Enterprise Applications and Operations Manager

Enterprise Applications And Operations Manager

The Enterprise Applications And Operations Manager is responsible for leading a highly technical team of six system administrators and engineers in managing the Arizona State Retirement System's (ASRS) software and applications. The role involves 75% people management/leadership and 25% hands-on technical work. The manager ensures compliance with industry standards and best practices, overseeing the design, development, and deployment of mission-critical information systems while fostering a collaborative and productive team environment.

Skills Required

Proven leadership and management capabilities. Expertise in overseeing application development, deployment, and maintenance. Proficiency in AWS Public Cloud Infrastructure and infrastructure as code (e.g., CloudFormation, CodeCommit, CodePipeline). Strong understanding of multi-tiered applications, automated SDLC pipelines, and software quality assurance best practices. Ability to script and automate tasks using languages like PowerShell. Technical fluency in managing infrastructure and software applications (e.g., IBM FileNet, Atlassian Jira, Kofax). Knowledge of data security/privacy practices and laws.

Experience Required

A minimum of five years of people management experience leading technical teams in medium to large enterprise technology environments. Demonstrated success in managing large-scale infrastructure and software applications. Hands-on experience with tools and platforms such as Docker Containers, Kubernetes, Linux and Windows Server environments, and SolarWinds Network Monitoring.

Education Required

A four-year college degree in computer systems design, computer science, or a related field is preferred. Relevant technical certifications are advantageous but not required.

Additional Information

Work Environment: Flexible hours within a standard M-F, 8 AM – 5 PM schedule. Primarily remote, with occasional in-office requirements (approximately 10 times/year). Project Term: Temporary position with an estimated duration of 6-9 months, transitioning to a full-time role upon satisfactory performance. Equipment Requirements: Candidate must provide a personal computer and high-speed internet capable of supporting secure remote desktop sessions. Compensation: Hourly rate capped at $85 (agency bill rate).

Responsibilities

Strategy & Planning

• Ensure that applications meet business requirements and systems goals, fulfill end-user requirements, and identify and resolve systems issues.
• Review and analyze existing applications' effectiveness and efficiency, and then develop strategies for improving or leveraging these systems.
• Cultivate and disseminate knowledge of application-usage best practices.

Acquisition & Deployment

• Research and make recommendations on software products and services in support of procurement and development efforts.
• Evaluate, install, configure, and deploy new applications, systems software, products, and/or enhancements to existing applications throughout the enterprise.
• Collaborate with other IT teams, including Information Security, Service Desk, Quality Assurance, internal business areas, and external service providers to plan, design, test, deploy, and sustain a stable, secure, well-performing, and available infrastructure and applications environment.
• Analyze documentation and technical specifications of any new application under deployment or consideration to determine its intended functionality.
• Ensure that any new software integration into company systems meets functional requirements, system compliance, and interface specifications.
• Design, develop, and install application enhancements and upgrades.
• Coordinate feasibility studies for software and system products under consideration for purchase, and give advice based on findings.
• Contribute to pre-testing phase of development by evaluating proposals in order to identify potential problem areas, and make the appropriate recommendations.
• Negotiate contracts with software and service providers.
• Liaise with company’s software suppliers for prompt rectification of any problems or emergencies.

Operational Management

• Lead, coach, and mentor to motivate staff and produce expected results.
• Manage and provide direction for the application team in support of business operations.
• Liaise with network administrators, security engineers, and software developers to assist with quality assurance, program logic, and data processing.
• Compile and maintain inventory of company software and systems assets and their corresponding contracts/agreements.
• Develop and communicate training and documentation for end users, hold clinics as necessary, and other user-related activities.
• Develop, distribute, and coordinate in-depth end-user reviews for modified and new systems or applications.
• Monitor, identify, and resolve complex infrastructure and application problems.
• Manage and remediate security vulnerabilities.
• Adhere to Incident, Problem, Configuration and Change Management processes and agreed-upon service levels.

Position Requirements

Formal Education & Certification

• Four-year college or university degree in computer systems design or computer science, and/or five years equivalent work experience leading technical teams in a med-large enterprise.
• Preferred: Relevant technical certifications.

Knowledge & Experience

• Proven experience in overseeing the direction, development, and implementation of software solutions.
• Direct, hands-on experience with automated software management tools.
• Strong knowledge of multi-tiered applications, software quality assurance best practices, and methodologies, including automated SDLC pipelines.
• Extensive experience with administering and maintaining core infrastructure and software applications. The following products are used within ASRS’ technology environment. Experience with these specific systems is not required; however, candidates must be familiar working in and managing similar environments.
• IBM FileNet
• Kofax (Tungsten Automation)
• Atlassian Jira, Jira Service Management, Confluence
• Fortra GoAnywhere Managed File Transfer (MFT)
• Public Key Infrastructure
• Microsoft Windows Server and client operating systems, Active Directory, Group Policy and other related technologies
• Linux Server operating systems
• Docker Containers and Kubernetes
• SolarWinds Network Monitoring and Alerting product suite
• Must have: Experience with AWS Public Cloud Infrastructure including infrastructure as code (CloudFormation, CodeCommit, CodePipeline).
• Technically fluent in scripting languages, including Powershell to automate operational tasks and routines for efficiency and accuracy.
• Working knowledge of network and computer operating systems, including Windows and Linux.
• Strong project management skills and/or substantial exposure to project-based work structures.
• Excellent understanding of the organization’s goals and objectives.
• Knowledge of applicable data security/privacy practices and laws.
• Ability to support a 24x7x365 mission-critical enterprise public cloud and on-premises IT ecosystem.

Personal Attributes

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent listening and interpersonal skills.
• Strong customer-service orientation.
• Ability to communicate ideas in both technical and user-friendly language.
• Ability to conduct research into application issues and products.
• Highly self-motivated and directed.
• Demonstrated problem-resolution and analytical/critical thinking skills and abilities.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Ability to practice servant leadership.

Work Conditions

• Occasional evening and weekend work to meet deadlines and/or respond to critical incidents.
• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and to handle other computer components.
• Lifting and transporting of moderately heavy objects, such as computers and peripherals.
• Physically able to lead and/or participate in training sessions, presentations, and meetings.