Plainfield. In Airtech, US
IT Solution Architect
CEVA Logistics provides global supply chain solutions to connect people, products, and providers all around the world. Present in 170+ countries and with more than 110,000 employees spread over 1,500 sites, we are proud to be a Top 5 global 3PL.
We believe that our employees are the key to our success. We want to engage and empower our diverse, global team to co-create value with our customers through our solutions in contract logistics and air, ocean, ground, and finished vehicle transport. That is why CEVA Logistics offers a dynamic and exceptional work environment that fosters personal growth, innovation, and continuous improvement.
DARE TO GROW! Join CEVA Logistics, and you will be part of a team that values imagination and continued learning and is committed to excellence in everything we do. Join us in our mission to shape the future of global logistics. As we continue growing at a fast pace, will you “Dare to Grow” with us?
Role Summary
The Solution Architect (Contract Logistics IT CoE) is a senior design authority responsible for end-to-end solution architecture on complex, multi-system contract logistics programs. As a cross-domain expert, this role ensures that all components of a solution – from WMS, TMS, and OMS to integrations, automation, and customer systems – are architected into a holistic, cohesive design. The Solution Architect engages early (pre-sales/demand stage) and stays involved through delivery to guarantee technical integrity, bridging application silos and preventing late-stage design gaps. Two positions will be filled (one in Europe, one in the Americas), reporting into the CL IT CoE’s Integration & Architecture unit, with coverage of their respective regions (and support to other regions as needed).
Key Responsibilities
· End-to-End Solution Design: Own the overall technical design for assigned complex CL programs (multi-site or high-complexity implementations). Define how all solution components (WMS, TMS, OMS, integration middleware, automation, customer systems) will work together to meet requirements.
· Early Engagement in Demand/Pre-Sales: Participate in opportunity shaping – reviewing new customer requirements at demand and RFP stage. Determine if the solution is standard vs. non-standard, and if complex or bespoke elements warrant Solution Architect involvement. Provide guidance on solution options and ensure proposed designs are viable and optimized (e.g. attend architecture board reviews).
· Design Authority During Delivery: Act as the design authority throughout the project lifecycle. Make or approve key architecture decisions, ensuring domain architects’ and product teams’ designs align into a unified solution. Veto or adjust design choices when needed to safeguard end-to-end integrity.
· Cross-System Integration: Develop and document integration architecture (interfaces, data flows, process touchpoints) across all systems in scope. Address cross-domain design questions (e.g. WMS–TMS–automation interactions), leveraging standard integration frameworks where possible.
· Technical Oversight & Handover: During build and testing, oversee design adherence – verifying that implementation aligns with the approved architecture. Identify and resolve any design deviations or integration issues early. Sign off on technical readiness for go-live and ensure smooth handover of the solution design knowledge to Run/Support teams (in coordination with platform owners).
· Continuous Improvement: Contribute learnings from projects to refine CL solution design standards, templates, and decision criteria (e.g. helping to maintain the “Solution Architect engagement decision tree”). Mentor other architects and solution designers in cross-domain best practices.
Decision Authority & Governance
· Design Decision Rights: The Solution Architect is empowered with decision-making authority for solution design on assigned projects. They ensure all design decisions align with global architecture standards and business objectives. If necessary, unresolved design conflicts are escalated to formal governance bodies (e.g. Architecture Review Board or WMS/IT Design Authority boards) for guidance or approval of exceptions.
· Scope of Triggers: This role is primarily deployed on programs that present non-standard, complex, or high-risk requirements – such as new technical components or custom integrations, cross-domain processes, significant automation, or strategic/high-value deals. For standard/templated implementations, the Solution Architect may not be engaged but remains available in an advisory capacity if a regional team requests a design validation (“sanity check”).
Collaboration & Boundaries
· Within IT CoE: Work within the Integration & Architecture team of the CL IT Centre of Excellence, partnering closely with Platform/Product Architects (WMS, TMS, OMS, Integration, Automation, etc.). The Solution Architect leverages their deep domain expertise and ensures each domain design fits into the bigger-picture solution.
· Project Teams: Collaborate with Delivery Project Managers and IT Business Partners – especially at project kickoff and initial design phases. The Solution Architect provides architectural vision while the PM drives execution; the two work in tandem to balance ideal design vs. practical delivery considerations.
· No Duplication of Roles: The Solution Architect does not replace Enterprise Architects, application-specific architects, or other domain experts, nor carry project management duties. Instead, the role complements these stakeholders by focusing on integration of all parts into a cohesive whole. The Solution Architect is not responsible for day-to-day project delivery or detailed configuration that falls to product teams – rather, they ensure those efforts collectively meet the overall solution design.
· External Stakeholders: Engage with customer IT counterparts or third-party vendors as needed on design alignment, especially where new integration points or custom components are involved. Maintain a big-picture perspective to communicate solution outline and benefits to executive stakeholders (internal and customer) when required.
Qualifications & Experience
· Education & Training: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
· Domain Experience: 10+ years in IT solution architecture, systems integration, or similar roles, preferably within logistics/Supply Chain or large-scale enterprise IT environments. Deep understanding of warehouse management systems (WMS) (e.g. Manhattan, Blue Yonder) and related systems (TMS, OMS, ERP) and how they integrate operationally.
· Technical Expertise: Proven track record designing complex, integrated solutions involving multiple technologies and platforms (e.g. WMS, TMS, middleware/ESB, automation systems, customer ERP/Portals). Strong knowledge of integration patterns (APIs, EDI, messaging) and data flows in a 3PL/contract logistics context.
· Leadership & Soft Skills: Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills – able to articulate complex technical concepts to both technical teams and business leaders. Experience guiding project teams and leading design workshops. Comfortable making authoritative decisions and diplomatically pushing back when needed to maintain design integrity.
· Other Requirements: Demonstrated ability to work in a matrix, global environment. High-level strategic thinking combined with hands-on problem-solving. Experience in pre-sales or RFP solution development is a plus. Fluent in English (additional language skills for region are a plus).
Location & Coverage
This role is part of the global Contract Logistics IT Centre of Excellence and reports to the Head of Integration & Architecture within the CL IT CoE. We are hiring two positions – one based in Europe (EMEA) and one in North America (Americas) – to provide coverage across key regions (with flexibility to support projects in APAC/Latin America as needed). Moderate travel may be required for critical project engagements or customer workshops.
What Success Looks Like
· Seamless Solution Delivery: Complex CL implementations (that previously might suffer from late-stage integration issues) are delivered without major design rework or delays, thanks to robust upfront architecture and continuous oversight.
· Integrated Designs: Each project’s final solution is holistic and well-integrated – all subsystems work together efficiently, meeting business requirements and performance targets.
· Risk Mitigation: Potential design gaps or integration risks are identified and resolved in early phases (demand, design), significantly reducing costly changes during testing or go-live.
· Stakeholder Confidence: Positive feedback from delivery teams and business stakeholders on the clarity and quality of solution designs. The Solution Architect is seen as a go-to trusted advisor for bridging business needs with technology capabilities.
· Reusable Standards: Contribution to developing and refining standard solution templates, best practices, and decision criteria in the CL IT CoE. Over time, increased consistency and speed in solution design for complex deals (leveraging repeatable patterns) is evident.
This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the technical blueprint of CEVA’s most complex Contract Logistics solutions. We seek a strategic thinker and hands-on leader who is passionate about bringing together multiple technologies into winning, high-quality solutions for our customers. If you thrive at the intersection of technology and business in a global, collaborative environment, we invite you to apply.
CEVA operates in a multicultural, global environment and is a richly diverse organization operating seamlessly as one company. We aim to attract, motivate and retain the best people in our industry, whatever their background. We share the same passion to deliver world-class solutions to our customers. We have the best supply chain professionals in the industry and develop this talent in an inspiring work environment.
CEVA Logistics is proud to be an equal opportunity work place and an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individual with Disabilities.
Please note: Legitimate CEVA Logistics recruitment processes include communication with candidates through recognized professional networks, such as LinkedIn or via an official company email address: firstname.lastname@cevalogistics.com. We recommend that you do not respond to unsolicited business propositions and/or offers from people with whom you are unfamiliar.
Information provided is true and accurate. False statements or information will result in the application voided.
Outstanding benefits for employee and family including multiple health plans(company contribution to health savings account), prescription, dental and vision coverage.
Company paid life insurance, accident insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage and employee assistance plan.
Voluntary benefits including additional life insurance, AD&D coverage, buy-up short- and long-term disability, critical illness, identify theft & legal plan.
401(k) with company match.
Flexible Paid Time Off programs including company paid holidays.
Tuition reimbursement program.
Nearest Major Market: Indianapolis