Application Development Manager

Location: Lahore

The Manager, Applications Development will take an active, hands-on role within the Application Development Team. This position involves both contributing directly to application development and managing the team’s activities. The manager will oversee the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) for custom-developed applications, ensuring alignment with business needs and technical standards. Working closely with the Director of Application and Development, this role will be responsible for application architecture, design, development, implementation, and ongoing support.

Key Responsibilities:
- Ensure that projects meet business objectives and system efficiency requirements.
- Develop strategies to enhance current system effectiveness and propose improvement initiatives.
- Manage the development and deployment of new applications as well as major upgrades to existing ones.
- Escalate and resolve issues related to the delivery of technology solutions in a timely manner.
- Build and maintain strong business partnerships with clients, vendors, IT executives, and senior business leaders.
- Foster relationships based on trust, balancing individual client needs with broader business priorities to align with overall strategies.
- Anticipate technological advancements and integrate them into business solutions proactively.

Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a technical or business-related discipline.
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar role within application development or management.
- Solid experience with applied object-oriented design patterns.
- Strong understanding of IT concepts, strategies, and methodologies and their application to business opportunities.
- In-depth knowledge of business operations, objectives, and strategic planning.
- Proficiency in project planning methodologies, IT standards, and guidelines.
- Expertise in Object-Oriented analysis and design patterns.
- Ability to translate business requirements into technical specifications effectively.
- Strong SQL skills and working knowledge of J2EE core patterns such as DAO, EJB, and Controllers.
- Experience with Struts versions 1 and 2.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong interpersonal abilities.
- Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multiple teams.
- Capable of managing multiple deadlines and shifting priorities efficiently.
- Knowledge of retail processes and operations is advantageous.

Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with the Spring Framework is a plus.
- Familiarity with application servers such as Tomcat and JBoss.
- Working knowledge of databases like MySQL and Oracle.
- Experience with development tools including WebSphere, Rational Application Developer, and Eclipse.
- Knowledge of rich client-side JavaScript frameworks such as JQuery and JQueryUI.
- A proactive approach to learning and applying new technologies beyond one’s comfort zone.
- Strong ability to partner with key business stakeholders to support their evolving needs.

This role offers the opportunity to lead a dynamic team while directly shaping the technology solutions that drive business success. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with strong technical expertise and excellent communication skills, capable of bridging the gap between business and technology.