MGR, IT - Software Development

Committed to providing life insurance solutions since 1969 in the United States and globally since 1975, Citizens, Inc. is a publicly traded company (NYSE: CIA) that has maintained a listing on the New York Stock Exchange since 2002. Operating through our insurance subsidiaries, we strategically offer traditional insurance products in niche markets to capitalize on competitive advantages. With a dedicated team of over two hundred and thirty employees and a network of several hundred agents, our reach extends to Latin America, Central America, and Asia.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Title:IT Manager – Software Development

Job Type: Full-time Exempt

Reports to: Director of Information Technology

Location: Austin, TX (Corporate Headquarters located in the Domain)

At Citizens, Inc., we've curated an exceptional work environment that goes beyond the ordinary. Our open-plan workspace offers panoramic views of the Domain with multiple conference rooms readily available. Start your day with complimentary coffee in our large break area, enjoy walks on the scenic trails nearby, or hit our onsite gym. Our Lunch Drop service provides the luxury of delivering delicious meals directly to our suite for a stress-free lunch break. For financial needs, the onsite bank is at your service. Furthermore, enjoy the convenience of free covered parking in our garage, featuring charging stations for electric vehicles. Participate in our various monthly employee events designed to enhance our cultural engagement. At Citizens Inc., we prioritize strong employee involvement to foster a dynamic workplace culture. Elevate your career with us, where your workplace is more than just an office; it's a destination for growth, innovation, and a flourishing community.

Summary: Citizens Inc. is seeking a motivated and results-oriented individual to join our team as an IT Manager – Software Development. The IT Manager – Software Development will be responsible for the day-to-day oversight and operation of the teams that develop and maintain our policy admin system, portals, internal apps, databases, reporting, and integrations. This includes recruiting, performance management, career growth and counseling, as well as supporting company initiatives and the needs of our business users. In addition, the leader will be responsible for maintaining current development best practices and the continued growth and adoption of best practices, processes and tools to ensure efficient development and maintenance processes and adherence to audit controls and internal standards. The ideal candidate is a servant leader who can lead multiple initiatives of varying sizes with attention to detail while managing stakeholder expectations. The IT Manager – Software Developmentwill develop and coordinate people and processes to ensure that our projects are delivered on time and produce desired results.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO:

1. Team Building and Management:
   • Identify and select the best talent to build a diverse and effective team.
   • Develop teams through staffing, communication, training, and staff development.
   • Evaluate performance of direct reports and provide career development guidance, coaching, and mentoring.

1. Project & Delivery Management:
   • Manage multiple development initiatives by balancing business priorities, team capacity, dependencies, risks, and delivery commitments.
   • Monitor and communicate project status, delivery metrics, risks, dependencies, and corrective actions to leadership.
   • Develop and manage project schedules, resource plans, dependencies, risks, and delivery milestones to support the timely completion of software-development initiatives.
   • Direct and prioritize work within teams.
   • Delegate and coordinate development activities across teams for efficient resource utilization and delivery of scalable, high-quality solutions.
   • Prioritize team workloads and adjust resources and delivery plans in response to changing business needs.
2. Business Partnership & Stakeholder Management:
   • Partner with business stakeholders to translate operational needs into clearly defined technical requirements and scalable solutions.
   • Collaborate and interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
   • Manage stakeholder expectations around priorities, scope, timelines, and delivery.
3. Leadership and Culture:
   • Lead the culture within teams, holding members accountable for demonstrating company values and cultural behaviors.
   • Create and nurture a winning culture.
4. Issue Resolution:
   • Oversee application support, incident response, root-cause analysis, and resolution of recurring production issues.
   • Handle escalations from internal stakeholders.
   • Manage critical issues to resolution.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED:

• Bachelor's degree
• 5-7 years of supervisory/management experience, preferably IT, technology, and/or insurance related
• Previous technical experience in the Microsoft stack to help bridge the gap between high-level business strategy and hands-on .NET engineering. This role requires a balance of leadership, architecture design, and deep familiarity with Microsoft tools.
• Proven ability to solve problems creatively.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills as well as active listening skills
• Familiarity with software development tools, methodologies, and best practices
• Proven track record of building and managing high performing engineering teams.
• Experience ensuring suitable metrics are in place to measure individual and team performance and progress.
• Experience monitoring and reporting on the execution of business initiatives.
• Proven ability to complete projects according to outlined scope, budget, and timeline.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite specifically Project and PowerPoint

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Insurance experience preferred
• Advanced knowledge of SharePoint
• Knowledge of professional software engineering practices & best practices for the full software development life cycle including coding standards, code reviews, source control management, build processes, testing, and operations.

BENEFITS (the fun stuff)

As an employee of Citizens, we promise you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our customers, communities, and one another. We believe in camaraderie, rewarding work, community involvement, and a focus on your well-being.

We take a complete approach to our employees' well-being. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, AD&D, group term life insurance, and a matching 401k. Our benefits plan allows for Virtual Visits and the ability to use the Employee Assistance Program. Our benefits package includes generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and holidays every year.

At Citizens, our employees and customers are at the heart of everything we do. Our success as a company begins with our team of employees and departments to service our customers. That's why we strive to create an environment where employees are equipped and challenged to reach their full potential.

Citizens is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual is valued, and all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.