Lead Engineer, Merchandise Technology

We are seeking a highly capable Lead Engineer to drive delivery and technical execution across global merchandising technology platforms. This role is responsible for leading engineering efforts, guiding solution implementation, and ensuring high-quality delivery across merchandising domains. This role operates across both legacy and modern platforms, supporting current systems while driving modernization, reducing technical debt, and enabling transition to scalable, cloud-based solutions. The role operates within a complex global business model spanning multiple regions and supports a distributed delivery organization, including offshore engineering teams. Responsibilities Technology Delivery & Execution • Lead design, development, and implementation of solutions aligned with business and architectural standards • Own delivery of features, enhancements, integrations, and defect resolution across platforms • Drive adoption of modern engineering practices including API-first, event-driven, and cloud-native approaches • Lead implementation of intelligent and data-driven solutions, including integration of AI/ML capabilities into applications and workflows • Evaluate and apply tools such as Copilot and other AI-assisted development technologies to improve engineering productivity and quality • Ensure solutions meet requirements for performance, scalability, and reliability Core Platforms & Capabilities • Lead engineering across merchandising capabilities, which may include: • Planning (allocation, assortment, MFP) • Pricing, promotion, and markdown • Core merchandising and item/product systems • Inventory, replenishment, and size/pack optimization • Support and enhance legacy platforms while contributing to modernization and simplification efforts • Support and enable advanced capabilities through data and AI-driven solutions • Ensure data accuracy and operational integrity across systems Engineering Excellence & Standards • Drive adherence to engineering standards, coding best practices, and architecture guidelines • Guide teams in selecting appropriate technologies across a polyglot environment, balancing business needs, system constraints, and long-term scalability • Lead code reviews and design reviews to ensure quality and consistency • Improve system performance, scalability, and maintainability • Contribute to CI/CD pipelines, automation, and DevOps practices Team Leadership & Delivery • Lead and mentor engineers, providing technical guidance and coaching • Coordinate work across onshore and offshore teams to deliver against shared goals • Support agile delivery practices including backlog management, estimation, and sprint execution • Act as a technical lead on cross-functional initiatives Architecture & Collaboration • Partner with Solution Architects to ensure designs are practical and executable • Provide feedback to influence architectural decisions based on implementation realities • Collaborate with product, business, and data teams to align on requirements and delivery Continuous Improvement & Modernization • Identify opportunities to improve systems, reduce complexity, and eliminate technical debt • Contribute to modernization initiatives including migration, refactoring, or replacement of legacy applications • Evaluate and apply new technologies and tools to improve engineering outcomes Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field • 7–10+ years of experience building and supporting enterprise applications • Strong experience with modern application development (APIs, microservices, cloud platforms) • Experience working across legacy and modern systems, including modernization efforts • Experience designing or implementing AI/ML-enabled solutions in enterprise systems preferred • Experience leading engineering teams or technical initiatives • Strong understanding of integration patterns and distributed systems • Experience working in global, distributed teams including offshore models • Strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills At Foot Locker, we value innovation, authenticity, and integrity in all that we do.  To uphold the security and fairness of our hiring process, we ask that candidates refrain from using AI tools, including ChatGPT, during interviews and assessments.  To ensure a smooth and secure experience, please review the following guidelines: • Cameras must be on for all virtual interviews. • AI tools are strictly prohibited during interviews or assessments. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work together to create a transparent and equitable hiring experience. Benefits The annual base salary range is $125,000 - $160,000. This range represents the anticipated low and high end of the salary for this position. This role is also eligible to receive short and long term incentives that align with individual and company performance. Salary will be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data. Salary is one component of the Foot Locker, Inc. total compensation package, which includes the below. Foot Locker Benefits: • Employee Discount • Paid Time Off • Medical | Dental | Vision Coverage • 401(k) | Roth 401(k) • Stock Purchase Plan • Life Insurance • Flexible Spending Account • Opportunities for Advancement • Tuition Reimbursement for Qualified Courses • Strong Company Culture • Employee Resource Groups