Ogletree Deakins has the opportunity for an Applications Manager to join our Information Technology department. The Applications Manager is responsible for overseeing the implementation, support, and strategic optimization of business applications within the organization. A core aspect of this role is to enhance and continually optimize the user experience, ensuring that software solutions are intuitive, efficient, and aligned with business objectives. This role blends portfolio leadership, application lifecycle governance, delivery oversight, and stakeholder engagement to ensure that systems remain reliable, secure, scalable, and aligned to the firm’s business objectives.
The Application Manager’s team plays a critical role in supporting the firm’s enterprise applications, including iManage Document and Records Management systems, Aderant financial systems, Interaction (CRM), UKG/Ultipro HRIS, and many others. The Application Manager will work closely with related teams to ensure optimal system configuration and performance, upgrade and modernize applications, support cloud migration where appropriate, and align feature adoption with business requirements. In addition, the Applications team will support the many data integrations that exist among these enterprise systems, assist with troubleshooting, and collaborate with the Endpoint packaging team on client deployments.
This position will accomplish these objectives through hands-on execution while also coordinating, overseeing, and delegating to Technology department resources as well as external vendors, contractors, and consultants. This position will act as project manager for some related activities, while also working with dedicated project managers on larger projects as needed.
Essential Functions
Establish ownership over a portfolio of key enterprise applications. Partner with other teams outside of IT to ensure proper operation, maintenance and lifecycle management of additional enterprise platforms.
Lead the selection, deployment, management, and continuous optimization of business applications, with a strong focus on improving end-user experience and aligning with organizational goals.
Lead team initiatives to monitor, troubleshoot, support, document, and maintain all required systems. Perform systems administration functions for in-house, cloud-based, or custom solutions including addressing day-to-day runtime issues, regular upgrades/patching, and testing. Ensure 24x7 high availability, performance, and sufficient capacity for efficient day-to-day operations.
Develop and maintain a roadmap for system upgrades, adoption of new features, replacement of related servers, and cloud migration where possible. Meet regularly with vendors and internal system owners to stay abreast of new features, plan upgrades and adoption strategies, understand client upgrade requirements, and evaluate licensing changes.
Communicate effectively with non-technical customers and sponsors. Collaborate with business units to gather requirements, recommend solutions, and deliver enhancements or new applications that optimize usability and efficiency.
Evaluate and recommend steps required to upgrade/replace/migrate enterprise systems, coordinating the development and execution of complex project plans as needed.
Assist in implementing disaster recovery and business continuity plans for enterprise applications.
Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies to recommend innovative solutions that elevate the user experience. Continuously develop technical and professional skills.
Four-year degree in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, or related fields of study or equivalent experience.
10+ years of progressive experience working with enterprise software and services
3+ years as a supervisor/manager of a technical team.
Strong knowledge of enterprise Document Management, Finance, HR, Marketing, and related systems.
Strong understanding of enterprise application architectures, databases, integration technologies, and application lifecycle management.
Experience with cloud-based platforms (iManage Cloud, UKG, SaaS ecosystems, Azure).
Demonstrate leadership experience supporting legal industry applications or working in a law-firm environment required.
Exceptional communication, relationship building, and stakeholder management abilities.
Strategic thinker with analytical problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining delivery focus and quality.
Proven success overseeing complex, multi-system environments and cross-functional delivery teams.
Routine engagement with change management, IT governance, and implementation of security standards.
Proficiency with ITIL or service management frameworks.
Experience managing vendor relationships, consultants, and service level agreements related to business applications.
Familiarity with leading legal applications including iManage DMS, Aderant financial systems, Aderant vi people management, Interaction, Foundation, and Intapp systems preferred.
Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters. The firm has a reputation for legal excellence and responsive client service. Ogletree Deakins' labor and employment practice is complemented and supported by related practice groups in the areas of business immigration, litigation, employee benefits, occupational safety and health, and construction law.
With offices throughout the United States and in Europe, Canada, and Mexico, the firm represents a diverse range of clients. Our depth of experience in labor and employment law has produced a successful track record for our clients - Fortune 50 corporations to start-up companies.
Although the size and scope of our practice has grown over the past quarter century, our core values remain constant. We are committed to personalized attention, innovative solutions and old-fashioned hard work.
Our approach to providing clients with the resources to solve today's business challenges is always forward-thinking and strategic. We remain committed to providing our clients with an insider's view of the workplace issues of the day.