Director, Software Engineering

This position is a key leader in the Firm’s IT department and oversees the application architecture and development for all of the Firm's Finance, HR, Marketing, Knowledge Management, intranet and external website systems.  This position's primary role is managing the architecture design, development, implementation, and related maintenance of all applications and systems -- including sub-systems, interfaces, and programs in the Firm. The role facilitates strategic discussions and planning for future key technology architecture needs, staffing and technology skillset needs, while minimizing the operational time and cost of maintaining all systems with high uptime and reliability.

This position is responsible, not only for the execution of the duties noted below, but also for the management and development of a team of professionals in the performance of those duties.  This position is expected to:

• Determine appropriate technologies and technical architectures to solve complex technical problems brought forth by colleagues in IT.
• Oversee the development, maintenance, and support of all code in the Firm.
• Manage and direct the team's activities; assigning staff members to various initiatives, coordinating schedules and related team activities, balancing team resources against demands and priorities.
• Consult with IT stakeholders to determine the best solution for their technical needs.
• Anticipate and address resource needs -- permanent and/or transient, including interviewing and making recommendations.  Ensure staff are trained in relevant, current technologies, languages, and platforms to support the changing business needs.
• Guide, direct, advise, & counsel staff on administrative policies and procedures, methods, priorities, technical problems, training needs, issues, etc.
• Review and evaluate the staff's work and prepare and deliver staff performance appraisals.
• Identify and execute opportunities to improve individual and team performance.
• Coach business stakeholders in how to maximize their investment in IT resources (best practices, operational process management, ticketing systems, etc.)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities (Duties) above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email staffrecruiting@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources). 

Education and/or Experience: 

Required:

• A minimum of 15 years of experience with client-server, web, cloud, and data architectures
• A minimum of 10 years of business systems work experience, preferably Accounting / Finance related
• A minimum of 10 years of experience working with BOTH functional stakeholders AND technical specialists to execute against projects.
• A minimum of 5 years of technical employee management (e.g. developers, architects, etc.)
• A minimum of 5 years of experience with backend development using ASP.Net, .Net Core, C#, Web API, SQL Server and Entity Framework
• A minimum of 5 years of experience with frontend development using React, Angular, Vue or a similar JavaScript based framework
• A minimum of 5 years of experience with scrum or agile
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or information systems from an accredited college or university, or equivalent work experience

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in computer science or information systems from an accredited college or university, or equivalent work experience
• Professional services industry experience – ideally consulting and legal industry experience
• Direct involvement in deploying, upgrading, and supporting enterprise application systems that serve GLOBAL users
• Direct involvement in strategic planning efforts

Other Skills and Abilities:

The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• The use of good judgment and good interpersonal communication skills
• Well developed analytical and problem solving skills
• Works harmoniously and effectively with others as part of a team
• A self-starter who desires to show ownership and commitment to the job
• Exercises confidentiality and discretion

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer