Senior Systems Director

Assurant, Inc. helps people protect what matters most to them. We provide specialty protection products and related services to safeguard against risks. With a strong commitment to service, sophisticated technology and an array of flexible tools, we build solutions to meet customers’ needs.

Do you believe in challenging the status quo? Are you driven by a passion for doing things right and doing the right things? Does a conversation about a new idea prompt another and lead you down a path where you’re excited about finding a new solution? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment surrounded by innovative technology thought leaders? If so, then this role is for you. We are looking for a strong leader to take on the role and responsibilities of a Sr. Systems Director in our Austin, TX, office. The Sr. Systems Director will be responsible for applications development, maintenance, budget, vendor management and all Information Technology (IT) responsibilities for the AFAS Development, QA and Support teams. This person will sit on the business board for AFAS and reports to the VP Application Development Mortgage Solutions at Assurant Specialty Property. The successful candidate will have demonstrated strong leadership including an ability to get things done through others and have a high degree of business acumen. The ability to establish strong personal credibility and build client relationships throughout the organization is needed in order to deliver client driven solutions. Prior experience creating and leading in a dynamic and high engagement culture is strongly desired. The individual must have strong assessment, problem solving, project management and client contracting skills.

* Develop and implement short-term and strategic initiatives to support business objectives. Direct and manage multiple development groups to ensure business objectives are understood and achieved. * Achievement of customer service level standards and through rigorous monitoring and solicitation of feedback to ensure customer needs are being met. * Support development and implementation of information technology strategic objectives. Provide leadership to ensure timely completion of projects. * Providing leadership for the management of Distributed and Open Source applications. * Provide technical consulting to internal and external customers to achieve business objectives related to technology solutions. * Manage onshore and offshore Software vendors and related contract negotiations. * Management of budget requirements for responsible cost centers; management of expenses to achieve financial objectives. * Ensure governance and compliance of systems development methodology and deliverables. * Align staff according to skill set and experience to support IT projects for the business. * Promote staff development and cross training programs to improve technical and business knowledge and achieve exceptional results. * Lead and support performance of direct reports and programming staff; provide regular and effective performance coaching. * Participates and represents IT on cross site initiatives within Assurant. * Promote a high engagement culture marked by high creativity, accountability and ownership for results. * Assists in development of strategic direction for IT * Participates and represents IT on cross site initiatives within Assurant and Mortgage Solutions

**Basic Qualifications:** * Bachelor’s degree * 10 years of professional experience * 8 years of experience in the IT field, SW development, etc. * 4 years of people management experience **Other Requirements:** * Experience managing budgets. * 10 years of increasingly responsible professional experience * Possesses and applies a comprehensive knowledge of particular field of specialization to the completion of difficult assignments. * Strong leadership management qualities. * Meeting aggressive timelines and motivating staff to meet the deadlines * Multi-tasking and juggling multiple projects and customers demands simultaneously * Ability to manage staff in remote locations, such as Miami, Atlanta and or staff working from home offices. **Preferred Qualifications:** * Bachelor’s degree in MIS, CS, or other relevant technical field * Ability to address human resource behaviors and performance issues that may lead to termination and/or litigation * Creative thinking and detailed analysis * Negotiation with customers and clients * Making decisions with limited information * Intensive supervision to direct reporting staff, with timely updates to management * Ability to deal with programming staff, internal customers, external customers, IT Management, Sr. Management, potential customers and vendors