Intelex: Manager of Product Design

Intelex is seeking a Manager of Product Design:

Intelex Technologies Inc.​ is a progressive Canadian software company providing innovative, web-based applications for Environment, Health & Safety and Quality management.​ Intelex currently has a need for a Manager of Product Design.​

The ideal candidate will: Have worked on numerous web-based software projects for Fortune 500 companies.​ Possess a good eye for system design and consistency.​ Be a good leader and have experience managing a team of Business Analysts.​ Have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to take charge of meetings and requirements gathering sessions.​

The Good
Intelex would have you believe they’re doing well, at least before the downturn. They’re in an unusual, and therefore potentially interesting field, “Environmental, Quality, Health and Safety.” They have a blog and an API, so they’re at least somewhat modern in terms of being a software company. They claim to take an agile approach. It’s a pretty senior role.

The Bad
Although the field is unusual, it’s probably an area that some might describe as boring. It’s the sort of thing where people’s eyes glaze over before you finish telling them what your company does, unless you’re an excellent salesperson yourself.

What’s Missing?
What’s a role like this pay, at Intelex? What’s the Product Design team you’d be managing — size and composition? What’s the development organization look like, and what’s the organizational structure from management to product to development look like?

YMMV
I imagine this is fairly hands-off on the actual writing of code. A good thing for this kind of role, but not everyone’s cup of tea. The field is both unusual and industrial — could be interesting for some, boring for others.

The Location
Intelex seems to be at Adelaide and Charlotte. It’s a little far afield if you’re taking GO, and it’s a bit of a walk from the Subway, but it’s certainly walkable, and it’s in a nice area, what with the Charlotte Room, Dark Horse, and a pile of other places to eat and shop.

In Summary
A relatively senior role in what I’d probably call product management at a centrally located company in an unusual industry. Could be interesting, particularly if you’re already in product management.

Manager, Application Development at Direct Energy

Direct Energy is looking for a Manager, Application Development:

This position is responsible for managing the performance of a team of technical staff in an assigned function(s) of application support and development. The incumbent works to ensure that resources are in place to identify and provide business application systems in support of assigned function(s).

• Sets a framework for the provision and support of solutions covering areas such as resourcing, program and project management, development standards, etc.
• Responsible for overseeing the effective use of strategic processes as they pertain to this group
• Negotiates IT project requirements (i.e. deadlines, budgets, resources, etc.)
• Manages a team of IT professionals responsible for system analysis, application software, and programming
• Establishes performance plans for staff, reviews individual results on a regular basis.
• Identifies individual and organizational developmental needs/career goals and ensures developmental efforts are put in place to support them

The Good
It’s a senior role at a big company, and the energy sector is likely to do well, with ups and downs, for years and years to come, given the fact that there are only so many fossil fuels, and we’ve got a strong desire to use ‘em.  Direct Energy seems to be owned by Centrica PLC, with a $14B market cap.  There’s a reference to Agile, but it’s just a reference.

The Bad
The role is described in a very matter-of-fact “these are the skills we want” sort of way, without any attempt to convince you of the value of working at Direct Energy.  That’s not always a bad thing, but it’s lacking in points of interest.

What’s Missing?
Where’s this located?  What’s the compensation like for a manager at direct energy?  What applications does Direct Energy develop, other than the billing application?  How many teams are there, what size and composition?  What are the details of their technology choices, and what’s the Java / .NET Platform mix like for them?

YMMV
Your mileage may vary when it comes to the Java / .NET mix — some people know the one and not the other, and would like to stay that way.  It may also vary when it comes to working for Direct Energy.  Personally, I’d have a hard time taking a role at Direct Energy, because the sales tactics at the street level in my neighbourhood by lots of individual employees have been, what I would call … misleading at best, if not close to fraudulent, and very, very aggressive.  I don’t know that they’re employed directly by Direct Energy, and I don’t know whether or not that culture goes deeper than the sales organization, but I am personally very wary of them as an organization at this point.  That said, many of you may have no history with Direct Energy or positive experiences, so don’t let my bias ruin your chance at getting a job.

The Location
Their main office seems to be up at Yonge and Sheppard, so I’m guessing that’s where the job will be.

In Summary
There’s not a lot to latch onto, but if you like the idea of managing a development team for Direct Energy at Yonge and Sheppard, you could inquire to learn more.

Follow-Up: Oracle/OnDemand CRM: Software Development Manager

It looks like Oracle is still looking (or looking again) for a Software Development Manager for their OnDemand CRM product line.  I posted this last April, almost a year ago, and I haven’t seen it very often in the interim.  So if you do end up inquiring, I might want to find out if someone took the job and left quickly, or if, in fact, they stopped looking for a while.  Either way, there may be a story there that you want to hear.

