STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Information Technology Manager 1

IT Vendor Manager

Recruitment #181017-1561MP-001

Introduction

Do you want to make a difference while leading a collaborative team environment within the public sector?

Do you thrive in an environment where you communicate and build relationships?

The Department of Social Services is recruiting for an Information Technology Vendor Manager with the Information Technology Division!  

We are conveniently located in Hartford at 55 Farmington Avenue, easily accessible for all commuters. Hours are Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week.  

The Department of Social Services (DSS) delivers and funds a wide range of programs and services as Connecticut’s multi-faceted health and human services agency.  DSS serves about 1 million residents of all ages in all 169 Connecticut cities and towns.  We support the basic needs of children, families, older and other adults, including persons with disabilities.  Services are delivered through 12 field offices, central administration, and online and phone access options.  Follow us on twitter@ctdss and see what we are all about!                                                       

Selection Plan

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Meiko Chandler at meiko.chandler@ct.gov, 860-424-5819.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

Within the Department of Administrative Services, Bureau of Enterprise Systems and Technology and Centers of Information Technology Excellence, these classes are accountable for the management and direction of information systems, applications development, management and implementation of complex information technology projects implementing business and technical requirements into architectural blueprints, maintenance, computer operations and similar information technology functions including technical and support staff.

Within a state agency information technology division, these classes are accountable for the management and direction of information systems, applications development, systems maintenance, and similar information technology functions as well as technical and support staff.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Responsible for engaging with IT vendors within the IT division, as well as throughout DSS, with a particular focus on vendor performance, engagement, and compliance across all categories within IT (Software, Hardware, Services, Telecom/Network, etc.).
  • Involved in early contractual negotiations and meetings, adding input on key objectives, risk compliance and critical service level agreements (SLA) and penalties.
  • Analyze and evaluate IT vendor proposals and assist in vendor selection.
  • Engage with the Chief Innovation Officer and other members of the IT division, as well as other members of the senior management team, legal, contracts, and procurement on all new technology projects, offering solutions to existing projects and new projects from a vendor management standpoint.
  • Monitor the quality of vendor services through analysis of SLA, operations reports, periodic meetings, and other metrics.
  • Serve as point-of-contact for IT vendor relationship management and issues
  • Report to management and follow-up with vendors for incidents of non-compliance with established SLA.
  • Compile data for performance analysis and management, and to report to management.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

· Plan and Deploy for Business Results, which includes the ability to develop and implement business plans, IT plans, budget plans, and human resource plans in order to maximize budget allocations, technology, personnel and other resources to achieve agency and program goals.

· Lead Change, which includes innovation, the ability to be a creative problem solver and a strategic thinker, and the ability to recognize and develop opportunities to grow and develop information technology services in response to customers and a changing work environment

· Focus on Results and Quality, including exercising and promoting accountability, and the ability to analyze surveys, financial and other data, and use strategic planning and performance measurement techniques to continuously improve performance and maintain competitiveness

· Understand Customers and Markets, which includes the ability to establish customer satisfaction and loyalty, forecast and conduct market analyses, keep ahead of industry trends and incorporate “best practices” into information technology operations.

· Lead People, including the ability to resolve conflict, communicate effectively, coach and train employees, recognize performance, and foster diversity and teamwork.

· Build Coalitions, including the ability to explain and advocate facts and ideas in a convincing manner, to negotiate with individuals and groups internally and externally, to gain cooperation from others, and to identify the internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization.

· Business Knowledge, including knowledge of the technical, professional, procedural and legal requirements of the specific information technology area.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Ten (10) years of experience in computer or network administration, architecture, operations, production control, systems development, information technology analysis and planning.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

Three (3) years of the General Experience must have been in a lead capacity.

Note: For State Employees, this is interpreted to be at the level of an Information Technology Analyst 3.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

1. College training in computer science, management information systems or a closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor’s Degree.
2. A Master’s Degree in computer science, management information systems or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
3. For State Employees, four (4) years of experience as a Computer Operations Supervisor may be substituted for the Special Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • 3 years of experience in IT/technology related fields, working with technology vendors and interacting with IT teams with a core focus on strategic vendor management and partnership within the IT/technology division.                                                                                        
  • Solid background in managing IT vendor service agreements (SLA's, KPI's etc.) across multiple IT categories such as software, hardware, IT Services and telecom/network, and experience working with major suppliers in those industries.                                                                                                 
  • 2 to 3 years experience with risk mitigation, compliance and development of vendor relationships.                                       
  • Extensive knowledge and experience with building vendor relationships, contract negotiations and management, budge management, best practices for demand forecasting and evaluating vendor performance/metrics.                                                                                       
  • Strong analytical, research, problem solving, decision making skills.        
  • Proven success in managing complex vendor relationships and effective negotiation skills applying various strategies and techniques.  
  • Superior communication, interpersonal skills with all levels of internal and external audiences.                                                                                                             
  • Effectively handle multiple, concurrent projects requiring judgement and initiative.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. The Information Technology Project Manager is limited to the Department of Administrative Services, Bureau of Enterprise Systems and Technology and Centers of Information Technology Excellence as identified by the statewide Chief Information Officer. Managers functioning in this capacity oversee a portfolio of large, long range or multiple on-going projects. The complexity of the assignment is determined by project scope, risk exposure, span of control, diversity of skill-sets and capabilities as well as the size of project budget and number of team members. They oversee all phases of projects from conception to completion utilizing PMI standards.

2. Incumbents assigned to positions designated to perform Information Technology Project Management may be required to possess Certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP).

3. The Solutions Architect is limited to the Department of Administrative Services, Bureau of Enterprise Systems and Technology and Centers of Information Technology Excellence as identified by the statewide Chief Information Officer. Managers functioning in this capacity oversee all aspects of solution architect projects which includes the development of technology solutions and mapping business requirements to systems and technical requirements ensuring alignment with the enterprise architectural plan.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.