Role Summary:

The Managing Director, Software & Enterprise Systems is responsible for leading all functions related to software development, enterprise applications, integrations, and data propagation across the organization. This role provides strategic technology leadership, oversees internal and outsourced development teams, manages business-critical insurance brokerage systems (including AMS platforms), and ensures that data, applications, and custom software solutions are scalable, secure, integrated, and aligned with business objectives.

This leader will drive modernization, establish governance, improve software delivery practices, and build a cohesive application and data architecture that supports operational excellence across all business units.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership & Technology Direction

• Develop and execute a comprehensive software, applications, and data systems strategy aligned with corporate goals.
• Establish architectural standards, integration patterns, and best practices across all internal and external systems.
• Build a multi-year roadmap for enterprise applications, AMS modernization, data propagation, and custom development.

1. Software Development Oversight

• Lead internal software engineering, database development, QA, and project management teams.
• Oversee outsourced/nearshore development partners, ensuring alignment with internal standards, architecture, and documentation.
• Implement modern SDLC practices, including CI/CD, QA automation, code reviews, architecture governance, and release management.

1. Enterprise Applications & AMS Platform Ownership

• Serve as the executive owner for core insurance brokerage systems, including Applied Epic, AMS360, and other agency management systems (IMS, QQ Catalyst, Vertafore platforms, etc.).
• Oversee integrations between AMS systems and downstream tools—CRM, policy systems, data warehouses, analytics platforms, and financial systems.
• Ensure AMS governance, configuration control, and standardization across divisions and acquired agencies.

1. Data Management, Integration, and Propagation

• Own the architecture and operational integrity of data flows between AMS, internal platforms, portals, BI tools, and 3rd-party systems.
• Establish data governance frameworks, data lineage, validation processes, and documentation standards.
• Partner with analytics teams to ensure data quality, completeness, timeliness, and accessibility.
• Develop a unified data structure and integration model to support scalable M&A onboarding and enterprise reporting.

1. Project & Portfolio Management

• Lead planning, execution, and delivery of software and applications projects—including AMS transformations, data integrations, platform migrations, and custom solutions.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with business priorities.
• Implement PMO standards, intake processes, prioritization models, and KPI reporting.

1. Stakeholder Engagement & Business Partnership

• Collaborate with senior leadership across Operations, Finance, Sales, and M&A to understand needs, define requirements, and propose strategic solutions.
• Translate business challenges into scalable software and application solutions.
• Serve as the bridge between business units, IT, and external partners to ensure alignment and accountability.

1. Performance, Support, and Quality Assurance

• Ensure high availability, reliability, and performance of enterprise systems, AMS platforms, and custom software.
• Oversee QA processes, regression testing, release cycles, and production readiness.
• Establish SLAs and operational dashboards for applications and integrations.

1. Vendor, Contract, and Outsourcing Management

• Manage relationships with AMS vendors, software development partners, integration providers, and specialty consultants.
• Evaluate vendor performance, negotiate contracts, and enforce accountability.
• Ensure external partners follow internal architecture, documentation, and security standards.

Qualifications:

Required Experience

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in software engineering, enterprise applications, or technology management.
• Direct experience within the insurance brokerage or P&C insurance industry — strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of AMS systems (Applied Epic, AMS360, IMS/Nexsure, or comparable agency management systems).
• Proven experience designing and managing data structures, data models, integrations, APIs, and propagation workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to lead both internal teams and outsourced development resources.
• Successful track record implementing application governance, architectural standards, and scalable software solutions.

Technical Competencies

• Deep understanding of SDLC, software architecture, system integration, and cloud-based platforms.
• Familiarity with data pipelines, ETL/ELT, analytics environments, and BI ecosystems.
• Experience with workflows, automation, and API-based integrations with AMS and enterprise systems.
• Strong grasp of security best practices across applications and data systems.

Leadership Competencies

• Exceptional communication and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Ability to operate strategically while maintaining strong execution discipline.
• Proven capability to lead change, modernize systems, and build high-performing teams.
• Comfortable navigating a complex, multi-business-unit environment with competing priorities.

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or similar field (required).
• Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
• Relevant certifications (PMP, ITIL, CSM, SAFe, or architectural credentials) strongly preferred.