Senior Manager, Software Development & IT Operations

Senior Manager, Application Development & IT Operations
Position Summary

The Senior Manager, Application Development & IT Operations is responsible for leading a combined team of software developers, systems engineers, and help desk professionals to deliver secure, reliable, and innovative technology solutions. While this role oversees all IT functions, the primary focus is on application development, with an emphasis on modern programming practices, preferably in .NET, and close collaboration between development and operations (DevOps).
This position provides both strategic and hands-on leadership, ensuring that technology initiatives align with business needs, cyber-security best practices, and operational priorities.

Essential Functions
Application Development Leadership

• Lead the design, development, integration, and deployment of business-critical software applications.
• Mentor and manage development teams, enforcing coding standards, best practices, and appropriate use of lower environments for testing before production release.
• Participate in architecture decisions and code reviews, providing technical guidance where needed.

IT Operations Oversight

• Provide strategic oversight to IT operations, including systems engineering, networking, cyber-security, and help desk functions.
• Ensure infrastructure stability, high availability, and disaster recovery readiness.
• Direct and prioritize workload across app dev and operations teams to balance project demands with operational needs.

Security & Compliance

• Oversee implementation of cyber-security protocols and ensure all development and operational activities align with security best practices.
• Recommend and enforce policies for data protection, backup, and network integrity.

Strategic & Tactical Execution

• Partner with business stakeholders to translate requirements into technical solutions that meet or exceed expectations.
• Ensure timely, on-budget delivery of projects, whether developed in-house or through external vendors.
• Manage vendor relationships and evaluate new tools, platforms, and technologies to improve efficiency and security.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Strong programming background, preferably in .NET.
• Deep understanding of both application development and IT operations, with the ability to “get into the weeds” as needed.
• Proven ability to drive collaboration, prioritization, and process improvement between development and operations teams (DevOps mindset).
• Thorough knowledge of cyber-security principles, networking, infrastructure, and help desk operations.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills.
• Ability to translate business needs into technical strategies and solutions.

Qualifications

• Experience: 8 years in software development, including hands-on programming; 5 years in direct leadership of technical teams (ideally a mix of app dev and IT operations).
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Technical Expertise: Proven experience with enterprise software development, networking, infrastructure management, and cyber-security protocols.
• Preferred: Master’s degree, certifications in relevant technologies, or prior leadership in a DevOps environment.