The IT Director, Applications, will report to the Chief Information & Technology Officer in the Division of Innovation & Technology. The IT Director’s role is to plan, organize, and manage staff and overall operations to ensure the stable operation of the organization’s entire Application Technology portfolio. This includes developing, maintaining, supporting, and optimizing key enterprise and departmental application portfolio, particularly Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), Software as a Service (SaaS) Applications, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Business Intelligence (BI), Custom Application development, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), etc. The IT Director, Applications will work closely with decision makers for the San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans), the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain), and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA) and other departments to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support cost-effective technology solutions for the entire district. This individual will apply proven communication and problem-solving skills to guide and assist the user group on issues related to the design, development, and deployment of mission-critical information and software systems. In addition, the IT Director’s primary goals are to develop and manage application portfolio for each department and to attain all IT service level agreements for the user community within the organization. Examples of Essential Functions: Strategy & Planning: + Develop, direct, and oversee the implementation of strategies, goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the application department. + Works closely with the Chief Information Officer and other District management staff regarding the development and implementation of long- and short-term strategies for the delivery of effective technology services, District-wide. + Contribute to the department’s service quality through the development and implementation of policies and procedures to meet legal requirements, District needs, and strategic objectives. + Conduct research and make recommendations on products, services, protocols, and standards in support of all infrastructure procurement and development efforts. + Define and manage the technology roadmap for the applications portfolio, ensuring it supports the long- term goals. + Establish service level agreements with business units. Ensure that goals, performance metrics, and other requirements associated with the day-to-day operations of the division are achieved. Operational Management: + Conduct feasibility studies for various upgrade projects, improvements, and other conversions. + Develop, Manage and Maintain Enterprise Application Architecture. + Provide leadership on all project management activities. Plan, coordinate and monitor all aspects of projects that translate business objectives and requirements into workable plans. + Direct the management of innovation and technology research, development, conversion, installation, and maintenance projects. + Participate in planning processes to evaluate the operational functionality and recommend enhancements for operational effectiveness. + Direct, plans and participate in systems design and oversees the development and implementation processes. + Manage operational costs; conduct near- and long-term financial forecasts for expanded functionality/user base. + Establish and maintain regular communications with the executives and, decision-makers, stakeholders, department heads, and end users regarding infrastructure activities. + Develop, implement, and manage Service Level Agreements (SLAs), including coordinating discussions with stakeholder management regarding current and anticipated service requirements and alternative approaches. + Develop and manage IT policies and procedures related to Enterprise & Departmental Applications and its security. + Oversee major Project and IT Service delivery. Plans, coordinates, and monitors all aspects of internal information system-specific projects, which translate business objectives and requirements into workable plans, requirements documents, technical and functional design documents, and models. + Supervise staff. Hires, mentors, and takes appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action. + Participate in selection, coordinates staff training, establishes performance objectives, monitors, and evaluates employee performance. + Represents the IT department at district committees and regional committees. + Inspects work for accuracy and completeness. Evaluates work techniques and methods for consistency with standards. + Acquisition &; Deployment, Prepare RFPs, bid proposals, contracts, scope of work reports, and other documentation for application projects and associated efforts. + Negotiate with vendors, outsourcers, and contractors to secure software products and services. + Assist with the planning and deployment of application security measures. Examples of Essential Duties: + Where necessary, re-engineer applications support to ensure it aligns with business processes, tactical planning, and strategic vision. + Review performance of IT systems to determine operating costs, productivity levels, and upgrade requirements. + Benchmark, analyze, report on, and make recommendations for the improvement of the IT systems. + Develop bid requirements for all hardware and software upgrades, reviews submitted bids for compliance with stated requirements and makes the appropriate award. + Authorize and oversee the deployment, monitoring, maintenance, development, and support of all hardware and software based on department needs. + Develop business case justifications and cost/benefit analyses for IT spending and initiatives. + Direct research on potential technology solutions and implementations in support of new initiatives, opportunities, and procurement efforts. + Manage IT application staffing, including recruitment, supervision, scheduling, development, evaluation, and disciplinary actions. + Establish metrics for success, enhances Application deployment processes, and documents standard operating procedures. + Guides technical design decisions, plans IT application architecture, and fulfills additional duties as assigned. + Support audit and regulatory requests as well as maintain documentation to support those requests. + Coordinate departmental activities and special projects to ensure quality, cost- effectiveness, and meeting