Application Development Manager

Hastings Insurance is seeking an Application Development Manager to join its Information Technology leadership team! This role coordinates and manages all activities related to the design, development, implementation, and support of Hastings software applications. The Application Development Manager establishes standards and techniques to deliver quality solutions supporting business initiatives. This position applies strong leadership, communication, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of best practices to guide a software development team, ensuring successful implementation and support of enterprise IT applications.

Position Location & Schedule Details

• Ideally, candidates will reside in the greater Hastings/Grand Rapids, Michigan, areas and work primarily remotely, with some in-office days each month.
• Preference will be given to candidates who meet this qualification.
• However, Hastings will consider candidates residing in one of our five coverage states (Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, or Wisconsin)
• Candidates outside our five-state region may be considered if other application elements are strong.
• Regardless of the location, the individual in this role will generally work within our standard office hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Given the nature of the role, some work may occur outside of these hours.
  

Position Duties & Responsibilities

• Manages staffing and staff development, including recruitment, supervision, organizational structure, individual and team development, performance management, evaluation, and disciplinary actions.
• Creates a supportive team-oriented work climate that enables project and resource team members to develop professionally, values diversity, promotes teamwork and collaboration, and emphasizes quality, customer satisfaction, creativity, and cost effectiveness.
• Manages the operations of application development teams in support of the business.
• Partners with business leaders, product owners, architects and other IT leaders and staff to deliver solutions that support business initiatives.
• Maintains relationships with vendors and professional organizations and performs related duties as assigned or requested.
• Helps develop and maintain an application development strategy for the organization.
• Assists with the selection of application software products and services.
• Evaluates, installs, configures, and deploys new applications, products, and/or enhancements to existing applications.
• Plans, assigns, and directs the tasks and activities of technical staff involved in the analysis, design, and development functions required to build or install software applications.
• Ensures all software development and integration into company systems meets functional requirements, system/security compliance, and interface specifications.
• Reviews and analyzes existing applications and applications being developed to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
• Reviews requests for application changes, upgrades, and enhancements to ensure they meet the needs of the business.
• Participates in strategic planning and assists in determining project priorities that meet strategic demands.
• Provides technical information and analysis to prepare for the annual budget and project planning.
• Prepares regular reports for senior-level management to communicate status updates.
• Maintains an effective working relationship with management team members, serving as an automation advisor in formulating Company goals and objectives.
• Evaluates and reports on how technology (software and hardware) may be effectively employed to achieve corporate goals.
• Achieves corporate performance objectives and satisfies licensing requirements by ensuring meaningful documentation, standards/controls, and data, hardware, and software security.
• Monitors and reviews, with senior management, compliance with corporate policies and procedures in the use of computing resources.
• Actively participates in professional development, i.e., continuing education or self-improvement.
• Other duties assigned by leadership, either verbally or in writing.
  
  

Candidate Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience is required.
• Equivalent experience is ten years minimum in information technology with five years minimum management experience.
• Proven experience overseeing the direction, development, and implementation of software solutions.
• Experience in supervision, including coaching and mentoring of staff.
• In-depth knowledge of SDLC methodologies and best practices.
• Good project management skills.
• Skill in coordinating multiple concurrent activities and prioritizing work assignments.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• General technical knowledge of application software and current applications environment.
• General knowledge of insurance and insurance company operations.
• Demonstrated excellent listening, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated PC skills, including proficient use of Microsoft Office products.
  

About Us

At Hastings Insurance, our balanced corporate strategy focuses on implementing emerging technologies, cultivating strong independent agency relationships, and providing the right products to our policyholders. We seek to strategically grow our product lines and continue to expand geographically while maintaining our financial stability and innovative nature.

Our talented employees are dedicated to providing excellent customer service to our agent partners and policyholders. Many of our employees have been identified as industry experts, and we value the knowledge and skills they contribute to our success.

For more than 135 years, Hastings has helped our customers protect their valued assets and rebuild after devastating losses. We are proud to be rated an A (Excellent) insurance carrier by A.M. Best Company.

Our Commitment as an Employer

We value the strength of a diverse and inclusive workforce. Hastings Insurance is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and candidates in a work environment that does not tolerate discrimination or harassment. Decisions related to employment are based on business needs, position requirements, and individual characteristics without regard to appearance, nationality, origin, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, body, disability, veteran status, family, marital status, or any legally protected class.

Hastings Insurance seeks to provide reasonable accommodation to disabled individuals in the hiring process in compliance with federal, state, and local law. Candidates requiring accommodation to complete their job application or participate in the interviewing process are asked to notify the Talent Acquisition Specialist or contact us at 800-442-8277.