Director of Software Engineering - Western Growers

Part of the Western Growers Family of Companies, Western Growers Assurance Trust (WGAT) was founded in 1957 to provide a solution to a need in the agricultural community — a need for employer-sponsored health benefit plans not previously available from commercial health insurance carriers. WGAT is now the largest provider of health benefits for the agriculture industry. The sponsoring organization of WGAT is Western Growers Association, created in 1926 to support the business interests of employers in the agriculture industry. WGAT’s headquarters is located in Irvine, California.

WGAT’s mission is to deliver value to agriculture-based employer groups by offering robust health plans that meet the needs of a diverse workforce. By working at WGAT, you will join a dedicated team of employees who truly care about offering quality health benefits and excellent customer service to plan participants. If you want to start making a difference working in the health care industry, then apply to WGAT today!

Compensation: $172,466 - $242,141 with a rich benefits package that includes profit-sharing. This is a remote position is hybrid to our Irvine, CA office.

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, the Director of Software Engineering will lead a team of approximately 20 Software Developers in executing the company’s web application development strategy and overseeing the transformation of legacy on-premise software systems to a cloud-based infrastructure. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of the organization’s technology landscape by implementing modern DevOps practices to enhance the quality, efficiency, and security of software development and deployment. The Director will be responsible for delivering high-quality, scalable technology solutions that align with the company’s strategic goals, while fostering innovation and growth within the development team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field, combined with 10 years of experience in software development, including at least five years in a leadership role, preferred.
• Demonstrated background in modern software development methodologies, cloud technologies, and healthcare, with a focus on claims processing, highly desired.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale software projects, ideally within diverse environments (e.g., on-premise, cloud, and hybrid systems).
• Strong technical expertise in cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure
• In depth knowledge of healthcare systems, particularly in claims processing.
• Comprehensive understanding of software development methodologies (Agile, Scrum, DevOps).
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements in healthcare, including HIPAA.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong knowledge of software architecture, microservices, and system design.
• Comprehensive knowledge of DevOps practices and tools, including CI/CD pipelines.
• Demonstrated experience with data analytics and machine learning applications in healthcare.
• Proven ability to set and execute a technical vision that aligns with business objectives.
• Experience in managing budgets, resources, and timelines for large projects.
• Ability to drive innovation and lead digital transformation initiatives.
• Strong leadership abilities with experience in building, mentoring, and scaling high-performing engineering teams.
• Demonstrated experience in driving software development strategies that align with business goals.
• Ability to manage cross-functional teams and collaborate with stakeholders across different departments.
• Have a deep understanding of agile methodologies and tools.
• Have an expert understanding of relational database systems.
• Internet access provided by a cable or fiber provider with 40 MB download and 10 MB upload speeds.
• Home router with wired Ethernet (wireless connections and hotspots are not permitted).
• A designated room for your office or steps taken to protect company information (e.g., facing computer towards wall, etc.)
• A functioning smoke detector, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit on site.

Duties And Responsibilities

Technical Expertise & Cloud Strategy

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for transforming on-premise software systems to the cloud.
• Evaluate and select appropriate cloud platforms and technologies to meet business needs.
• Ensure seamless integration and minimal disruption during the migration process.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance in cloud technologies, including AWS, and/or Azure.
• Oversee the design, development, and deployment of scalable and secure cloud-based solutions.
• Ensure adherence to best practices in software architecture, design, and coding standards.
• Leverage expertise in healthcare, particularly in claims processing, to drive system enhancements and optimizations.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand business requirements and translate them into technical specifications.
• Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and standards, including HIPAA.
• Familiarity with healthcare-related EDI formats and standards.

Project Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Oversee multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Implement robust project management practices to track progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Communicate project status and updates to senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends, particularly in cloud computing and healthcare.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging the adoption of new tools, methodologies, and practices.
• Drive initiatives to improve software development processes, enhance productivity, and reduce time-to-market.

Management & Leadership

• Lead and manage a team of software developers, architects, and project managers.
• Set clear objectives, provide guidance, and foster a collaborative and innovative environment.
• Oversee the entire software development lifecycle, ensuring timely delivery and quality of software products.
• Develop, manage, and lead a team of 3A+ self-accountable professionals.
• Develop a culture of authentic, personal accountability by modeling the behavior that defines it.
• Instill a culture of safety and expectation within your respective area/s.
• Require direct reports to hold themselves accountable to high performance standards and personal conduct in a clear, helpful, straightforward way.
• Conduct one-on-one conversations with every direct report quarterly focused on their 3A+ capabilities, impact, and effort.
• Make decisions impacting staff using the steps outlined in the “Outward Leadership” guide.
• Promote a culture of inclusion leveraging the “Outward Inclusion” principles.

Other

• Utilize all capabilities to satisfy one mission — to enhance the competitiveness and profitability of our members. Do everything possible to help members succeed by being curious and striving to understand what others are trying to achieve, planning, and executing work helpfully and collaboratively. Be willing to adjust efforts to ensure that work and attitude are helpful to others, be self-accountable, create a positive impact, and be diligent in delivering results.
• Maintain internet speed of 40 MB download and 10 MB upload and router with wired Ethernet.
• Maintain a HIPAA-compliant workstation and utilize appropriate security techniques to ensure HIPAA-required protection of all confidential/protected client data.
• Maintain and service safety equipment (e.g., smoke detector, fire extinguisher, first aid kit).
• All other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described here represent those that an employee must meet to successfully perform this job’s essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate with others. The employee frequently is required to move around the office. The employee is often required to use tools, objects, and controls. This noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.