Software Applications Manager

WesleyLife; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

WesleyLife in Des Moines, IA, is seeking a Software Applications Manager to lead the administration, support, and optimization of enterprise business applications. You will manage day-to-day operations, oversee analysts, and act as the primary liaison to software vendors to ensure reliable services aligned with organizational goals.

You will collaborate with operational leaders, clinical teams, HR, and IT staff to improve user adoption, resolve system issues, and identify workflow improvements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Information Systems, Business Administration, Healthcare Informatics, or related field
• Five or more years supporting business applications in a healthcare or associated industry
• Three or more years of leadership experience
• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to translate technical concepts into business language
• Strong customer service and relationship management skills

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations of application support services and optimize enterprise software.
• Manage application availability, reliability, and performance across WesleyLife.
• Guide resolution of complex application issues and escalations.
• Oversee configuration, testing, upgrades, and implementation activities.
• Coordinate production support activities to minimize disruptions.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management for analysts and staff.
• Foster accountability, collaboration, and customer service throughout the team.
• Build strong relationships with business leaders and departments.
• Serve as trusted advisor on application capabilities and best practices.
• Coordinate vendor support activities and monitor performance.
• Lead implementation and enhancement projects with cross-functional teams.
• Ensure compliance with policies, security standards, and regulatory requirements.

Job description

Position Summary

The Software Applications Manager is responsible for the leadership, administration, support, optimization, and continuous improvement of enterprise business applications across WesleyLife. This role manages the day-to-day operations of application support services, oversees application analysts and specialists, serves as the primary liaison with software vendors, and ensures applications effectively support organizational goals and business processes. The Software Applications Manager works closely with operational leaders, clinical teams, human resources, and information technology staff to deliver reliable application services, improve user adoption, resolve system issues, and identify opportunities for workflow improvement through technology.

Position Summary

The Software Applications Manager is responsible for the leadership, administration, support, optimization, and continuous improvement of enterprise business applications across WesleyLife. This role manages the day-to-day operations of application support services, oversees application analysts and specialists, serves as the primary liaison with software vendors, and ensures applications effectively support organizational goals and business processes. The Software Applications Manager works closely with operational leaders, clinical teams, human resources, and information technology staff to deliver reliable application services, improve user adoption, resolve system issues, and identify opportunities for workflow improvement through technology.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities

Application Operations & Support

• Manage the daily operation, support, maintenance, and optimization of key WesleyLife software applications.
• Ensure application availability, reliability, and performance across the organization.
• Lead resolution efforts for complex application issues and escalations.
• Oversee application configuration, testing, upgrades, and implementation activities.
• Coordinate production support activities while minimizing operational disruptions.

Team Leadership

• Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and performance management for Application Analysts and other assigned staff.
• Establish team goals, priorities, and workload assignments.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and customer service.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and retention of team members.

Business Relationship Management

• Build strong relationships with business leaders and department stakeholders.
• Serve as a trusted advisor regarding application capabilities and best practices.
• Facilitate communication between technical resources and operational teams.

Vendor & Partner Management

• Serve as the primary operational contact for assigned software vendors.
• Coordinate vendor support activities and issue resolution.
• Monitor vendor performance and service commitments.

Project Leadership

• Lead application implementation and enhancement projects.
• Coordinate project plans, testing, training, and deployment activities.
• Support organizational initiatives requiring application integration and process improvement.

Compliance & Data Integrity

• Support compliance with organizational policies, security standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure application security controls are maintained.
• Participate in audit preparation and remediation activities.

Required

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Information Systems, Business Administration, Healthcare Informatics, or related field
• Five or more years supporting business applications in a healthcare or associated industry
• Three or more years of leadership experience
• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to translate technical concepts into business language
• Strong customer service and relationship management skills

Preferred

• Healthcare, senior living, or post-acute care experience.
• HRIS, CRM, EMR/EHR experience.
• PMP, ITIL, Lean, or Six Sigma certifications.

Why Choose WesleyLife?

At WesleyLife, you're not just starting a job — you're joining a purpose-driven community where your well-being, growth, and impact truly matter. With nearly 80 years of excellence in serving older adults, we empower our team members to thrive while making meaningful connections and changing lives every day.

WesleyLife is proud to be recognized as one of Senior Care’s Best Places to Work by WeCare Connect! We’re committed to a workplace where every team member is seen, heard, and appreciated.

Ready to Make a Difference?

We’re excited to meet people who share our passion for service, wellness, and community.