In any case, the posting isn’t so bad, although the location’s pretty far north for  many of you.  There’s mention of Agile.  The posting has changed somewhat, the the fundamentals are still pretty similar.

Cineplex: Manager, Software Development & Integration

Cineplex is looking for a Manager, Software Development & Integration:

The Information Technology department has an immediate opening for the position of Manager, Software Development and Integration, reporting directly to the Vice President, Software Solutions.

Your mission is to manage a team of software developers to success, in designing and building software solutions for our company that exceed user expectations and ultimately improve the company’s bottom line.

Software Solutions is a group within Cineplex’s I.T. department.  We are a small and efficient group composed of a Business Analysis/Project Management team and a Development team.  In this position you would be heading up the later.  It’s a casual environment, with flexible work hours, a great sense of camaraderie and a passionate appreciation for the business.

Our ideal candidate is someone passionate about software development & integration, with a keen mind for details, architecture, standards and protocol. 

You are a great communicator.  You are clear, precise and friendly – both verbally and in writing.  You are an excellent negotiator, able to diffuse conflict situations and build consensus.

You are a leader.  You have a proven track record of managing a technical team to success.  You are a mature supportive manager with a strong capacity to inspire.

You understand business.  You have an excellent grasp of standard commercial processes and are enthusiastic to learn about the specifics of our business.  You use this to ensure the most efficient technical approach to any given solution.

And last, but not least, you are a technophile.  You vigorously follow a number of blogs/news groups. You’ve been on the net since Netscape 2.0.  You speak the XSLT computer language. You write code with ease and enjoy it. Furthermore, you are passionate about Microsoft technologies.  You beta tested .NET.  You have solid experience with much of their application stack and understand the power of leveraging the api’s and libraries that they provide.

The Good
First and foremost, this posting has a pretty decent tone, a good vibe.  It feels like it was written by someone who knows a little (or a lot) about technology and potential candidates, who knows how to explain some of the merits of the job, and is interested in explaining clearly why you might want to work there and what they’re looking for.  I don’t have .NET experience myself, but if I did, the tone of the posting might be enough to make me want to inquire further.

Now, that said, I don’t know who wrote the posting.  It could be written by an outsider who has nothing to do with the organization, so it’s not enough in and of itself, so you’ll want other reasons.  It sounds like it’s a fairly senior role in a fairly well-known organization, it sounds like they’re looking for a good business/technology/leadership mix.  From a quick glance, they’re doing reasonably well financially right now, although we’ll know more on 12-Feb.

The Bad
Some of the process language sounds pretty hierarchical, so if that’s important to you, you might want to probe a little more. 

What’s Missing?
What software would you / your team be developing and integrating with?  What are the business needs and challenges?  What’s the size and composition of your team(s)?  What’s the compensation?  Given the wide array of technologies they’re hoping for you to have experience with, what’s their technology mix like?  Are there a lot of old VB/COM systems, or is it mostly C#/.NET?  What’s the process like?

YMMV
Your mileage may vary when it comes to processes that involve Effort Assessments and Technical Specifications, although, to be honest, you’d have to get some sense of what that means to Cinplex to really form an opinion.  If might also vary when it comes to off-hours operations support, although you’d have to know how often that’ll come up to decide how big a deal that is.

The Location
As far as I can tell, this just south of St. Clair on Yonge, between the St. Clair and Summerhill station.   If you’re commuting by GO train or car, or walking to work from your downtown condo, this might be a bit of a pain, but for most of the rest of us it’s not too bad.  Two stations North of Yonge, or not too far south from points north.  There’s some interesting shops and restaurants around, but it’s also not an incredibly busy area.

View Larger Map
In Summary
A management position requiring a  Microsoft / VB / COM / .NET background working for Cineplex at Yonge and Summerhill / St. Clair.

Deloitte: Senior Manager, eDiscovery

Deloitte is looking for a Senior Manager, eDiscovery for their Analytic Forensic Technology services:

Analytic Forensic Technology (“AFT”) – utilize technologically advanced computer labs and cutting-edge software to offer new, innovative solutions to clients’ complex legal problems. We navigate IT systems for evidence of malfeasance, such as information deletion, policy violations or unauthorized access. Today’s business environment generates vast amounts of data and information, and almost all of this information is captured and stored in computerized form.  AFT engagements focus on complex domestic and international litigations and investigations including SEC Inquiries, M&A Due Diligence and Litigation, Corporate Fraud, Class, Anti-Money Laundering, and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act…just to name a few.  Our clients include leading Canadian corporations, Fortune 500 companies and many of the most highly regarded law firms in the country.

A Senior Manager plays a key role in growing the current eDiscovery services in the Canadian marketplace. The primary mandate for this role includes increasing market share by developing and executing business development strategies as well as delivering top quality work to clients.

