Under general direction provides comprehensive consultation to business unit and IT management and staff at the highest technical level on all phases of the project development cycle. Acts as the principal designer for major systems and their subsystems utilizing a thorough understanding of available technology, tools and existing designs. Works closely with client management to identify and specify the complex business requirements. No direct management responsibilities, but is highly accountable for the effectiveness, quality and timeliness of project design decisions and how easily these designs can be implemented. Must be competent to work at the highest technical level of all phases of system design and implementation. Requires excellent communication skills, analytical ability, strong judgment and management skills, and the ability to work effectively with client and IT management and staff. 1. Provides comprehensive consultation to business unit and IT management and staff at the highest technical level on all phases of the project development cycle. 2. Acts as the principal designer for major systems and their subsystems utilizing a thorough understanding of available technology, tools and existing designs. 3. Provides leadership and guidance to staff, fostering an environment that encourages employee participation, teamwork, and communication. 4. Consults with business unit partners to determine the most effective computer utilization to solve business problems or address business needs. 5. Directs systems projects, including project planning, management status reporting, systems specifications and implementation. 6. Reviews, negotiates, and maintains vendor contracts and makes recommendations for purchasing outside services. 7. Communicates with various business areas and outside vendors, consultants, and clients regarding automation needs. 8. Ensures compliance with all audit requirements including change control procedures and data security.

10 years or more experience with project feasibility, definition requirements, design and/or project leadership. Experience with various technical programming languages, and phase report studies is required. Requires an in-depth knowledge of the system development life cycle, the client area's functions and systems, and applications program development technological alternatives, usually obtained by related work experience or Bachelor degree in Computer Science or a related discipline and at least eight, typically ten or more years of solid, diverse work experience in IT with a minimum of six years experience in systems analysis and application program development, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience. Also, requires excellent communication skills, analytical ability, strong judgment and management skills, and the ability to work effectively with client and IT management and staff.