG is a global well-being company retailing, distributing and manufacturing a portfolio of leading international and home-grown brands across sport, everyday goods, health and beauty, properties and logistics sectors. Under the ownership and management of the Baker family for over 45 years, GMG is a valued partner of choice for the world&aposs most successful and respected brands in the well-being sector.Working across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, GMG has introduced more than 120 brands across 12 countries. These include notable home-grown brands such as Sun & Sand Sports, Dropkick, Supercare Pharmacy, Farm Fresh, Klassic, and international brands like Nike, Columbia, Converse, Timberland, Vans, Mama Sita&aposs, and McCain.
Job Summary
We are seeking a strategic and forward-thinking Technology Solution Architect to drive AI-driven automation, technology rationalization, and innovation in our retail business. This role requires a deep understanding of retail operations, AI/ML, hyper automation (RPA, intelligent workflows), and enterprise architecture optimization.As a key leader reporting to the CTO, you will define technology roadmaps, rationalize legacy systems, evaluate new investments, and mitigate risks while ensuring alignment with business objectives. You will act as a trusted advisor, translating complex technical concepts into actionable strategies for executive stakeholders.
Accountabilities
Core Responsibilities:
AI & Automation Leadership
Architect AI/ML-driven solutions (predictive analytics, personalized recommendations, demand forecasting, chatbots, computer vision for retail).
Design hyperautomation strategies (RPA, process mining, workflow automation) to optimize retail operations (supply chain, inventory, customer service).
Identify opportunities for generative AI (GenAI) applications in retail (dynamic pricing, content generation, virtual shopping assistants).
Technology Portfolio Rationalization & Roadmaps
Conduct current-state assessments of retail tech stack (eCommerce, POS, ERP, CRM) and define modernization paths.
Develop 3-5 year technology roadmaps aligned with business growth, balancing innovation with cost efficiency.
Lead legacy system sunsetting, cloud migration, and consolidation initiatives to reduce complexity.
Investment Strategy & Business Case Development
Clearly articulate a point of view on new technology investments (e.g., AI platforms, composable commerce, edge computing).
Build ROI-driven business cases for tech initiatives, partnering with Finance and Product teams.
Evaluate build-vs-buy-vs-partner decisions for retail solutions.
Risk Management & Governance
Proactively identify technical, security, and compliance risks in retail systems (PCI, GDPR, AI ethics). Define architectural guardrails to ensure scalability, resilience, and regulatory adherence.
Establish vendor risk assessment frameworks for third-party AI/automation tools. Stakeholder Collaboration & Leadership
Present executive-level recommendations to CTO and business leaders on tech strategy.
Partner with Data Science, Engineering, and Operations teams to implement AI/automation at scale.
Mentor teams on emerging tech trends and best practices in retail architecture.
Job Requirements
Enterprise and solution architecture design
AI/ML solutioning and implementation (GenAI, predictive modeling, MLOps)
Hyper automation platforms (RPA, process orchestration)
Cloud-native platforms and microservices architecture (AWS, Azure, GCP)
API-first and event-driven system design
Data architecture concepts including data mesh and real-time analytics
Risk management, compliance, and IT governance
Strategic planning, portfolio management, and technology investments
Cross-functional leadership and agile delivery
Why Join GMG
At GMG, we&aposre dedicated to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive, and engaging work environment that promotes growth, innovation, and well-being. Join us in our mission to inspire victories that make the world better for our team, our consumers, and our communities.
If you&aposre seeking a challenging role where you can make a significant impact, we&aposd love to hear from you. Apply today to become a part of our journey.
What we offer- An opportunity to become part of diverse teams with international exposure
- Comprehensive family medical insurance
- Family residency sponsorship and flight allowances
- Up to 30% discount in our premium retail sports brand stores
- Up to 20% discount in our pharmacy chain