 

You will lead a diverse team of highly talented Consultants in a cross functional environment, taking a lead role in delivering services to high growth organizations. A Senior Manager creates long-term relationships at a senior client level and has strong knowledge in leveraging prevalent methodologies. This role employs a structured approach to project management to ensure complete client satisfaction and project profitability. You will anticipate the long term, multifunctional impact of all decisions and take a broad approach to problem solving. You will execute a client service plan on complex engagements and work closely with the Partners in exceeding our client’s expectations while identifying and mitigating business risks associated with projects.

The Good
It’s a pretty senior position for a pretty big firm, and technology forensics is its own interesting field with some unique challenges.   While it’s true that the most interesting elements probably come from conducting technology forensics rather than managing the growth of Deloitte’s technology forensics business, it’s still an area that might interest potential candidates on the technical challenges alone.

The Bad
I imagine that many of you won’t have the background skills they’re looking for, making this an interesting but somewhat inaccessible position.

What’s Missing
What’s the compensation for a Senior Manager at Deloitte?  Which of the many offices would you be working at?  What’s the size and composition of the team?  What’s the travel really like?  What are the business development challenges you’re facing?

YMMV
Your milage may vary when it comes to a role that focuses on business development.  That said, that’s not uncommon with a position like “Senior Manager”, and certainly it seems as if they’d like you to have a background this kind of technology forensics.   

This sort of work tends to come with a lot of confidentiality and security.  Your mileage may vary when it comes to potentially getting your background checked, or spending time in a lab where you can accidentally lock yourself in due to security measures.

And finally, your mileage may vary when it comes to 25% travel, their suggested expectation.

In Summary
This is either ‘you’ or it isn’t.  Most of you probably don’t have the forensic/security background and/or the managerial/business development background.  If you’ve got both, then probably both you and Deloitte would be happy to talk in more detail.  If you’ve got one but not the other, but you’re willing and able to acquire the missing skills, it might be worth a shot.

Follow-Up: Camilion Solutions

It looks like Camilion Solutions is still looking for the Manager, Software Development I wrote about in November, as well as a few other positions:

• Project Manager, R&D
• Support Manager, R&D
• Resource Manager, R&D
• J2EE Developer

If you’re willing to work up in Markham, might be worth further investigation.

York University: Manager, Business Systems

York University is looking for a Manager, Business Systems:

Reporting to the Director of Business Systems the incumbent manages the day to day operations and leads a team of I.T. experts in: the development and support of departmental and enterprise applications, website support and development, and reporting requirements, across applications and systems for specific units within Campus Services and Business Operations (CSBO). CSBO provides services, which support the academic mission of the University, and enhances the quality of life for members of the York community. The Manager’s responsibilities include support for: York Bookstore, Food and Vending, Mailing Services, Housing, Parking & Security, Printing, Transportation Services and YU-card. The Manager prioritizes, plans and develops strategic objectives within their team to ensure the effective delivery of critical I.T. systems and services to meet the client’s needs, adhering to ITS and York University’s overall computing plan, policies and procedures and supporting the academic mission of the University.

The Good
The posted target rate seems reasonable (if perhaps not generous, which is about what I’d expect for a position in a University).  It’s a moderately senior managerial role with what looks like six reports, including two consultants, vendor liason, budgetary control, and so on.  A technical backgound is desired  (Java, .NET, SQL, XML, HTML).  If you’ve got managerial experience and decent exposure to both .NET and Java web development, you could be in a good position, as that combination of skills will already narrow down the field a fair amount.

The Bad
The hiring salary range is lower than the target rate, and heads into what I might consider ‘unreasonable’ territory for a managerial position.  And, unfortunately, I think this range is the more important one.  I’m guessing the target rate is some kind of future-facing “this is the rate we’d like to pay,” whereas the hiring salary range is “this is what we can afford to pay you right now.” 

What’s Missing?
Am I correct in my interpretation of the hiring salary range and the target rate?  Are there other factors in the YorkU compensation package to consider?  I’d want to know a lot more about the systems you’d be working on, whether they’re in active development or maintenance, any upcoming work, what your existing team is like, what percentage of the development is done in-house rather than with vendors, and so on.  There’s a lot of room for further discussion here, although I don’t really expect to see all that level of detail in the posting itself.

YMMV
Your mileage may vary when it comes to the location of York University, particularly if you’re going to be on-site for 8:30 am.  I’m guessing that anyone outside of North Toronto would have to think seriously before considering this position. 

In Summary
If you’re interested in managing development and support for York University and the location appeals, this might be worth further investigation, although you’ll want to get a better understanding of the compensation.  Given the rates they’re looking for, I’m guessing this is most interesting if you’re already underpaid but have most of the experience they’re looking for.

