Norfolk Southern Corporation

Senior Director, Enterprise Architecture

Norfolk Southern Corporation • $160K — $200K *
Enterprise Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Management, or related field.
  • 10+ years of progressive technology leadership experience, particularly in Enterprise Architecture.
  • Proven experience in developing enterprise-wide technology strategies and governance models.
  • Deep expertise in architecture domains such as cloud, applications, data, AI, or cybersecurity.
  • Exceptional communication and executive presentation skills.

Responsibilities

  • Define and evolve the enterprise architecture strategy for modernization.
  • Develop architectural principles and technology roadmaps aligned with corporate priorities.
  • Lead governance forums and establish decision frameworks for technology investments.
  • Drive modernization initiatives including cloud adoption and application transformation.
  • Translate technical concepts into business narratives for executive stakeholders.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work environment with 2 days on-site and 3 days remote.
  • Opportunity to lead and mentor a high-performing architecture team.
  • Access to cutting-edge technology and innovation in the rail industry.
  • Focus on professional development and continuous learning.
  • Engagement in strategic decision-making at the executive level.
Full Job Description
Requisition 40281: B7 Senior Director, Enterprise Architecture

A resume helps you stand out to hiring managers and recruiters; your resume communicates your experience and your brand. While it is not required, we encourage you to include an up-to-date resume along with a completed job application to give you the best opportunity to be considered. A complete resume helps us to better understand your unique background, relevant experiences, and passions. We look forward to learning about you.

Job Description

Norfolk Southern is transforming how railroads operate through modern technology, data-driven decision making, AI-enabled capabilities, and platform-based delivery. The Senior Director of Enterprise Architecture serves as the enterprise technology strategist responsible for defining the future-state technology landscape and ensuring technology investments align with business priorities, operational excellence, and long-term enterprise objectives.

Reporting to the AVP, Technology & Digital Strategy, this leader will establish and evolve enterprise architecture capabilities across business applications, data, AI, cloud, infrastructure, and security domains. The role is responsible for enterprise technology standards, architecture governance, target-state architectures, modernization roadmaps, and technology decision frameworks that enable Norfolk Southern to operate a more stable, resilient, secure, and customer-focused railroad.

This leader partners closely with product, engineering, operations, commercial, data & AI, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and executive leadership teams to drive technology simplification, accelerate modernization, and ensure technology investments create measurable business value.
Responsibilities

Enterprise Architecture Strategy & Target State Design
• Define and continuously evolve Norfolk Southern's enterprise architecture strategy, guiding the long-term modernization of applications, platforms, data, and infrastructure.
• Develop enterprise reference architectures, architectural principles, standards, and technology roadmaps aligned to corporate and D&T strategic priorities.
• Create and maintain target-state architectures that support business transformation, operational excellence, customer experience, and AI adoption.
• Partner with technology and business leaders to ensure roadmaps are integrated, scalable, and aligned to enterprise goals.

Architecture Governance & Technology Decision Making
• Lead enterprise architecture governance forums and technology review processes.
• Establish decision frameworks that balance business value, cost, risk, speed, resiliency, security, and technical sustainability.
• Drive consistency in technology decisions across products, platforms, and business domains.
• Provide executive-level recommendations regarding technology investments, modernization priorities, and emerging technologies.

Modernization, Platforms & Cloud Transformation
• Drive architecture direction for large-scale modernization initiatives including cloud adoption, application modernization, platform engineering, integration, and infrastructure transformation.
• Establish reusable architecture patterns, paved paths, and platform standards that accelerate delivery while reducing complexity and technical debt.
• Promote platform-oriented architecture principles that improve developer productivity, scalability, and operational efficiency.
• Guide architecture strategies for mission-critical operational systems supporting train operations, transportation, network planning, asset management, customer experience, and corporate functions.

Data, AI & Digital Innovation
• Partner with Data & AI leaders to establish architecture standards for enterprise data, analytics, AI, machine learning, and intelligent automation capabilities.
• Ensure AI-enabled solutions are built on scalable, secure, governed, and reusable platforms.
• Define architecture patterns that support responsible AI, data governance, observability, model lifecycle management, and regulatory compliance.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and identify opportunities to create business value through innovation.

Business Alignment & Executive Influence
• Translate complex technical concepts into clear business narratives for executives and non-technical stakeholders.
• Influence technology and business leaders without direct authority to achieve enterprise-wide alignment.
• Support strategic planning, portfolio prioritization, technology investment decisions, and business case development.
• Build trusted partnerships across business and D&T organizations to drive adoption of enterprise standards and strategic direction.

Organization & Talent Leadership
• Build and lead a high-performing enterprise architecture capability.
• Mentor domain, solution, and platform architects while fostering architectural excellence and continuous learning.
• Establish architecture operating models, processes, tools, and metrics that drive accountability and measurable outcomes.
• Promote a culture of simplification, reuse, innovation, collaboration, and engineering excellence

Education Required
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, Information Management, or related technical field) required.

