Sara Nigbor
Beavercreek
Summary
Innovative and customer-focused Engineering Leader with 15+ years of experience directing globally distributed teams and delivering high-impact software solutions at scale. Proven ability to align engineering execution with business strategy, modernize platforms, and improve developer productivity through CI/CD, DevOps, and automation. Skilled at building inclusive, high-performing cultures where engineers thrive, while ensuring delivery of secure, reliable, and scalable platforms. Adept at influencing senior stakeholders, driving architectural decisions, and managing $3M+ budgets to deliver outcomes that transform business performance.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Delivery Director / Senior Engineering Manager
AAXIS Digital
01.2013 - Current
- Directed multiple cross-functional software engineering teams, delivering enterprise-scale commerce and order management solutions for Fortune 500 clients.
- Drove technical strategy, roadmap execution, and architecture decisions across cloud platforms, APIs, and integrated systems, ensuring scalability, security, and performance.
- Partnered with executives and business stakeholders to align engineering outcomes with customer experience goals, increasing platform stability and velocity.
- Managed globally distributed teams (US, China, Chile) and annual client budgets up to $3M, delivering programs on time and within scope.
- Introduced CI/CD, DevOps automation, and Agile transformations to boost developer efficiency and reduce cycle times.
- Key Achievements
- Platform Modernization: Orchestrated GuitarCenter.com & MusiciansFriend.com migration—implemented omnichannel commerce, real-time inventory & pricing across millions of SKUs. Client revenue impact exceeded $30M CLV.
- Team Enablement: Revamped Freeman’s ordering system, reducing technical debt by 38% and improving platform reliability. Introduced developer enablement practices (code review automation, Azure DevOps CI/CD).
- Customer Experience Transformation: Automated Freeman’s event setup process (Node.js, GraphQL, React), reducing setup times ~40%.
- Strategic Recovery: Brought at-risk OroCommerce engagement back on track, re-establishing client confidence and successful delivery.
- Innovation Leadership: Built AI-powered merchandising toolset (OpenAI, Google PaLM, Python) to streamline client operations.
- Practice Building: Established Salesforce engineering practice; led offshore teams and achieved Salesforce Administrator certification.
D2C Lead Architect
Collective Brands, Inc.
Topeka
01.2009 - 01.2013
- Directed technology strategy and digital commerce execution for multiple brands (Payless, Stride Rite, Saucony, Keds, Sperry).
- Managed vendors, budgets, and engineering teams, ensuring platform stability during high-traffic events.
- Coached and mentored engineering leaders, shaping technical direction and talent development.
- Key Achievements
- Increased Payless.com revenue from $18M to $45M (2009–2012) by improving platform scalability.
- Led multilingual expansion by implementing translation services across sites.
Technical Architect Expert
Nike
Beaverton
01.2001 - 01.2009
- Advanced from external contractor to Technical Architect Expert; led integrations, architecture strategy, and engineering teams for 40+ major digital commerce initiatives.
- Co-authored Nike’s five-year digital roadmap, introducing CI/CD, automated testing, and PCI compliance scanning.
- Built, hired, and managed high-caliber engineering teams, embedding a culture of metrics-driven execution and innovation.
- Key Achievements
- Served as lead technical expert on Nike+iPod launch with Apple, ensuring global system scalability.
- Received multiple Nike IT Maxim awards for team and individual contributions.
- Mentored engineers and analysts, fostering professional growth and team advancement.
Program/Resource Manager & IS Specialist
EDS (Electronic Data Systems)
- Directed delivery teams for clients including GM, Xerox, and Swisscom. Managed 15+ direct reports across international government projects.
Education
B.S. -
University of Wisconsin
Skills
- Engineering Leadership & Organizational Scaling
- Technical Strategy & Roadmap Planning
- Agile & Continuous Delivery (CI/CD, DevOps)
- Cloud-Native Architecture & Platform Modernization
- API & Integration Strategy (GraphQL, REST)
- Developer Experience, Tooling & Productivity
- Incident Management & Operational Excellence
- Stakeholder & Executive Communication
- Cross-Functional & Global Team Leadership
- Budget & Resource Planning
- Recruiting, Mentorship & Talent Development
- Customer-Focused Delivery & Problem Resolution
Websites
Timeline
Delivery Director / Senior Engineering Manager
AAXIS Digital
01.2013 - Current
D2C Lead Architect
Collective Brands, Inc.
01.2009 - 01.2013
Technical Architect Expert
Nike
01.2001 - 01.2009
Program/Resource Manager & IS Specialist
EDS (Electronic Data Systems)
B.S. -
University of Wisconsin
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