Software Development Manager

Why work at J. J. Keller?

• Latest MS tech stack: Our projects use the latest MS tech stack, Microservices, CI/CD, Automated Testing, Cloud Architecture and Predictive Analytics / AI / ML.
• Emerging technologies: We strive to keep current with emerging technologies to prevent platforms from slipping into the dreaded “legacy applications” category. 
• Native solutions: Our 200+ Developers are building J. J. Keller’s line of native cloud robust solutions (web/mobile/IoT) from the ground up. They are passionate about technology, growing their skills and doing meaningful work.
• User-centered focus: Although we still have some proprietary applications, we’re continually evolving our technology footprint to provide a better, more intuitive user experience for our customers.
• Collaborative environment: The average software development team has 7-10 Developers who work closely with our QA’s and a dedicated Product Management team (Product Owner, Business Analyst & UI/UX resource).
• 80% Remote: We’ve embraced remote work for many years – long before the pandemic – so you can work remotely and feel confident in joining our remote culture.

Position Summary

This Software Development Manager position is responsible for leading the assigned Backend Development team to consistently achieve business results and to ensure internal/external customer/client service expectations are fulfilled. This position will also be responsible for performing project management duties including planning, scheduling, and controlling software development projects to meet performance/quality, cost, and time objectives.

Join one of J. J. Keller's fastest growing business units as we protect people and the businesses they run! This role is part of our Outsource Services area, where we provide services to help customers manage their safety and regulatory compliance programs. These services are heavily technology-enabled with this development team building internal-facing and external- facing applications to support service delivery. At the Manager level, this position operates at a strategic level, focusing on long-term plans and strategic priorities.

This role can work 100% remote in the US, on-site at our Corporate Campus in Neenah, WI or hybrid.

Job Responsibilities

• Leads, develops and coaches team:
   - Provides clear expectations, feedback and recognition
   - Participates in the hiring/selection process
   - Writes and conducts performance evaluations and progress reports
   - Handles associate relations issues 
• Delivers results in line with the following key metrics/accountabilities:
   - Development project timelines
   - Application quality, system uptime and system performance targets
   - Associate retention
• Manages the Software Development Life Cycle process and methodology to ensure a high level of quality for all products and services.
• Oversees development team and construction of site enhancements and changes.  Ensures adherence to best practices for development, security and release management.
• Ensures strong communication and training for technical support relative to site changes.
• Contributes to the overall plans and objectives of the department as a member of the Leadership Team. 
• Acts as a mentor and performs code reviews with the team to ensure quality and standards, particularly for contract resources. 
• Works with other senior members, managers and architects to assess/introduce/implement new development frameworks, tools and processes.
• Coordinates technical implementations and interfaces with Information Technology team to maintain optimal server configuration, database accuracy/integrity and for coordination of staging and production moves.
• Participates in long-range planning and makes recommendations regarding technical architecture and department improvements.
• Collaborates with development teams, product owners, and management to balance technical needs and business needs, while ensuring project objectives are met.
• Communicates with third party vendors, end users, customers and internal product stakeholders on systems requirements, enhancements and recommendations to support business direction.
• Develops and maintains a solid understanding of the technology tools and trends and remains current in new technology developments and their potential impact on the department.
• Carries out responsibilities in a fair, ethical and non-discriminatory manner and ensures that staff follows these same guidelines.
• Manages expenses in line with departmental budgets and corporate business conditions.
• Enforces and supports all company policies and procedures.  Fully supports the company's commitment to safety and the environment and strives to maintain a clean, healthy and safe workplace.

Qualifications

Experience:

• 6+ years of development experience or project management experience that includes application development projects. 
• Previous experience in a related leadership role.
• Effective hands-on technical background, specifically Microsoft web development technologies including C# .NET development platform, WPF, SQL Server Databases, Web Services, Integrations and Multi-tiered Architecture. 
• Prior experience managing offshore teams. 
• Demonstrated hands-on experience effectively leading software development projects and project teams to successful completion.
• Formal project methodology experience: Agile (preferably Scrum) experience preferred.
• Any experience with ISO or Compliance is nice to have.  

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in business or technology related field.
• In lieu of degree, may consider a combination of education and experience.

Other Skills/Qualifications:

• Understanding of software development concepts and processes.
• Knowledge of formal project management concepts and methodologies.
• Ability to manage multiple system development projects at once and facilitate project team activities.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate with both technical and non-technical users at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to develop and implement growth plans and programs.
• Effective organizational and time management skills.

Benefits

• Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance
• Annual Reviews / Merit Increases
• Discretionary Bonus + Quarterly Bonus Program
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Annual Profit Sharing
• PTO Days + 8 Paid Company Holidays + 1 Paid Floating Holiday
• Work/Life Balance & Flex Time
• Annual Learning & Development Subscriptions  
• Free Onsite Wellness Clinic for those associates near our corporate office + free telehealth coverage for all associates regardless of where you live
• Free access to FLEX by Fitness on Demand providing 24/7 access to online workout videos
• Strong company culture that fosters internal growth and development
• Computer Equipment Provided for Home Office