Manager, Solution Development & Research

Manager, Solution Development & Research

November/2024

JOB POSTING

MANAGER, SOLUTION DEVELOPMENT & RESEARCH

The Caribbean Maritime University (CMU), the only specialized maritime university in the English-speaking Caribbean is inviting applications for the post of MANAGER, SOLUTION DEVELOPMENT & RESEARCH (LEVEL 9).

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Vice President for the Office of Digital Transformation the Manager, Solution Development & Research will be responsible for design, develop, and testing of software and other applications in support of the achievement of the University’s goals. The incumbent will provide high level technical and analytical support throughout all phases of software acquisition/development.

The Manager will manage a team of programmers and research officer with the aim to analyse and resolve problems associated with operating systems and proactively detect, diagnose, and resolve related problems. This individual will also provide mentoring and guidance to the programmer analyst. In addition to the types of duties performed the incumbent is responsible for the day-to-day management of the University’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and any other software system used by the University. The incumbent is also expected to lead and direct system development and improvements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS:

Technical Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, and implements application enhancements to the University’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Learning Management System (LMS) and any other software systems used.
• Plans, develops, and leads the design of major, complex applications.
• Ensures adherence to detailed programming procedures and change controls.
• Reviews user needs and requests and develops proposed solutions for system enhancements.
• Prioritizes projects at the direction of the university’s leadership.
• Plans, organizes and scheduled projects, upgrades, and work assignments.
• Debugs, tests, and documents various complex programs using on-line tools, assigned languages and utilities.
• Prepares detailed specifications, reports and documentation on inputs, outputs, database, and document control methods.
• Participates in the planning, organization and scheduling of projects and work assignments.
• Serves as liaison to vendor(s) for application support and problem resolution; identifies, tracks, and responds to user issues.
• Prepares documentation, including instructions and procedures for the preparation, processing and control of assigned systems.
• Establishes and maintains programming environment and methodologies.
• Manages the implementation of university-wide technology initiatives
• Assigns, supervises, and review codes created by the programmer analyst.
• Manages the daily coding, testing and simulation activities of the unit.
• Ensures there is continuous research to discover and adapt to emerging technologies that may benefit the operations of the university.
• Learns and applies emerging technologies and, as necessary, to perform duties in an efficient, organized, and timely manner.
• Works closely with faculty to assess their technology, pedagogical and administrative needs.
• Provides training and documentation for end-users.
• Consults with stakeholders to develop program specifications for requirements not met by current systems.
• Trains and coordinates the work of other programming staff as needed.
• Ability to create complex codes.

 Management Responsibilities

• Allocation and management of resources, including staff, and financial resources within the context of the Digital Transformation plan.
• Recognizes achievements and assist in identifying professional growth opportunities.

  HR Responsibilities

• Provides leadership to staff through effective objective/goal setting, delegation, and communication.
• Fosters and encourages teamwork and promotes collaborative working across departments/units.
• Monitors the routine operations of the department and oversees and/or participates in the review and evaluation of the work of staff members.
• Conducts annual performance appraisal of staff for required purpose.
• Ensures that training and other development needs of employees are adequately identified and addressed.
• Ensures staff adheres to the policies and procedures of the University.

 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

• Tasks satisfactorily completed as per targets in the Operational Plans.
• High level of satisfaction experienced by customers.
• Effective customer service and guidance provided for all customers.
• Satisfactory collaboration is maintained within the office and other offices within the University.
• Management of department budget.
• Monitoring and evaluation of systems implemented across the department.
• Operational, strategic, and quality management plans developed are measured against targets and the overall objectives of the university.
• Customer service plans developed and implemented.
• Conformance with the quality management systems and established guidelines
• Evaluates targets against the overall goals and objectives of the University.
• The respective systems are operational to the users’ benefit.

 REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

•  Master’s degree in Information Technology; Computer Science; Computer/Software Engineering; or equivalent
• At least five (5) years experience in the field
• At least three (3) years experience as lead/senior programmer
• Strong knowledge of Python Programming Language
• Knowledge of higher education code business processes an asset
• Practical experience with enterprise application systems programming, database design and programming techniques
• Expert knowledge in Enterprise Resource Planning Software

 REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

•  Sound knowledge of IT systems, equipment and capabilities.
• Sound knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems.
• Sound knowledge of the information systems environment and current trends.
• Sound knowledge of database management.
• Sound knowledge of enterprise networking and data communications.
• Knowledge of management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of Project Management.
• Attention to details.
• Excellent human relations and interpersonal skills.
• Required to exhibit strong commitment to customer service.
• Excellent research, analytical and strategic problem-solving skills.
• Strong multitasking and problem-solving skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in written and verbal formats.
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve complex network and system problems.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.