Job: Director of Application Development

The role of the Director of Application Development is to lead and manage software development. Supports Executive Vice President in research, planning, budgeting, and implementation of legacy robotics applications and next generation .NET and SOA systems in support of the Airline and Hospitality industry. Directs resources and budget to meet client retention and acquisition as well as new revenue goals.


PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Oversee, Direct and Manage development and project management functions
Work closely with Executive Vice President, Product Directors, and Amadeus Corporate to support client, product and service goals.
Be the primary liaison between product directors and the software development team, specifically during planning and analysis phases
Formulate ARI operational plans to achieve business goals by fostering innovation, prioritizing work, aligning resources and leading for results on time and within budget.
Formulates policies, procedures and internal controls to optimize the use and effectiveness of ARI/Amadeus products.
Establish and document best practices, standards, key performance indicators, internal controls and processes for development initiatives
Work with product directors to develop requirements, ascertain priorities, and report progress

Relationship Management
Build, develop, and grow any business relationships vital to the success of all projects.
Promotes and oversees strategic relationships with vendor and partner organizations.
Work with product directors to understand business requirements and help them understand how technology tradeoffs influence strategy

Strategic Vision Development
Define high level technical strategies, guidelines and standards that balance short term and long term objectives in a practical manner
Oversee the execution of tactical plans
Assisting in the long term strategic planning for the company
Act as an advocate for the Amadeus brand and overall company profitability in every facet of the company
Monitor competitors and airline and hospitality industry to achieve and maintain a competitive lead
Identify, research and propose strategic opportunities, functionality, applications, services and vendors to facilitate increased adoption of ARI/Amadeus products and services

Technical Direction
Lead major software development efforts and technology decisions
Provides high-level technical strategy and best practice direction to staff and upper management
Develops plans in conjunction with Development team members to migrate off of legacy systems.
Speaks eloquently and knowledgeably with product directors and clients about technical capabilities and feasibility
Able to quickly assess technical needs and potential solutions as well as risks and costs associated with options
Responsible for researching and evaluating new technologies

ORGANIZATIONAL POSITION:
Two Application Development Managers, 2 Database Developers, 1 Project Manager & 1 QA Analyst are all direct reports, 15 software developers as indirect reports.

Responsible for yearly budget definition for staffing as well as proposed capital projects for the coming year.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS (TRAVEL, LOCATION):
Some domestic and international travel may be required
Must be authorized to work permanently in the United States

Proven senior IT Management experience as evidenced by having held positions with similar levels of responsibility with the title of Sr. Manager, Director or Vice President.
A proven track record of driving and defining complex IT strategy as evidenced by directly managing successful legacy enterprise system migrations, defining and managing the creation and implementation of new software product(s) and/or overseeing enterprise system integration projects.
Work requires professional written and verbal English communication and interpersonal skills. Exceptional communication skills are essential in order to explain complex IT concepts to non technical colleagues
Ability to participate in and facilitate meetings and discussions with groups ranging from highly technical development staff to C-level execs both internal and external
Ability to motivate teams to produce quality materials within tight timeframes and simultaneously manage several projects
Need an inspirational leader that can craft and communicate the message and plan that moves the technology and business forward and cultivate team buy-in and passion.
Technical experience related to complex systems design, relational databases, e-Commerce, web development, systems integration, SOA, legacy migrations, and hardware/infrastructure is required
Experience managing $$MM projects and large international clients desired
Experience with contract negotiation, SLA creation/management and RFP response required
Experience in planning, forecasting, developing and managing department capital and expense budgets
Experience in strategic technology planning, execution, and policy development
Excellent understanding of project management principles
Bachelor of Science Degree and ten years of experience in software development with at least 5 in a senior-level related position is required
Experience in the Airline and/or Hospitality industry is very desirable
Willingness to work a flexible schedule

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
BS degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Sciences (or related) is required