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CNA is looking for an Application Development Director. This is an individual contributor who provides a high level of leadership and expertise in systems analysis and design, application development and/or integration, and testing of complex systems applications to support business needs. We are looking for this person to possess strong hands on experience with GOSU, Java/J2EE, SOAP/Restful Web Services development as well as knowledge in Guidewire Policy Center including configurations and integrations. In this role, the person will work in creating POCs for complex design methodologies and providing alternative solution options, and have the ability to create and document technical designs.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines:

• Evaluates complex client area requirements and processes and designs or prepares application system specifications and develops, tests and implements efficient and cost effective application solutions. Includes issue resolution and on-going system maintenance.
• May lead the integration of vendor applications and consulting resources with existing applications and resources. May hold the development lead or sub lead role on a project and/or program.
• Acts as technical consultant to programming staff and/or business unit to mentor staff in all phases of the program development, testing and implementation process.
• Participates in instructing, directing, and checking the design or applications work of others.
• Coordinates the activities of the section with the client area and other IT areas (e.g., infrastructure, testing, and solutions).
• Researches and evaluates new, alternative solutions, and/or architecture and recommends the most efficient and cost effective solution for the systems design including estimating costs as necessary.
• Acts as liaison between clients, vendors, consulting resources, and applications area. Assists with relationship management, contract negotiations, and ensuring adherence to requirements.
• May participate in developing recommendations for architecture direction and applications portfolio.

May perform additional duties as assigned.
Reporting Relationship:Typically Director or above
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Solid technical knowledge of high level programming languages, databases, interfaces, and familiarity with application program development alternatives.
• In-depth knowledge of the system development life cycle, and system and application program development technological alternatives.
• Proven knowledge of client area's functions and systems.
• Proven understanding of state of the art application development support software packages, proficiency in at least one higher level programming language.
• Proven solid analytical and problem solving skills.
• Strong knowledge of interface design and user centered design methods. Excellent communications and interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with peers, IT management and staff, and internal/external business partners/clients.
• Experience resolving issues identified during testing and supports QA testing efforts
• Ability to manage projects and lead teams.
• Well versed with Guidewire recommended best practices and integrations patterns.
• Knowledge of P&C Insurance domain preferred.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, or related discipline, or equivalent work experience. Typically a minimum of seven years of systems analysis and application program development experience.
• Strong desire for 3 - 5 of those years to be technical hands on experience in Guidewire Policy Center (preferably with Commercial Lines products)
• Some previous project leadership experience. Applicable certifications preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of Unit Testing automation frameworks (GUnits/JUnits) preferred. Guidewire technical certification and upgrade experience is preferred.

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CNA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact [email protected] .