Director Application Management Service (AMS)

Happiest Minds Technologies; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 4,000,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Happiest Minds Technologies in Bengaluru seeks a Director of Application Management Services (AMS) to lead our IT Services team, architecting applications and managing lifecycles to deliver high-quality IT services. The role requires strategic vision, leadership, and deep AMS expertise to drive value for multiple customers and business units.

The candidate will oversee governance, transitions, and large-scale engagements, while promoting AI-first delivery through automation, GenAI, and AIOps to

Qualifications

• Proven experience in architecting applications and leading application management services.
• Proven experience in leading and orchestrating large outsourcing and AMS deals.
• Strong Program Management capabilities with experience managing multi-tower engagements.
• Experience in Transition Management, Service Governance, and operational excellence.
• Broad technology experience across Applications, Infrastructure, ERP, Data platforms, and legacy landscapes.
• Strong understanding of agile and DevOps methodologies.
• Expertise in application performance monitoring and optimization techniques.
• Experience defining, managing, and governing SLAs, KPIs, and service delivery metrics.
• Demonstrated track record of application portfolio takeover, rationalization, modernization, and transformation initiatives.
• Experience adopting AI-first delivery models to improve productivity and save costs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the AMS team, providing direction and support for lifecycle management.
• Architect and design scalable, secure applications aligned with business objectives.
• Lead large AMS engagements and outsourcing across customers and business units.
• Oversee transition activities, governance, and service stabilization.
• Establish governance frameworks, operational reviews, and executive communication.
• Drive portfolio rationalization, modernization, and transformation initiatives.
• Define, monitor, and manage SLAs, KPIs, and operational metrics.
• Promote AI-first delivery with automation, GenAI, and AIOps.
• Oversee development and maintenance of AMS processes and best practices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align requirements with goals.
• Monitor performance and implement improvements for user experience.
• Manage vendor relationships and contracts for AMS tools and services.
• Develop and manage budgets for AMS; ensure cost-effectiveness.
• Stay current with industry trends to drive innovation.
• Provide mentorship and professional development for team members.

Skills

Application architecture

AMS leadership

Large outsourcing deals

Program management

Transition management

Governance & KPIs

AI-first delivery

Team leadership

Communication & stakeholder management

Analytical problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor's in CS/IT or related

Master's degree preferred

Tools

AWS

Azure

ITIL

Job description

Director of Application Management Services

Years of Experience: 16-20 Years

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced Director of Application Management Services (AMS) to lead our IT Services team. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in architecting applications and managing application lifecycles. This role requires strategic vision, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of application management processes to ensure the delivery of high-quality IT services that meet business needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the application management services team, providing direction and support to ensure effective application lifecycle management.
• Architect and design scalable, reliable, and secure applications that align with business objectives.
• Lead and orchestrate large-scale Application Management Services (AMS) and outsourcing engagements across multiple customers and business units.
• Oversee transition management activities, ensuring seamless application portfolio takeover, knowledge transfer, governance, and service stabilization.
• Establish and manage governance frameworks, operational reviews, and executive stakeholder communication for AMS engagements.
• Drive application portfolio rationalization, modernization, and transformation initiatives to improve business value and operational efficiency.
• Define, monitor, and manage Service Level Agreements (SLAs), KPIs, and operational metrics to ensure consistent service excellence.
• Promote an AI-first approach to application management by leveraging automation, GenAI, AIOps, and intelligent tooling to deliver year-on-year productivity improvements, cost optimization, and operational savings.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of application management processes and best practices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define application requirements and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Monitor application performance and implement improvements to enhance user experience and operational efficiency.
• Manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts for application services and tools.
• Develop and manage budgets for application management services, ensuring cost-effective solutions.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies to drive innovation within the application management domain.
• Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for team members.

Mandatory Skills

• Proven experience in architecting applications and leading application management services.
• Proven experience in leading and orchestrating large outsourcing and Application Management Services (AMS) deals.
• Strong Program Management capabilities with experience managing multi-tower engagements.
• Experience in Transition Management, Service Governance, and operational excellence.
• Broad technology experience across Applications, Infrastructure, ERP, Data platforms, and legacy application landscapes.
• Strong understanding of application development methodologies, including Agile and DevOps.
• Expertise in application performance monitoring and optimization techniques.
• Experience defining, managing, and governing SLAs, KPIs, and service delivery metrics.
• Demonstrated track record of application portfolio takeover, rationalization, modernization, and transformation initiatives.
• Experience adopting AI-first delivery models to improve productivity, optimize costs, and deliver year-on-year operational savings.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with cloud-based application architectures and services.
• Familiarity with ITIL and other IT service management frameworks.
• Knowledge of data management and integration strategies.
• Exposure to AIOps, automation platforms, GenAI-driven IT operations, and intelligent service management.
• Certifications in relevant technologies or methodologies (e.g., AWS, Azure, PMP, ITIL).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• 16-20 years of experience in IT services, with a focus on application management and architecture.
• Proven track record of successful project delivery, large AMS transformation programs, outsourcing engagements, and team leadership.