Skills Required:
• 10+ years of progressive technology leadership experience, including significant experience in Enterprise Architecture.
• Proven experience developing enterprise-wide technology strategies, architectures, standards, and governance models in large, complex organizations.
• Deep expertise in one or more architecture domains including enterprise architecture, cloud, platforms, applications, data, AI, cybersecurity, or infrastructure.
• Experience leading large-scale modernization initiatives involving cloud, application transformation, data platforms, AI capabilities, and/or enterprise systems.
• Demonstrated success influencing senior executives and driving enterprise change across matrixed organizations.
• Strong understanding of architecture governance, technology risk management, resiliency, security, and technology investment planning.
• Exceptional communication, storytelling, and executive presentation skills.
• Experience leading teams and building enterprise architecture capabilities.

Skills Preferred:
• Master's or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering or a related field.
• Experience in transportation, logistics, industrial operations, supply chain, or other asset-intensive industries.
• Experience with formal architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF or equivalent) and familiarity with engineering practices and software development methodologies (e.g., CI/CD, infrastructure as code, observability)
• Experience developing architecture strategies for AI, advanced analytics, intelligent automation, and platform engineering.
• Proven track record driving enterprise simplification, technology rationalization, technical debt reduction, and cloud transformation.
• Experience supporting mission-critical operational environments requiring high availability, resiliency, and security.

Success Measures

The Senior Director, Enterprise Architecture will be measured on:
• Adoption of enterprise architecture standards and target-state roadmaps.
• Reduction of technology complexity and technical debt.
• Acceleration of modernization and cloud transformation initiatives.
• Increased reuse through platforms, shared services, and reference architectures.
• Improved architecture governance and technology investment decision quality.
• Business alignment of major technology initiatives.
• Enablement of enterprise data and AI capabilities at scale.
• Improvements in technology resiliency, security, and operational efficiency.

Work Conditions
Environment: Hybrid 2 days on-site and remote work 3 days per week.
Shift Work: No
On-Call: No
Weekend Work: No

About Norfolk Southern Corporation

As a leading transportation provider, Norfolk Southern operates 20,000 route miles in 22 states and D.C., supports international trade with service to every major Eastern seaport, 10 river ports, and nine lake ports, and operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East. NS' board of directors and executive management team lead one of the nation’s top transportation companies. NS invests in projects to expand the rail network, increase freight capacity, and improve efficiency for customers. These projects create jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making green shipping a reality.

Norfolk Southern Corporation Careers

Join the dynamic team at Norfolk Southern Corporation, a leader in the transportation industry, where innovation, leadership, and diversity drive us forward. As one of the most respected names in rail transportation, there has never been a better time to explore job opportunities with us. Work You’ll Do At Norfolk Southern, we are committed to transforming the future of freight transportation. Join our market-leading team to help innovate and implement solutions that contribute to the efficiency and sustainability of our operations. Our professionals are at the forefront of the industry, combining their skills in technology and logistics to enhance our services and customer satisfaction. Lead with Excellence Step into a role that places you at the intersection of industry expertise and transformative leadership. Norfolk Southern offers a unique position in the marketplace, allowing you to drive change and influence innovation within the company and the industry. Collaborate with Experts Work alongside a dedicated team of over 20,000 professionals who are committed to excellence in every aspect of transportation and logistics. At Norfolk Southern, you will find a culture that values teamwork, professional growth, and diversity training, ensuring that every team member can thrive. Norfolk Southern Corporation Employment Opportunities We are continuously building our team to master the challenges of the transportation sector and exceed the expectations of our customers and communities. Whether you are looking for a full-time position, an internship, or leadership opportunities, Norfolk Southern offers a range of career paths to suit your professional goals. Innovate and Grow Join Norfolk Southern to engage in work that matters. With a focus on innovation and technology, our team is dedicated to finding cutting-edge solutions that improve not only our operations but also the environment and communities we serve. Your career at Norfolk Southern is limited only by your ambition, with countless opportunities to advance and expand your skills. Be Part of Our Team Experience the benefits of working with a company that supports your professional and personal growth. Enjoy comprehensive benefits, inclusive culture, and opportunities for networking and career development. At Norfolk Southern, we are not just hiring employees; we are fostering future leaders. Explore Norfolk Southern Jobs Discover the various job opportunities at Norfolk Southern Corporation and find a position that matches your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to make a significant impact. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions, submit your resume, and prepare for an interview that could lead to your next big career move. Norfolk Southern is actively hiring and looking for individuals who are ready to contribute to our legacy of success. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Explore the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Norfolk Southern Corporation. Join Norfolk Southern Corporation today and be part of a team that is dedicated to transforming the future of transportation through innovation, leadership, and a commitment to diversity and professional growth.
Learn more about Norfolk Southern Corporation
Size
18,100 employees
Market Cap
$57.2 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2 billion
Founded
1980
5 Year Trend
+2.4%
Revenue
$9.7 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Norfolk Southern Corporation

More Enterprise Technology Jobs

Find similar Senior Director, Enterprise Architecture jobs: