Job Description:

AKIRA Application Development Manager - Retail TechnologyRead on to find out what you will need to succeed in this position, including skills, qualifications, and experience.In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 35+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (.) AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand. AKIRA's culture has one very large, distinct difference from other high fashion competitors: Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer's needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner, and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company. The Position:Application Development Manager Location: Chicago, IL (On-site) Overview: As the Manager of Retail Technology Development, you'll lead our technology strategies and development operations, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the fast fashion industry. You'll bridge the gap between innovative retail solutions and robust software development, ensuring our platforms are efficient, customer-centric, and scalable.Essential Functions: Technology Leadership:Outline and execute the technology vision and strategy in alignment with our brand and business objectives.Keep abreast of the latest industry innovations to ensure our company remains a leading force in the fast fashion sector.Software Development Oversight:Oversee software development activities on key platforms: Magento, Shopify, Netsuite, and other PHP-based systems.Coordinate with both onshore and offshore development teams to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.Cultivate an environment of continuous improvement, advocating for best practices in software development.Team and Vendor Management:Build and mentor a high-performing team of developers, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.Manage relationships with technology vendors, ensuring products and services meet our quality and performance standards.Negotiate contracts and service-level agreements with technology providers.Performance Management:Work closely with the IT team to monitor the performance of our platforms, ensuring swift resolution of any issues.Lead troubleshooting sessions, guiding the team in identifying and rectifying performance bottlenecks.Cross-functional Collaboration:Partner with other business units, such as Marketing, Sales, and Operations, to ensure technology solutions are in alignment with business strategies.Offer technology insights in executive meetings, assisting in strategic decision-making processes.Qualifications:1-3 years in a supervisor/management role related to technology or development.A minimum of 5 years in software development with a progression of increasing responsibility.Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Business, or other technology related field.Strong software architecture thinking. Demonstrated expertise in multiple e-commerce platforms (Magento, Shopify, etc) and ERP (Netsuite, Sage, etc) as well as PHP-based custom platforms.Deep experience on helping teams monitor, find and fix performance related issues.Exceptional project management skills.Strong vendor management and negotiation skills.Excellent communication and team leadership abilities.Diversity & Inclusion:At AKIRA we believe that treating everyone in a first-class manner is essential to fostering an inclusive environment that reflects our values and our community. This is deeply rooted in our company's principles, culture, and fashion. We continuously strive to cultivate a company where employees feel a sense of belonging and contribute to a culture that values differences, ideas, and experiences. Our unique workforce is directly linked to our success and makes us stronger collectively.Benefits and Perks:AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and employee discount. We are committed to encouraging internal development and providing significant career enrichment opportunities. Most importantly, what has propelled AKIRA's growth and success over the years has been the dynamic culture within the company - if you're filled with passion, have a strong desire to get things done, and if you want to go to a place where you know your work matters and where you can implement your ideas and decisions, then AKIRA just might be the place for you. Job Type: Full Time