IT Application Development Manager

The IT Application Development Manager is a hands-on technical leader responsible for overseeing the design, development, and support of enterprise applications and analytics solutions. This role blends leadership and execution, managing a small team of developers and a senior data scientist while actively contributing to application and data development efforts.

The position plays a critical role in advancing DDS Lab’s application ecosystem, ensuring scalable, high-quality solutions aligned with business objectives. The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with proven leadership capability, strategic thinking, and a commitment to fostering a high-performance, productivity-focused team environment.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of application developers and data professionals, promoting accountability and continuous improvemen
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on productivity, efficiency, and quality delivery
• Manage workload prioritization, sprint planning, and resource allocation across development and analytics efforts
• Collaborate closely with the Solutions Architect and IT leadership to align development priorities with enterprise architecture and business objectives
• Provide hands-on guidance, code reviews, and technical mentoring to team members

Application Development & Delivery (Hands-On)

• Actively contribute to development efforts, including coding, debugging, and solution design
• Design, build, and support internal applications and system integrations using .NET technologies
• Ensure adherence to development best practices, including code quality, security, and maintainability
• Lead troubleshooting and resolution of complex application and data issues
• Support modernization initiatives and cloud migration efforts, particularly within Microsoft Azure environments

Data & Analytics Collaboration

• Partner with the Senior Data Scientist to deliver scalable data and analytics solutions
• Oversee development and optimization of SQL-based data models, reporting, and ETL processes
• Ensure the integrity, performance, and scalability of reporting solutions (SSRS and BI tools)
• Promote effective use of data to support operational and strategic decision-making

Technology & Architecture

• Contribute to application architecture decisions in collaboration with the Solutions Architect
• Drive adoption of modern development practices, including CI/CD, DevOps, and AI-assisted development tools
• Ensure solutions are scalable, secure, and aligned with enterprise standards
• Evaluate emerging technologies and tools that can improve development productivity and solution quality

Strategic Thinking & Execution

• Translate business needs into technical solutions and development roadmaps
• Balance short-term delivery demands with long-term scalability and maintainability
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce backlog, and improve delivery velocity
• Support IT leadership in planning and executing strategic initiatives

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in application development, including hands-on coding
• 2+ years of experience leading or managing development teams (preferably onsite teams)
• Strong experience with:
  • .NET Framework / .NET Core (C#)
  • Microsoft SQL Server (T-SQL, database design, performance tuning)
  • SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS)
  • Microsoft Azure (App Services, SQL, cloud architecture fundamentals)
• Experience working in hybrid roles combining development and team leadership 
• Strong understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC) and best practices

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with AI-assisted development tools or data science platforms
• Familiarity with ETL processes, data pipelines, and analytics platforms
• Experience with DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and source control (Azure DevOps, GitHub)
• Exposure to business intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau or Power BI)

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities
• Strategic thinking with the ability to execute at a tactical level
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Effective communication skills across technical and non-technical stakeholders
• High degree of ownership, accountability, and initiative

What this Role Matters

This role is pivotal to DDS Lab’s ability to modernize applications, leverage data effectively, and scale technology solutions in alignment with business growth. The ideal candidate will not only lead a team but will directly contribute to building the systems that drive operational excellence and innovation.