Main Content

Salary
$80,629 - 125,781
Posting Closing Date
City
Springfield, IL

Job Posting

The Application Development Manager is responsible for managing a team of developers, a Software Engineer and a Senior Application Support Analyst which are responsible for the TRS applications development environment. TRS application includes older client/server, modern web and cloud based subscription services. This person, within an Agile Scrum environment, works closely with team Project Managers, Product Owners and Scrum Masters with resource and time allocations. This position evaluates existing applications and infrastructure based on organizational priorities to determine upgrades and/or technical changes, monitors the quality of code development, and mentors junior staff. In addition, this position assists with scheduling project timelines with consideration of approved budgets.  This position will serve a key role in the replacement of the legacy pension administration system.

Education Requirements:

A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or related field. Equivalent job knowledge and experience directly related to the position may be substituted.

Experience:

A minimum of five years of experience in computer programming and three years of management experience and/or leading a technical team is required.  Experience with Visual Basic.NET, ASP.NET, C#, SQL Server, modern web development and cloud services in an enterprise environment is required.  Agile leadership experience is preferred.

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

This position is primarily responsible for providing leadership and management to staff. In addition, the position will plan, coordinate and review the activities of the application development team and will work closely with various Agile Scrum teams to allocate resources and provide technical direction.  The incumbent provides guidance to programming staff on the use of standard programming techniques and oversees trouble-shooting and problem solving of program issues.  This position is responsible for preparing performance appraisals, effectively recommending and imposing disciplinary action and handling employee complaints.  This position also works with other Information Technology managers to ensure that work being performed aligns with overall strategic objectives. 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

The incumbent must possess knowledge of various software development methodologies and testing techniques.   Sound decision-making, organizational and analytical skills to solve problems of a complex procedural, organizational, administrative and/or technical nature are required.  Experience working with pension applications is beneficial. The incumbent must have working knowledge of Agile principles and Scrum methodology.  The incumbent must possess initiative and leadership to manage staff resources assigned to various teams with a diverse set of assignments. They should be able to organize and prioritize work tasks independently or within a team environment; effectively communicate through verbal and written form.     

Selection Criteria:

ANALYTICAL SKILLS

Analyzes information and reviews problems thoroughly; determines the nature and relationship of situations.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills.  This includes the ability to organize ideas and speak effectively in public situations, to small groups or one-on-one as well as the ability to demonstrate good listening skills including the ability to receive, attend to, interpret and respond to verbal messages and non-verbal cues when conversing with others.  In addition, the position requires the ability to compose and edit specified documents in a clear, concise and well-structured manner.

JOB KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Ability to interpret programming logic from documented requirements.  Has completed specified amount of time previously performing essential duties of the job and/or has completed specified degrees, coursework or training programs to perform the job.  Possesses a body of information or level of understanding necessary to complete assigned responsibilities.

MANAGEMENT SKILLS

The ability to effectively use and supervise human and material resources to achieve the goals and objectives of an organization.

ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS

Organizes work tasks in an efficient manner; able to complete assignments on time and accurately by prioritizing tasks and monitoring their completion.

PROBLEM SOLVING

The ability to define a problem; define several solutions (if necessary); and implement the solution which resolves the problem in the most effective and timely manner.


Job Description

Purpose:

Under the direction of the Deputy Chief Technology Officer – Internal Support, the Application Development Manager is responsible for managing the application development team and assigning staff to serve in various roles on teams using Agile principles and Scrum methodology. This position evaluates existing applications and infrastructure to help determine whether upgrades and/or changes are necessary; assists with scheduling projects and resources; and estimates and monitors project timelines with consideration to approved budgets.

Nature and Scope:

This position provides leadership and management to staff and plans and coordinates the activities of the application development team.  The incumbent provides guidance on the use of standard programming techniques and oversees trouble-shooting and problem solving of program issues.  Extensive knowledge of department and organization wide processes is required. This position is responsible for assigning and reviewing subordinates’ work, preparing performance appraisals, effectively recommending and imposing disciplinary action and handling employee complaints.  Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of various software development methodologies and testing techniques are required. This position also works with other Information Technology managers to ensure that work being performed aligns with overall strategic objectives.  The incumbent must have a working knowledge of Agile principles and Scrum method.

The greatest challenge of this position is ensuring that staff are fully engaged and participating in the achievement of TRS strategic goals.  

Principal Accountabilities:

  1. Manage the activities of the application development staff and monitor the work of contractual consultants assigned to the application development area. 
  2. Evaluate when staff augmentation is needed and advise on the capabilities needed, duration of assignments and integration with the existing teams.
  3. Monitor the progress of deliverables from internal and external development teams.  Track and provide status reports of work assignments and projects.
  4. Assist in the planning, organization and coordination of teams and staff assignments to major projects related to system development, enhancements or implementation of new solutions using Agile principles.
  5. Ensure Agile teams have what they need to successfully deliver high-quality software solutions; intervene only when necessary to remove an impediment or address a staffing issue.
  6. Foster an effective, constructive, positive and trusting relationship with the staff; encourage continuous improvement, learning and problem-solving.
  7. Establish and maintain strong business relationships with senior and operating level staff.
  8. Provide recommendations for improvement of business processes by leveraging existing IT capabilities, identifying improvements to existing IT systems and resources, and defining new strategic IT opportunities.
  9. Develop ongoing strategies and solutions with other TRS departments and executive staff to support the TRS mission.  Ensure that the tasks being worked are in line with overall strategic initiatives.
  10. Work closely with other IT managers to ensure staff are actively engaged and contributing to the achievement of strategic goals.
  11. Help coach, mentor, and guide teams on how to use Agile/Scrum Principles, Values and Practices.
  12. Serve on cross-functional Agile teams as a team member, Scrum Master or Product Owner, as assigned.
  13. Ensure technology solutions comply with architectural standards.
  14. Assist with complex projects that require subject matter expertise.
  15. Identify staff training and individual development needs.  
  16. Prepare various reports, plans and recommendations to senior management.
  17. Perform other duties as required or assigned.