Director of Applications

Polaris Pharmacy Services•Fort Lauderdale, FL

About The Position

The Director of Applications at Polaris Pharmacy Services is responsible for overseeing the strategic planning, development, and implementation of all software applications within the organization. This role ensures that the applications meet the current and future needs of the business, enhancing operational efficiency and supporting the company's growth objectives.

Requirements

Deep knowledge of Softwriters Frameworks suite.
Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to mentor and develop high-performing teams.
Excellent project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
Proficiency in enterprise application platforms, software development methodologies, and IT infrastructure.
Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
Minimum of 10 years of experience in IT applications management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
Proven track record of successfully managing and implementing enterprise-level applications in a healthcare or pharmacy services environment.
Experience in strategic planning and execution of technology roadmaps and initiatives.
Demonstrated experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to drive business outcomes.
Experience with regulatory compliance and data security standards relevant to the healthcare industry.

Nice To Haves

Preferred: also some knowledge of Red Sail PioneerRx.

Responsibilities

Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) Implementation and Configuration Leadership
Lead a team of 10+ to implement purchased software systems into a pharmacy Environment.
Support the team in managing configuration changes to match the pharmacy operating environment.
Lead the conversions to Frameworks LTC and PioneerRx for new locations and acquired pharmacies.
Partner with the Application Development organization in identifying requirements for custom application development.
Data mapping and migration: Understanding of data structures, import/export processes, and validation.
Process automation: Identifying opportunities to streamline workflows using built-in tools or scripts.
Acceptance testing of system updates, patches, or new functionality.
Domain Expertise
Understanding of LTC pharmacy workflows: Medication dispensing, regulatory compliance (e.g., HIPAA, DEA), billing, and patient care coordination.
Keep abreast with COTS systems used in healthcare/pharmacy (e.g., FrameworkLTC, QS/1, DocuTrack) to inform the team and leadership.
Process Documentation & Change Management
Creating SOPs and user guides: Clear, accessible documentation for system use, troubleshooting, and training.
Version control and change tracking: Ensuring updates to processes and configurations are well-documented and communicated.
Training program design: Developing role-based training for end users, super users, and support staff.
Change management: Helping staff adapt to new systems and workflows with minimal disruption.
Process Improvement: Use process improvement techniques (e.g. process mapping, data analysis) to identify and quantify opportunities.
Team Leadership & Mentorship
Mentoring analysts and trainers: Coaching on best practices, encouraging professional growth, and fostering a collaborative environment.
Creating meaningful performance reviews.
Lead and support employee engagement initiatives.
Regular staff meetings with useful content and helps direct the team in alignment with IT Department goals.
Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
Cross-functional collaboration: Working with pharmacy operations, application development, compliance, IT security, and vendors.
Executive reporting: Communicating progress, risks, and ROI to leadership.
Acts as part of an integrated IT management team support projects and objectives.
Project Management
Agile or hybrid methodologies: Managing timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder expectations.
Risk management: Identifying and mitigating implementation risks (e.g., data loss, user resistance).