Deloitte: Director of Development, Business Solutions

Deloitte is looking for a Director of Development, Business Solutions for their Global Office of Information Management:

Working as a member of the Global Office of Information Management (OIM), the Development Leader, Business Solutions Services, provides overall leadership of the development organization.  The Development Leader is focused on providing oversight of development activities in Business Solutions, enabling Development Managers and Development Senior Managers to provide consistent, qualified leadership in specific competencies or for designated Business Solutions, and manages relationships with other organizational / functional units within OIM.  The Development Leader will have responsibility for managing over 100 resources distributed worldwide, but primarily located in the United States, Canada, Czech Republic and India.

 

The successful candidate will have a minimum of twelve (12) years progressively senior experience in development management, architecture and development.  The candidate should be currently leading a large development organization, focused on providing web-based enterprise applications. This individual will join an enthusiastic, fast-paced and dynamic team at Deloitte.  Sustained exceptional performance, innovation, creativity, insight, good judgment and sound leadership are daily requirements.

The Good
Deloitte is a big and successful company, and this is a pretty senior role managing over one hundred people on a global scale. 

The Bad
The location lists three potential locations, which implies that you’re competing not only with your fellow Torontonians, but New Yorkers and Chicagonians, so it may be that much harder to stand out for this position.

What’s Missing
The location is a big one; Deloitte has a lot of offices, even several in the GTA, and knowing where you’d be working might be important.   It would also be nice to understand what kind of projects the Global Office of Information Management does, for whom.  How many of these projects are going at once?  Does the work tend to get done all in one country, or are the teams split such that development happens offshore and the requirements, architecture and project management are done onshore?  Is there a consistent set of processes in use, or does it vary from project to project?

YMMV
Your mileage may vary when it comes to distributed work, particulary with offshore development.  You’d need to talk to Deloitte to understand how they’re approaching this and whether or not it makes sense to you, but it might be a sticking point for some.   

And since the reference to the Microsoft development platform is buried a little in the posting, this might be another area where your mileage may vary.  It seems that most of the postings I’ve seen for Deloitte’s OIM  are Microsoft-platform based, so I’m assuming that’s their standard choice.

And finally, your mileage may vary when it comes to some of the higher-level management activities in this kind of role, like: financial/budgeting, resource supply/demand management, etc.  It comes with the territory, but not everyone is anxious to do it.

In Summary
This is most interesting if you’ve already got some senior management experience and a Microsoft technology background.

OCAD: Director, Managers for Digital Futures Initiative

The Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) is looking for a Director and Two Managers to fill positions relating to the Digital Futures Initiative.  The director position seems the most related:

A visionary technologist who is committed to excellence in digital learning, research and IT delivery, you will provide leadership in the technology planning for undergraduate/graduate curriculum research and delivery activities. Applying an extensive knowledge of leading-edge technologies and studio facilities, you will implement the Digital Futures Initiative (DFI), coordinate the Digital Media Research & Innovation Institute (DMRII), and plan/manage related capital, infrastructure, operational needs, budgets and administrative processes. As a strategic thinker, planner and organizer, you will facilitate appropriate linkages among the developing academic, research and infrastructure goals and components, identify/pursue opportunities for funding, donated goods/services, partnerships and joint initiatives, and oversee the orientation and training of faculty and relevant staff. An accomplished communicator who is capable of embracing OCAD’s strategic vision for the key role that artists, designers, media creators and related fields of endeavor can play in contemporary society, you have a graduate degree in Art, Design or Technology or equivalent (with expertise in a postsecondary teaching environment) and significant experience (minimum of 6 years) in senior university administration.

They’d also like a help-desk manager and an IT Change and Governance manager, combined in this posting.

The Good
The digital futures initiative sounds like a visible and interesting project, and they’re looking to fill a pretty senior role.  This could be an exciting opportunity if you’ve got the right mix of backgrounds, which is going to be fairly rare.  Ideally, you’d have technology, art and teaching/learning experience mixed with university administration and project management.  If that sounds like you, then I suspect this is likely to be both very interesting and a good fit. 

The Bad
The posting could have done a much better job either talking about or linking to the digital futures initiative to help candidates get a feel for what that is.  And, while this isn’t a fault with the posting per se, I’m imagining that the number of people who are likely to have the right mix of skills for this job is pretty low. 

What’s Missing
Vast quantities of information about the goals, the role, the compensation; really, this is just a teaser for the job to get your attention and funnel potentially qualified people to OCAD.   That said, with a visible and interesting initiative like this one, that’s probably sufficient.

YMMV
Your mileage may vary on big public/private initiatives to foster innovation; I’m not totally sold on the merits of these kinds of programs, but you could take that as a challenge. 

In Summary
A senior position at OCAD to mix backgrounds in technology, art and learning together with university administration and project management.

Follow-Up: Decisioning Solutions, Development Manager

It looks like Decisioning Solutions is still looking for a development manager, as previously described.