VP Software Development

We are seeking an experienced leader of our Software Development organization to lead the evolution of our warehouse execution software-based offerings to enterprise level capabilities. The VP, Software Development, will report directly to the Chief Technology Officer and will be responsible for bringing our software vision to life in marketing leading products. Additionally, the role will be responsible for the modernization of our software architecture, with a particular focus on transforming legacy Java applications into scalable, resilient, cloud-native microservices architectures.

The ideal candidate will combine technical depth with strategic vision bringing both innovation and operational/technical excellence to life through out software products.

Primary responsibilities include leading the technical vision and strategy for software development aligning market/customer requirements and technical innovations into software solutions; modernizing software platform including transformation of legacy systems into modern, scalable architectures including service-based models with continuous delivery of updates and capabilities; directing and overseeing multiple global engineering teams across WES, WCS, Inventory Slotting and other domains; collaborating with external and internal stakeholders to align software initiatives with business objectives and growth strategies; establishing technical standards, architecture principles, and development practices; driving adoption of microservices architecture; managing and mentoring senior engineers, architects, and technical leads; building efficient software development capability supported by key metrics across the software development lifecycle; working closely with IT infrastructure, sales, and service teams.

Required qualifications include 15+ years of software development experience with at least 8 years in senior technical roles; experience leading large, global and remote engineering organizations (100+ team members); understanding of modern software development practices, distributed system design, cloud/micro-services technologies, and design for reliability; experience modernizing monolithic applications into microservices architectures; experience building quality assurance environments; experience with modern cloud platforms and containerization; strong understanding of data privacy, security and compliance; track record of successful large-scale digital transformation initiatives; ability to build scalable organizations; strong communication and change management skills.

Desired qualifications include graduate degree or MBA, private equity exposure, and exposure to manufacturing and supply chain. Technical qualifications include strong knowledge of Java enterprise applications and frameworks, containerization and orchestration, API design/development, database technology, security, and reliability; deep understanding of WMS, WES, or WCS systems with at least 5 years of direct experience in warehouse technology solutions; experience with advanced messaging for high-throughput systems; experience with modern UI/UX for operational technologies.

Working conditions include typical office environment with extended periods of sitting and computer use, ability to talk and hear, use hands, walk and stand; possible travel to client sites requiring physical presence in various environments with potential exposure to noise and mechanical parts; reasonable accommodations for disabilities provided. FORTNA is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.