Application Development Director

Hastings Insurance is seeking an Application Development Manager to join its Information Technology leadership team! This role is responsible for the management and leadership of the Application Development functions which includes the recommendation of and implementation of comprehensive strategic and tactical automated systems to achieve corporate goals, while balancing the user needs for efficiency and effectiveness against the competitive needs and cost containment.

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.

  • Hastings however may consider candidates residing in one of our five coverage states (Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, or Wisconsin).

• 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; and that values diversity, promotes teamwork and collaboration, and emphasizes quality, customer satisfaction, creativity, and cost effectiveness.

• Directs negotiations and administration of vendor, third-party providers, and consultant contracts and service agreements in assigned area of responsibility.

• Keeps current with the technologies that have a potential impact on company operations.

• Leads the development and deployment of new applications, system enhancements, and system maintenance.

• Oversees and directs the collaboration between analysts, developers, system owners, and quality assurance in the testing of new and changed software programs and applications.

• Coordinates studies and make recommendations for software and system products under consideration for purchase.

• Directs the development staff in working with stakeholders to define business and systems requirements for new and change technology implementations.

• Provides key leadership in department and corporate strategic planning, including project planning, prioritization and allocation of resources.

• Defines and communicates project milestones and resource allocation to the executive team, department leads, support staff, and end users.

• Maintains an effective working relationship with management team members, serving as an automation advisor in the formulation of Company goals and objectives.

• Evaluates and reports on how technology (software and hardware) may be effectively employed to achieve corporate goals.

• Actively participates in professional development.

• Other duties assigned by leadership, either verbally or in writing.

Candidate Requirements & Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience is required.

  • Equivalent experience is fifteen years minimum experience in information technology with ten years of management experience.

• Demonstrated mastery of the information needs and processing flows of a property/casualty insurance company preferred.

• Insurance background with AINS certification is preferred.

• Knowledgeable in all phases of project and departmental management.

• Advanced understanding of mainframe, client-server and internet development platforms, software development methodologies and hardware in both a mainframe (legacy) and open system environment.

• 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.