Manager, Applications - Boston Properties

Primary Purpose of Position:



Reporting to the VP, Applications, this role is responsible and accountable for specific business applications, business systems, and related project management activities. The Manager, Applications will facilitate all IT service level agreements for the user community within BXP by leading the direction for a portfolio of applications that may include the following: Oracle JD Edwards, Procore, FloQast, Microsoft CoPilot, Sustainability, Analytics, and other major business facing applications. The Manager, Applications works closely with corporate and regional departments to identify information requirements and seek opportunities to enhance and improve systems and strategies. This role supervises and maintains BXP’s repository of primarily SaaS based applications through best practices and the appropriate staffing and management of a technical team.







The successful candidate will own the lifecycle components for their portfolio to include application development, management, and enhancements for key business applications. This role ensures appropriate measures and controls are implemented to secure applications and meet legal, compliance and change management requirements in a hybrid cloud environment.







Essential Functions:



Planning and Analysis





+ Ensure that applications meet business requirements and systems goals, fulfill end-user requirements, and identify and resolve systems issues.



+ Review and analyze existing applications’ effectiveness and efficiency and develop strategies for improving or leveraging these systems.



+ Cultivate and disseminate knowledge of application-usage best practices.



+ Work in partnership with the VP, Applications, VP, Applications Development and Data Services, and CIO to develop an annual investment plan to assess costs and system feasibility to support strategic and near-term needs.



+ Research and make recommendations on software products and services in partnership with BXP customers.



+ Evaluate new applications, systems software, products, and/or enhancements to existing applications throughout the enterprise.



+ Collaborate with department members in the testing of new software programs and applications.



+ Analyze documentation and technical specifications of any new application under deployment or consideration to determine intended functionality.



+ Ensure that any new software integration into company systems meets functional requirements, system compliance, and interface specifications.









Project Management





+ Direct the management of projects and the achievement of milestones. Partner and collaborate with the corporate services, regional offices, and other stakeholders on deliverables and work plans. Serve in the role of project manager with stakeholder input and facilitate the work of cross-functional teams and outside contractors.









Application Deployment





+ Contribute to the development, release, and maintenance of company business applications that support corporate services. Analyze requirements for new applications and define enhancements to existing applications. Engage employees and consultants to determine the scope and definition of new requirements.



+ Participate in the installations and training of new applications.



+ Prepare supporting documentation and training materials.



+ Monitor installations, in partnership with other IT teams (Information Security, Application Development and Data Services, Cloud Services) to ensure new applications are successfully transitioned into production.









Maintenance and Support





+ Implement controls and security strategies to safeguard corporate data in partnership with the Information Security team.



+ Resolve and troubleshoot problems and escalate when necessary to the appropriate technical resource.



+ Make recommendations on continued enhancements to delivered platforms.



+ Develop and communicate training and documentation for end users, hold clinics as necessary, and other user-related activities.



+ Compile and maintain inventory of company software and systems assets and their corresponding contracts/agreements.









Internal Operations





+ Establish and maintain a high level of client trust and confidence in the team’s knowledge of, and concern for, clients’ business issues; facilitate communication between IS and other departments.



+ Participate in account management with service providers and vendors.



+ Collaborate with other business units to ensure the successful implementation and support of project efforts.



+ Maintain documentation in accordance with policies and control requirements.



+ Conduct both one-on-one instruction and group training sessions.



+ Research, evaluate, and stay current on emerging tools, techniques and technologies.



+ Special projects as assigned.









Requirements and Qualifications:





+ A BA/BS degree in computer science, accounting, or related field is required; technology focused concentration preferred.



+ A minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in managing and supporting large enterprise applications.



+ Experience with JD Edwards EnterpriseOne or other core ERP platform (MRI, Yardi, Workday, SAP) is strongly preferred.



+ Experience leading a full enterprise ERP upgrade.



+ Solid analytical skills with strong understanding of project cycles, software development environments, and source control techniques.



+ Strong understanding of relational databases, database architecture, & data access tools, including working knowledge of SQL.



+ Solid teamwork and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate with employees and contractors.



+ Strong knowledge and understanding of business and business processes; knowledge of real estate business practices, finance and accounting preferred.



+ Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft technologies.



+ Excellent oral and written communication skills; an ability to present and discuss technical information in a way that establishes rapport, persuades others, and gains understanding.



+ Solid project management skills, effectively arranging resources and managing multiple projects in a cross-functional environment.



+ Strong analytical, problem-solving, and conceptual skills.



+ Ability to effectively adapt to rapidly changing technology and apply it to business needs.



+ Ability to travel and to work flexible schedules outside normal business hours when required.









Physical Requirements:





+ Involves work of a general office nature usually performed sitting such as operation of a computer, fax, and printer.



+ Involves movement between departments to facilitate work.



+ Involves lifting to installing and relocate computers and monitors. Must be able to lift 30lbs.









Internal and External Contacts:





+ Regularly interfaces in both verbal and written form with all levels of BXP professionals regarding a wide range of employee matters. Many matters are confidential in nature.



+ Regularly interfaces with external consultants and vendors.









Reporting Structure:





+ This position reports to the Vice President, Applications, who provides supervision, guidance, and evaluates work performance on a periodic basis.









BXP is an Equal Opportunity Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other legally protected characteristic.



Boston Properties is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fair and impartial treatment in all of our relations with employees, as well as applicants for employment, to recruit, upgrade, train, and promote in all job titles without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other legally protected characteristic.