Applications Support Administrator

Stout; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Stout in Chicago, IL is seeking an Applications Support Specialist to own and support a growing portfolio of business applications. You will develop a deep understanding of each application's functionality, data flows, integrations, and security requirements while providing hands-on troubleshooting and collaboration with IT and business teams.

You will coordinate with stakeholders, internal teams, and vendors, drive improvements in reliability and usability, and participate in deployments and

Qualifications

• 4+ years of progressive experience in information technology, application support, technical support, systems support, or a related discipline.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrated analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills with the ability to independently investigate complex issues through resolution.

Responsibilities

• Assume operational ownership of assigned business applications and develop a strong understanding of their functionality, configuration, integrations, dependencies, data flows, security requirements, and support models.
• Provide technical and operational support for existing and newly implemented applications, including investigation and resolution of complex issues.
• Use logs, configuration settings, data, vendor documentation, diagnostic tools, and other available resources to troubleshoot application issues and identify root causes.
• Persistently investigate problems that do not have an obvious solution, testing hypotheses and exploring alternative technical approaches until an appropriate resolution or path forward is identified.
• Coordinate with business stakeholders, IT teams, and third-party vendors to resolve application issues and ensure high-priority matters are appropriately escalated and communicated.

Skills

IT support

Troubleshooting

Analytical thinking

Strong communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Vendor coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT or related

Tools

Diagnostics tools

SQL basics

Microsoft 365

APIs & Integrations

Job description

At Stout, we're dedicated to exceeding expectations in all we do - we call it Relentless Excellence . Both our client service and culture are second to none, stemming from our firmwide embrace of our core values: Positive and Team-Oriented, Accountable, Committed, Relationship-Focused, Super-Responsive, and being Great communicators. Sound like a place you can grow and succeed? Read on to learn more about an exciting opportunity to join our team.

Impact You'll Make

The Applications Support Specialist supports and manages a diverse and growing portfolio of business applications across Stout. In this role, you will develop a strong understanding of assigned applications, the business processes they support, and their integrations and technical dependencies while serving as a key resource for application support, troubleshooting, and problem resolution.

You will also play an active role in introducing new applications to the firm, working closely with business stakeholders, IT teams, project management, and third-party vendors throughout implementation and transition to ongoing support. This role is well suited for an experienced IT professional who is technically curious, resourceful, persistent, and comfortable exploring multiple paths to resolve unfamiliar or complex issues.

What You'll Do

• Assume operational ownership of assigned business applications and develop a strong understanding of their functionality, configuration, integrations, dependencies, data flows, security requirements, and support models.

• Provide technical and operational support for existing and newly implemented applications, including investigation and resolution of complex issues.

• Use logs, configuration settings, data, vendor documentation, diagnostic tools, and other available resources to troubleshoot application issues and identify root causes.

• Persistently investigate problems that do not have an obvious solution, testing hypotheses and exploring alternative technical approaches until an appropriate resolution or path forward is identified.

• Coordinate with business stakeholders, IT teams, and third-party vendors to resolve application issues and ensure high-priority matters are appropriately escalated and communicated.

• Identify recurring issues, risks, and opportunities to improve application reliability, usability, performance, and support processes.

• Work with business stakeholders to understand requirements and application-related challenges and identify practical technical solutions.

• Participate in application implementations, upgrades, migrations, integrations, and enhancements.

• Work closely with the Project Manager to support requirements, testing, issue and risk tracking, implementation planning, and deployment activities.

• Support the transition of new applications into ongoing operations, including documentation, knowledge transfer, support procedures, and operational readiness.

• Manage assigned application activities and smaller initiatives from inception through completion.

• Coordinate with application vendors for technical support, maintenance, upgrades, and enhancements.

• Assist with application configuration, integrations, APIs, access, permissions, and security-related activities.

• Develop and maintain application documentation, support procedures, and technical knowledge resources.

• Quickly learn new applications, technologies, and business processes as Stout's application portfolio evolves.

What You Bring

• 4+ years of progressive experience in information technology, application support, technical support, systems support, or a related discipline.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

• Demonstrated analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills with the ability to independently investigate complex issues through resolution.

• Strong technical curiosity and persistence, with a demonstrated willingness to experiment, research, test assumptions, and use available resources to solve unfamiliar problems.

• Experience supporting business applications and working with business stakeholders, technical resources, and third-party vendors.

• Experience participating in technology implementations, application upgrades, migrations, integrations, or similar initiatives.

• Broad understanding of IT concepts and how applications interact with infrastructure, identity, integrations, data, and security.

• Ability to interpret logs, configuration information, error messages, and other diagnostic information to support troubleshooting.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and assignments simultaneously.

• Demonstrated initiative, ownership, attention to detail, and follow-through.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.

• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with appropriate discretion.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365 applications.

• Must be qualified to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting or administering multiple enterprise or business applications.

• Project coordination or project management experience is a plus but not required.

• Familiarity with application integrations, APIs, databases, SQL, application logs, scripting, or similar troubleshooting technologies.

• Familiarity with identity and access management, including application permissions, role-based access, and single sign-on.

• Experience with incident, problem, and change management practices.

• Experience working in a professional services environment preferred.

Why Stout?

At Stout, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards program with competitive compensation, benefits, and wellness options tailored to support employees at every stage of life.
We foster a culture of inclusion and respect, embracing diverse perspectives and experiences to drive innovation and success. Our leadership is committed to inclusion and belonging across the organization and in the communities we serve.
We invest in professional growth through ongoing training, mentorship, employee resource groups, and clear performance feedback, ensuring our employees are supported in achieving their career goals.
Stout provides flexible work schedules and a discretionary time off policy to promote work-life balance and help employees lead fulfilling lives.
Learn more about our benefits and commitment to your success.

https://www.stout.com/en/careers/benefits

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.

Stout is an Equal Employment Opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of valid job requirements, qualifications and merit without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.

Interested in joining a rapidly growing group of bright, ambitious professionals in a work environment that values culture, inclusion, and personal growth? Stout might just be the right place for you.