Applications Development Manager

Clark Construction Company•Lansing, MI

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Clark Construction Company is hiring an Applications Development Manager to own its internal application platform and help lead the company on AI. Clark has more than 28 internally built applications used daily by approximately 300 people. This is a builder-first, manager-second position: the manager will develop on an AI-native application platform, select suitable models and tools, ship working versions quickly, and define standards for applications used by employees in the field and office. The role leads a growing applications group, currently consisting of one developer, while remaining hands-on in development. The manager will serve as Clark's technical lead on AI alongside the Director of IT. The applications team is one of three IT divisions and works directly with the people who use its applications, without unnecessary organizational layers. The role is based in Lansing, Michigan, with candidates near Lansing and surrounding communities considered ideal.

Requirements

A track record of shipping business applications that people use; side projects count, and demonstrated work matters more than length of experience.
Deep, current knowledge of AI tools and models, including experience shipping AI features.
Working knowledge of SQL and data design, with the judgment to lead specialists who have deeper expertise.
Strong UI/UX instincts and a security mindset, with the ability to move quickly without being reckless.
Ability to work with people across the business, uncover underlying problems, and translate them into buildable solutions.
Interest in leading while continuing hands-on development; prior manager experience is not required if the candidate has led work and earned others' trust.

Nice To Haves

Living near Lansing, East Lansing, Jackson, DeWitt, Potterville, Charlotte, Howell, Brighton, or another surrounding area.
Prior experience as a manager is not required; first-time managers are welcome.

Responsibilities

Build, test, and launch practical business applications and AI-enabled features.
Set standards for user experience, quality, security, and maintainability across Clark-built applications.
Lead and grow the applications team while remaining hands-on in development.
Own application security, risk management, support, bug resolution, and the change queue.
Partner directly with employees to understand operational problems and translate them into useful solutions.
Explain technical choices, opportunities, and risks clearly to employees and executives.
Serve as Clark's technical lead on AI alongside the Director of IT.