Research and Development Director Job - Kelowna BC

Company Name:		Everest Recruitment Solutions inc
Website:		RedefiningRecruitment.com
Preferred Start Date:		ASAP
Job Salary:		Competitive + Benefits
Job Location:		Kelowna
Job Type:		Management Job
Job Category:		Executive and Management and Technology

General:

As a key member of the management team, the Director of Research & Development will direct, manage and coordinate the design, development and testing of complex software systems. This position is accountable for proactively managing all aspects of the software development department and strategic decision-making about future products and direction. Using exceptional people management, collaboration and communication skills, the Director of R&D will provide strong leadership and management of the software development and related processes to deliver quality products on time and within budget. The incumbent will also manage the careers and professional development of staff in the department.

The company has developed strategies and targets focused on strong financial performance while providing exceptional customer service and innovative solutions to our clients. This focus is the foundation of our Triple Bottom Line - Employee Satisfaction, Customer Satisfaction and Financial Satisfaction.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Strategy planning - Leverage broad business experience, technical knowledge and analytical skills to help meet strategic goals and articulate a future vision for the team and product line.
Participate in strategic planning, discussions and execution, budgeting, metrics tracking etc., to enhance profitability, productivity, and efficiency throughout the department;
Business planning - Analyze and report R&D project status, project risk management and engage in the strategic planning and deployment of new and upgraded product lines;
Product Management - Collaborate with the Management Team and various departments to develop leading edge software solutions to meet business requirements;
Consistently add value and improve the company?s Triple Bottom Line;
Source and stay abreast of industry and market intelligence to support recommendations for product enhancements;
Identify product development opportunities included funded projects through surveys, client advisory meetings and user seminars. Take a leadership role in product strategy sessions.
Advance the company's solutions with technologies that contribute to the company's business.
Lead the R&D team in the design, development and testing of complex software programs for computer based systems, assign tasks and review results.
Plan and ensure optimum use of resources; administer and monitor use against budget.
Where appropriate on large projects or project with complex client involvement, deliver direct billable services in support of the development effort.
Responsible for the delivery of R&D billable services and development enhancements.
Maintain and develop policies, procedures and program requirements, ensure product development meets company and industry standards, and overall corporate objectives for product integrity and marketability. Monitor for compliance.
Provide guidance to the R&D team in design protocols and desired functionality in development programs.
Liaise with clients on custom development projects to ensure clear understanding of desired functionality.
Direct the Quality Assurance personnel in development of quality standards and during course of quality review of software under development.
Liaise with the Support Analysts and Director of Support on client issues, with particular focus on achieving and maintaining superior client satisfaction.
Review testing protocols for compliance with accepted standards. Reviews testing results to determine if desired functionality has been achieved.
Participate in the evaluation of hardware and software compatibility recommending program specifications. May review and assess competitive products.
Recommend program refinements and changes to better achieve desired functionality and/or enhance program capabilities. Counsel programmers in the use of various design tools.
Facilitate and ensure individual and team roles and responsibilities are understood; performance measurement objectives are identified, measured and monitored on an on-going basis in order to provide positive feedback on accomplishments and to ensure immediate action is taken to address shortfalls.
Ensure a positive work environment and awareness by all staff of company goals and objectives. Interpret company goals into department goals and ensure communication to employees.
Ensure awareness of and compliance to all applicable employment, environmental, health and safety legislation.

Education/Experience Required:

Degree in Computer Science, Software Development or related fields or equivalent experience
5+ years of technology industry and management experience preferably with a focus in software development
Extensive expertise in leading development project and initiatives through the software development cycle
5+ years of experience in a leadership role
Preference for individuals with experience with accounting and revenue applications, ideally in a local government context
Demonstrated team player with strong leadership skills
PM, IT or Accounting certification (an asset)
Solid understanding of GAAP accounting, municipal accounting, IT and help desk functions.
Strong system analysis and design skills.

Skills Required:

Thorough knowledge of applicable software design and development practice; programming techniques and systems; and language platforms
Superior team leadership, problem solving and communication skills
Strong communication, interpersonal, analytical and project management skills.
Experience in developing policies, systems and controls to more efficiently and effectively R&D
Able to work and learn independently as well as in a team oriented environment
Self-starter, able to proactively resolve issues and exercise good judgment, ownership, prioritization and problem escalation
Ability to execute in a fast-paced and changing environment
Results and goal orientated
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Strong CRM knowledge