Online Systems Platform Engineer

We always knew there had to be a better way to buy used cars. One that would make the process easy and fun. So we created CarMax, and we've been changing the way America buys cars since we opened our first store in Richmond, Virginia in 1993.

BRIEF POSITION SUMMARY: The Online Platform Manager is responsible for the quality and enhancement of the shared platforms that support CarMax Online Systems. This role works closely with Web Product Teams to empower and enable developers with the shared resources needed to deliver real value to CarMax customers and help facilitate continuous innovation. Key focus areas for the Online Platform Manager are API management, Sitecore Content Management System, and vehicle search. The Online Platform Manager will lead a team of software developers and business analysts to maximize the relevance, quality, and performance of our shared platforms. The role will place a high value on lean agile practices, process and test automation, metric driven optimization, and platform quality. The Online Platform Team collaborates with members of Online Operations, Online Product, Quality Assurance, Infrastructure, and Security Teams to architect, monitor, and support the platforms that enable CarMax's online products.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Responsible for API Management including monitoring the API lifecycle and ensuring the needs of teams consuming the APIs are being met, converting existing complex application services into developer friendly APIs, evaluating new functionality for the APIs and deprecating unused functionality, maximizing API performance, and protecting the API from misuse through appropriate security procedures and policies * Responsible for the Sitecore Content Management System including establishing development practices for Sitecore reusable components, developing new reusable components, optimizing the content authoring user experience, managing a prioritized backlog of Sitecore technical debt, maximizing Sitecore performance * Responsible for the vehicle search platform including maintaining the existing Endeca vehicle search pipeline, exposing vehicle search through developer friendly APIs, exploring new search technologies, maximizing search performance * Responsible for short-term project planning to meet long-term goals. Works with Sr. IT leadership and other managers to meet goals and provide business solutions. Establishes the scope of projects, allocates the proper resources, and monitors the progress. Provides status updates to senior management. * Responsible for delegating short-term projects and monitoring the performance of associates. Assists with removing roadblocks and utilizing technical knowledge to assist associates with meeting goals. * Works with Sr. management to understand business plans and team objectives. Researches best practices and executes short-terms plans for solutions to meet objectives. * Responsible for assessing talent, identifying gaps in talent, and identifying high performers. Provides development guidance, creates IDPs to close gaps in talent, and provides opportunities for stretch roles to develop future leaders. Sets performance standards and holds team members accountable to standards. * Forecasts needed resources such as vendors, technologies, consultants, staffing needs, and training for the team to accomplish business objectives. * Responsible for managing the selection, and contract negotiation for vendors of any software packages or services that are utilized. * Has financial responsibility for the team. Responsible for the team's budget and evaluating ROI. SPECIALTIES: (Specific skill/knowledge needed) * Responsible for managing the reliability and performance of Online shared platforms * Responsible for optimizing Online shared platforms that empower product teams to develop innovative products customers love * Responsible for driving team efficiency through automation * Responsible for financial functions such as budgeting, forecasting, and analysis * Responsible for establishing and maintaining vendor and contract relationships * Manage initiatives through prioritizing, analyzing ROI, providing analytics, and ensuring the execution of methodology milestones * Manage a team of direct and indirect reports with diverse functional knowledge.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. * Guides team to reach solutions to complex problems. Mentors associates to be great problem solvers * Detailed orientated, able to analyze and research data and reports; uses information to assist department with making financial decisions * Evaluates the impact and ramifications of decisions on the department and organization * Develops creative solutions to problems * Ability to develop and promote other associates for the group/team's needs * Able to summarize and or present complex problems and/or technical information in a simplified manner * Ability to prioritize and lead team to execute short-term projects to meet long-term goals * Ability to develop, execute and adjust a plan with a high degree of independence * Sees beyond the current processes and identifies process improvements * Must be willing to make recommendations and challenge upwards when appropriate for the best interest of the department * Ability to collaborate and build strong relationships throughout the department * Promotes effective conflict resolution by listening to others opinions and responding with a win-win solution * Able to communicate to senior management, business partners, and group/team with the appropriate information at each level * Must keep team informed of goals, how they align with the department's goals, and changes that impact the group/team EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: * 4 year IT related degree, preferred * 3+ years of team management experience, required * 3+ years' experience managing web application development, required * 3+ years of experience required leading software projects leveraging Agile practices, required * Solid understanding of Restful APIs, Content Management Systems, Search technologies, IIS, web security, networking, process automation, preferred