Functional Architect

About the Position

Serve as a Functional Architect within a global enterprise designing and optimizing solutions that integrate Generative AI API frameworks, PL SQL, and BlueYonder TMS for complex retail planning and transportation operations. Apply 10 to 12 years of experience to translate business requirements into scalable hybrid model architectures that improve efficiency, reduce operational risk, and enhance value delivery across the retail logistics ecosystem.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with business stakeholders to translate complex retail planning and transportation management objectives into functional architectures that align with enterprise standards and deliver measurable operational improvements.
• Design end-to-end solution workflows that integrate Generative AI capabilities with core BlueYonder transportation systems and supporting retail planning tools to enhance decision quality and automation across logistics processes.
• Define robust functional specifications for API integrations between BlueYonder transportation platforms and upstream and downstream retail applications to ensure accurate data exchange integrity and consistent process orchestration.
• Develop detailed PL SQL-based functional data models and transformation logic to support transportation planning, shipment execution, and exception handling while maintaining high performance and reliability in hybrid environments.
• Evaluate current transportation and retail planning processes to identify functional gaps and propose innovative architecture enhancements that leverage Generative AI for demand forecasting, routing optimization, and performance analytics.
• Guide cross-functional teams through requirement elaboration, solution design walkthroughs, and functional validation sessions to ensure that implemented features align with business goals and user experience expectations.
• Coordinate with technical architects and integration teams to ensure that functional designs for APIs, PL SQL routines, and BlueYonder configurations are feasible, scalable, and compatible with existing enterprise technology landscapes.
• Document comprehensive functional use cases, process flows, and configuration guidelines for BlueYonder transportation modules and related retail planning components to support consistent implementation and future maintainability.
• Support system testing cycles by defining functional test scenarios, validating outcomes against transportation and retail planning business rules, and driving timely resolution of defects to protect solution quality.
• Provide ongoing functional advisory support to operations teams on the optimal use of BlueYonder transportation and planning features, including analytics-driven insights that improve service levels and cost efficiency.
• Partner with data and analytics specialists to shape Generative AI-driven capabilities that enhance shipment planning, load consolidation, and delivery performance in retail supply chains while maintaining ethical and responsible AI practices.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by analyzing functional performance metrics for transportation and planning processes and recommending targeted enhancements that improve sustainability and societal impact through reduced waste and optimized routes.
• Align architectural decisions with hybrid work model expectations by enabling effective remote collaboration through clear documentation, structured governance, and streamlined functional communication across distributed teams.

Requirements

• Demonstrate proven expertise with Generative AI concepts and practical applications in supply chain and retail contexts, including the ability to articulate how AI-augmented workflows improve forecasting, routing, and operational decisions.
• Show strong proficiency in designing and validating API-based integrations among transportation systems, retail planning platforms, and enterprise applications using standardized patterns and secure data handling practices.
• Apply advanced PL SQL skills to define logical data structures, complex queries, and performance-optimized procedures that support high-volume transportation and retail planning transactions.
• Exhibit deep functional knowledge of BlueYonder transportation management processes, including planning, tendering, execution, and settlement, with a track record of successful implementations in large-scale environments.
• Bring relevant experience in retail planning concepts such as demand planning, allocation, replenishment, and promotion-related impacts while effectively connecting these domains to transportation constraints and capabilities.
• Possess a solid understanding of transportation management principles in retail networks, including multimodal shipment strategies, carrier collaboration, and service level optimization to inform architecture decisions.
• Utilize clear and structured communication abilities to document functional requirements, explain solution tradeoffs, and guide diverse stakeholders through complex transportation and planning transformations.
• Apply problem-solving and analytical skills to diagnose root causes of functional issues in integrated transportation and retail planning landscapes and recommend practical corrective actions.
• Demonstrate familiarity with hybrid work practices and collaboration tools to maintain productivity, documentation quality, and stakeholder engagement across onsite and remote settings.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends in retail logistics, AI-enabled planning, and transportation optimization to keep architectures current and support the organization’s mission of more efficient and sustainable supply chains.
• Show experience in working within global matrix organizations where coordination, prioritization, and structured consultation lead to high-quality outcomes without formal leadership responsibilities.
• Display commitment to quality, compliance, and ethical standards in designing and validating AI-driven functionalities within transportation and retail planning solutions.

We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits program including retirement plans, financial education, healthcare plans, counseling, and more
• Opportunities to explore new technologies, industries, and locations
• Real-world impact by helping the biggest brands strengthen their businesses
• A supportive and inclusive work environment

About the Company

Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process, and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes, and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or follow us on Twitter.

Additional Employment Information

Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government-issued ID during each interview.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, or local laws.