deadlines. + Manages deliverable estimation process, resource allocation and efficient utilization. negotiates resource conflicts with other project Directors or resources as appropriate. + Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect oneself, fellow employees and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents. + Leading technical design decisions by analyzing situations, identifying issues, advising staff, recommending solutions, resolving complex technological problems, and evaluating outcomes. + Planning and implementing architecture for an agency′s IT application portfolio. + Advises CITO (Chief Information Technology Officer) regarding technology training needs. + Performs other duties as assigned. Supervision: Works under the general supervision of the Chief Information & Technology Officer, Information Technology who establishes goals and objectives and evaluates performance. Minimum Qualifications: + Sufficient experience, training and/or education to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. In lieu of a degree, work-related experience that demonstrates the skills and experience necessary to perform this role will be accepted. + Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, technology or closely related field. + Seven (7) years of full-time experience in deploying and managing IT Applications like ERP, EAM, BI, GIS, Microsoft platform, Custom Application development. + Five (5) years of senior management experience in the field of IT Applications. Preferred Qualifications: + Master’s degree in computer science, technology or related field. + Deep technical experience in Peoplesoft or other cloud ERP systems and developing custom applications on multiple platforms. + Experience in implementing complete lifecycle implementation of enterprise resource planning systems, Business Intelligence systems, GIS systems, custom application development. + Exhaustive understanding of Protocols, databases, and Information Technology standards Library (ITIL) standards. + Budgeting and forecasting experience in a technology environment is desired, along with vendor management experience. + Project management leadership experience. + Any other technology certifications a plus. Supplemental Information The San Mateo County Transit District is a Special District; it is the managing agency for SamTrans, the Peninsula Joint Powers Board (JPB / Caltrain), San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA), and the 101 Express Lanes Project. The district has employees in 5 locations: San Carlos (Administrative Offices), South San Francisco (North Base, Bus Transportation Administration and Maintenance Administration – Stores, Warranty, Parts), San Carlos (South Base, Bus Transportation & Maintenance), Menlo Park (Caltrain Operations), and San Jose (Caltrain Maintenance & Operations) The Administrative Offices are scheduled to relocate to Millbrae in 2026. This person and their staff are based in the Administrative Offices but have internal customers at all 5 locations. Desired Personal Attributes + Ability to make sound and logical judgments. + Demonstrated leadership and personnel/project management skills. + Good understanding of the organization’s goals and objectives. + Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills. + Ability to perform general mathematical calculations for the purpose of creating needs assessments, budgets, and so on. + Able to conduct research into issues and products as required. + Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment and make sound decisions in emergency situations. + Ability to present ideas in a user-friendly language. + Highly self-motivated and directed with Keen attention to detail. + Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities. + Strong customer service orientation. + Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment. The Ideal Candidate: + The ideal candidate will be highly technical in nature and possess experience in complete lifecycle implementation of enterprise systems. + The ideal candidate will also possess the ability to foster, motivate and guide their team in support of District technological needs and resources. They will maintain or create strategies that promote a positive workplace while upholding employment standards. + They will reward critical thinking, efficiency, innovation, individual performance and effectuate IT best- practices and cyber risk management District-wide. + The ideal candidate will be fiscally responsible and budget-minded with a strong understanding of emerging technology trends and the opportunities and risks they present. Future Projects the Director, IT Applications will oversee: + Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): (Finance, HR, Payroll, Procurement) Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) + Software as a Service (SaaS) Applications + Geographical Information Systems (GIS) & Custom Application development + BI & Customer Relationship Management (CRM) + The Director will also oversee the Transit applications like scheduling & bidding software (HASTUS), CAD/AVL, Trapeze (Paratransit) and other peripheral applications. About Us SamTrans is a forward-thinking public agency at the heart of Bay Area mobility. As the lead agency for SamTrans, Caltrain, and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, we offer a unique opportunity to drive innovation in regional transit. This role blends technical leadership with public impact giving you the chance to modernize critical systems, influence strategic direction, and collaborate across agencies. With a wide variety of projects and a mission-driven culture, SamTrans is where your expertise can shape the future of transportation. Why Join Us? + A collaborative, mission driven culture + Opportunities to shape regional transit innovation + Hybrid flexibility &; upcoming relocation to Millbrae HQ in 2026 + Direct impact across agencies: SamTrans, Caltrain, and the TA A leadership role that blends vision, strategy, and execution Equal Opportunity Statement We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and celebrate diversity at all levels of our organization. Accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available upon request throughout the recruitment process. Disclaimer: Cogent Infotech is the principal recruiting partner for this position. You may be redirected to the Cogent Infotech application portal to complete your submission. This is part of the official hiring process and ensures your application is routed correctly.