Associate Director, Application Delivery

Hybrid work schedule (Minimum 3 days/week) - Ottawa office (please note that this position can also be filled in any of our offices across Canada).The TeamThe Canada Application Delivery team, headed by the Associate Director, works in line with the global and Canadian IT plans to deliver a robust and achievable technology roadmap enabling the firm's growth and to drive consistency and operational excellence. The majority of direct reports work remotely and do not have a persistent in-office presence.Job OverviewThe Associate Director, Application Delivery is responsible for the operation and strategic development of Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP's application portfolio within the region and as part of the wider global network. The regional team is a multi-sourced team delivering end-to-end services in support of both the region and the wider global services as they develop within the Norton Rose Fulbright business, working across our Canadian-based locations. The Associate Director, Application Delivery will have accountability to the regional Chief Information Officer. They will plan, organize and follow up on activities and improvements to the application portfolio and leverage their team of direct reports to do so. They will be fully accountable for the Application landscape and continuously delivering new solutions to drive business value, while keeping an eye on maintaining business as usual activities.You will be focusing on:Delivery and support of business solutions, through implementation, development and integration of new and existing systems.Ownership of the Canadian regional application portfolio.Manages a team of direct reports.Provides advice and recommendations on emerging technologies and trends.Champions IT Service Management processes.Specific ResponsibilitiesActs as a key liaison with senior leadership throughout the firm to ensure that applications meet business requirements and systems goals, fulfill end-user requirements, and identify and resolve systems issues.Reviews and analyzes existing applications effectiveness and efficiency, and then develops strategies for improving or leveraging these systems.Cultivates and disseminates knowledge of application-usage best practices.Provides advice and recommendations to leadership on emerging technologies and trends.Identifies opportunities where IT solutions can be used to build competitive advantage and improve efficiency and effectiveness of the business units.Supports the building of business cases.Ownership of the Canadian regional application portfolio.Ensures the application inventory, roadmaps, and operation guides are maintained.Manages the lifecycle of the applications portfolio, ensuring the timely retirement of applications and the decommissioning of associated components.Manages the annual budgets relating to application maintenance services.Acts as an escalation point for 3rd level support issues.Designates application leads for individual applications and establishes clear accountability with team members.Coordinates disaster recovery processes for applications with the DR/BC Administrator.Ensures cybersecurity risks are mitigated and ISO 27001 certification is maintained through application lifecycle management and standardized controls and processes.Acquisition & DeploymentResearch and make recommendations on software products and services in support of procurement and development efforts.Evaluate, install, configure, and deploy new applications, systems software, products, and/or enhancements to existing applications throughout the enterprise.Collaborate with analysts, designers, and system owners in the testing of new software programs and applications.Analyze documentation and technical specifications of any new application under deployment or consideration to determine its intended functionality.Ensure that any new software integration into company systems meets functional requirements, system compliance, and interface specifications.Design, develop, and install application enhancements and upgrades.Coordinate feasibility studies for software and system products under consideration for purchase, and give advice based on findings.Contribute to pre-testing phase of development by evaluating proposals in order to identify potential problem areas and make the appropriate recommendations.Negotiate contracts with software and service providers.Liaise with company's software suppliers for prompt rectification of any problems or emergencies.Operational ManagementManage and provide direction for the application team in support of business operations.Liaise with network administrators and software engineers to assist with quality assurance, program logic, and data processing.Compile and maintain inventory of company software and systems assets and their corresponding contracts/agreements.Develop and communicate training and documentation for end users, hold clinics as necessary, and other user-related activities.Develop, distribute, and coordinate in-depth end-user reviews for modified and new systems or applications.Communicates decisions, priorities and relevant information to the Application Delivery team members.Assigns tasks and coordinates the workload for direct reports.Develops processes within the team and with external teams to enable continued improvement.Maintains a positive work environment for their team.Mentors team members and identifies opportunities for growth.Supports knowledge transfer between team members, the Service Delivery team, and project teams.Develops training plans for team members.Champions IT Service Management processes.Holds team accountable for following defined ITSM processes.Reviews, approves, and challenges change requests as a Change Advisory Board (CAB) member.Conducts regular problem management meetings for tickets assigned to the Application Delivery team.Ensures service records and knowledge base articles are up to date.What you bring to the role:A Bachelors' Degree or higher with a technology focus, such as Computer Science, or equivalent combination of experience, education, and professional certifications.At least 15 years of experience in IT progressing from a developer/integrator/DBA.At least 10 years of experience in direct line resource management.Proven expertise skills in software development, .NET, SQL, and other integration technologies required.Achieved ITIL Foundation certification.Achieved PMP, CBAP, Agile, or other project management or business analysis certification is a benefit.Achieved or pursuing TOGAF, COBIT, or other architecture or governance certification is a benefit.SAP technology exposure is an asset.Experienced in the management of a geographically distributed team of highly technically skilled employees.Experienced in managing a critical and broad ranging applications function at a strategic, tactical and operational level within a large global organization.Experienced in managing senior stakeholders, ideally within a partnership or matrix structured organization.Highly effective at translating complex technical concepts to non-technical business stakeholders.Possesses strong business planning, analytical, and conceptual skills.Knowledge of legal industry technologies including document management, practice management, knowledge management and case management systems is highly desirable.Experience in implementing and supporting large technology systems.Can demonstrate the ability to perform at a high level within an ambiguous and dynamically evolving environment.Can demonstrate the experience and ability to work effectively as part of a strategic and operational leadership team.Experienced in budget creation, procurement and financial management best practices.Willingness and flexibility to work non-standard hours as required to support project and support activities.Deals effectively with conflicts and remains calm under pressure.Why join our team:Hybrid work environmentRetirement savings plan with employer contributionBenefit premiums paid by the firmTelemedicine servicesWellness matters: Flexible health and wellness allowance that covers much more than gym memberships!Training and development programs based on your interests and needsReady to join a proactive and modern firm that provides an exceptional career experience in an inclusive and collaborative environment? Come join us!As a global law firm, we embrace a culture of excellence and working hard, but always with a focus on flexibility, respect, diversity and openness. We strive to create an equitable, inclusive environment where everyone can bring their whole self to work and realize their career potential.To find out more about how we integrate diversity, equity and inclusion in everything we do please click.If you are unable to apply for a position online or require any reasonable adjustments during the recruiting process, please contact to further discuss your needs.Please note that applicants who receive an employment offer may be required during their employment with Norton Rose Fulbright to provide proof of vaccinations recommended from time to time by government or public health authorities. Norton Rose Fulbright has a duty to accommodate those who are unable to get vaccinated due to protected grounds. For applicants who require an accommodation, please contact to discuss further.We thank all candidates for their applications, but please note that we will be contacting only those whom we invite for an interview. #J-18808-Ljbffr