Systems Manager - Enterprise DevOps

Summary of Responsibilities:

Provides leadership and direction to support business objectives of Western & Southern Financial Group (W&SFG) through cost-effective use of technology, staff and appropriate business practices. Leads production support and development efforts for application programming and/or technology infrastructure team(s). In addition to normal managerial expectations, ensures efficient, cost-effective operation, and oversees project development and implementation. Works with minimal supervision and is responsible for independently making a broad range of critical decisions, escalating to executive-level associates only when appropriate.

Position Responsibilities:

• Plans, directs, coordinates and controls all project activities including feasibility, requirements gathering, project scope, cost estimates, design, programming, testing, implementation and support. Directs and coordinates project activities of diverse levels of associates across IT teams and business unit departments, including other management and high-level staff personnel.

• Ensures efficient, cost-effective operation of their assigned team while maintaining an appropriate minimum number and level of properly trained individuals.

• Acquires knowledge of applications and areas supported in order to contribute to the success of the departments served.

• Stays current on trends in our business and Information Technology through networking and being aware of strategies and major operational initiatives.

• Assists in hardware, software and technology evaluations.

• Chairs and/or serves on management-level committees and task forces.

• Develops and executes project initiatives that meet the priorities of Western & Southern Financial Group (W&SFG).

• Follows all IT standards established.

• Proactively addresses potential systems problems to deliver smooth running, accurate application systems. Communicates problems and participates actively in the decision-making process to resolve them.

• Maintains and recommends ways to improve Information Technology's management processes and tools.

• Recruits, hires, trains and develops staff. Provides direction to and development of associates through normal supervisory functions including coaching, administration of Performance Management program, and creation and implementation of development plans.

• Reports the status of departmental and committee responsibilities orally and in writing, as required.

• Effectively negotiates hardware, software and service contracts with vendors.

• Coordinates application systems emergency recovery activities for assigned team.

• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

Selection Criteria:

• Proven experience coordinating multiple Information Technology projects/assignments simultaneously, and completing assigned tasks accurately and on a timely basis. Must demonstrate strong attention to detail with excellent organizational skills. Expected to cite examples of organization and time management methods used to manage or prioritize workload demands. Must demonstrate project management experience in planning, executing and maintaining a project from start to finish.

• Demonstrated experience leading and motivating teams. This would include providing direction, coaching and effective feedback to team members.

• Proven strong analytical skills, including demonstrated experience identifying, defining and quantifying problems; collecting or interpreting data, establishing facts, and providing effective solutions. Cite examples of good decision-making skills when dealing with multiple alternatives.

• Strong project management skills - cite examples of developing, organizing, initiating and maintaining a project and successfully accomplishing set goals.

• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills; occasionally conveys information to internal and external customers in a clear, accurate, focused and concise manner. 

• Demonstrated ability to document procedures and activities in a manner that is understandable to others and prepared using a prescribed format, demonstrating use of the English language to include exemplary knowledge, in verbal and written format, of the elements of grammar, punctuation, diction and spelling proficiency. 

• Demonstrated experience working independently. Experience must include identifying and resolving problems where independent decision-making and initiative were demonstrated.

• Proven experience with project management, current hardware and software and effective consultation/coaching techniques.

• Proven experience interacting with corporate and department management throughout the Company and external vendors.

• Demonstrated ability to foresee future requirements for an organization and develop plans to meet those requirements.

• Demonstrated experience to apply knowledge of up-to-date industry and technical information to attain business objectives.

Work Setting:

• Works in an office setting and remains in an occasionally stationary position for long periods of time while working at a desk, on a computer or with other standard office equipment or while in meetings.

• Continuously moves about to accomplish tasks, particularly moving from one workstation to another.

• Continually performs an activity such as transcribing, viewing a computer terminal and extensive reading. Visual acuity is required to determine accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of work assigned. Ability to make repetitive motions of the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate selection criteria experience.

Computer Skills and Knowledge of Hardware & Software Required:

• Proficient in word processing, spreadsheet and presentation applications.

• Working knowledge of database applications.

Certifications & Licenses (i.e. Series 6 & 63, CPA, etc.):

• None required.

Position Demands:

• Extended hours required during peak workloads or special projects and off-hour support.

• Use of a pager or cell phone may be necessary when providing after-hour support.