Enterprise Software & Service Manager

Overview:

Join Valley Water: Pioneering Technology Modernization in Cloud, SaaS, AI, and Beyond! Lead Our Software Services Unit: Transforming Legacy Systems to Cutting-Edge Technologies. Empower Innovation: Oversee Vendor Management, Consultant Partnerships, and Stakeholder Collaboration. Customer-Focused Leadership: Guide Software Selection, Migration, and IT Evolution. 

The Software Services Manager will lead Valley Water’s Software Services Unit responsible for all enterprise applications including but not limited to: ESRI ArcGIS, IBM Maximo Asset Management, Web Design and Publishing, Intranet, Oracle and SQL Databases, Application Development, and Infor ERP.

This is a unique opportunity to join Valley Water, an industry leader in technology, as we modernize many of our legacy and on-premises systems to Cloud, SAAS, IAAS, and other technologies. Vendor selection and management, consultant management, and stakeholder partnership are key to the Software Services Unit Manager’s success in this role. This critical role will be heavily customer-facing, assisting IT’s customers with software selection, requirements gathering, and migration to new services as the organization matures.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Oversee and manage enterprise applications, including cloud-based solutions such as Microsoft Azure and AWS as well as legacy systems.
• Develop and integrate AI and machine learning technologies into enterprise applications to enhance data analytics and decision-making processes.
• Supervise three team leads and ensure effective collaboration within the team to achieve project goals.
• Serve as a key liaison between IT and business units, ensuring customer needs are met and exceed expectations.
• Assist IT customers with software selection, requirements gathering, and migration to new services as the organization modernizes.
• Drive the implementation of cybersecurity best practices across all software services to protect sensitive data and maintain compliance with industry standards.
• Manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and ensure third-party solutions meet Valley Water’s requirements and standards.
• Promote culture of continuous improvement by staying current with emerging technologies and industry trends.
• Plans manages and oversees staff and consultants responsible for database administration, systems development, and support of ERP, GIs, Asset Management, Databases, Custom Applications, Payment Processing, and other enterprise services. Provides leadership and analytical support in assessing the overall functionality of information systems, integrating with existing and planned systems, and implementing and ongoing support.
• Manages and participates in the development, design, implementation, and modification of Valley Water-wide and division/unit-specific business applications and platforms, including applications development and support, database administration, systems administration, and internal and external websites; directs the review, analysis, and modification of existing systems and applications; coordinates the design, development, upgrading, implementation, and testing of new systems and applications.
• Prepares and develops project specifications; evaluates third-party software applications; ensures new and revised software applications adapt with existing computer systems. Coordinates with the Technology Innovation, Program Management, and Infrastructure unit to execute Valley Water technology goals.
• Leads and guides project teams in selecting and executing applications support projects, including developing strategies to complete work and ensuring compliance with acceptable information services standards and Valley Water procedures. Responsible for governance and prioritization of the software services application portfolio with a drive to reduce costs and to provide valley water employees with the best applications available on the market.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:

Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.

Ideal Experience:

• Five (5) years of experience in analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance of information systems and technology, including two (2) years of direct supervisory experience.
• Experience with all enterprise applications including but not limited to with ESRI ArcGIS, IBM Maximo Asset Management, Infor Cloudsuite ERP, Web Design and Publishing (Drupal), Intranet (Drupal), Oracle and MySql Databases, Application Development.
• Leading organizations through periods of technology change, for example, replacing a legacy ERP, GIS, Asset Management, or other enterprise system with a modern cloud SAAS equivalent
• Experience with Vendor & Consultant Management
• Project management experience with a proven track record of delivering IT solutions on time and within budget.
• Proven experience in leading software service teams and managing enterprise applications.
• Expertise in cloud computing platforms (e.g., Microsoft Azure, Aws) and SaaS applications.
• Proven customer-focused leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to identify IT issues and opportunities, formulate and evaluate technology strategies, set priorities, and allocate resources to effectively coordinate and meet business needs amongst a diverse set of stakeholders.
• Ability to evaluate and develop improvements to applications support operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Ability to conduct complex applications support research, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical reports.
• Ability to adapt to complex and challenging software environments.
• Ability to manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts effectively.
• Ability to apply the relevant procedures, policies, and documents.
• Proven track record of managing multiple high-profile projects simultaneously and delivering results with limited supervision.
• Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven track record of customer-focused and solutions-oriented leadership.
• Strong change management skills and experience.

Ideal Knowledge:

• Industry standard information technology principles, practices, and methods as applied to systems analysis, design, development, implementation, maintenance, and security; database administration, structures, and management; and software evaluation, selection, and installation.
• Knowledge of document management systems and data retention strategies. 
• Strong knowledge of AI, machine learning, and data analytics.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity best practices and compliance requirements.

Ideal Training and Education:

Software Services Unit (Position Code 431)
Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date.

This position requires the individual to be onsite and is typically not a teleworking position.

Salary : $173,514 - $221,603