Job Description

INTRODUCTION:

The Rainforest Alliance Data and Technology function leads the design, development, and delivery of RA\xc2\xb4s data and technology products required to successfully drive impact through our full producer, landscape, and market offerings. Data and Technology are crucial to our current and any new offerings to reach our ambition to exponentially scale our impact.

Within the Data and Technology function, the Technology department is responsible for the technical development, realization and implementation of the strategic digital product roadmap (including all supporting Technology processes), for all Global Initiatives and programs. In this role, you will lead multiple teams, to plan and lead the implementation of a leading technology ecosystem, that enables the achievement the Rainforest Alliance 2030 strategy. You will ensure the alignment of technology investment and initiatives with the business goals, requirements and expectations and ensure the optimal utilization of investments in technology, and technology related services by vendors, across the organization.

POSITION SUMMARY:

As an experienced technology professional, with expertise developing solutions for a wide range of internal and external customers, you are accountable for the technology development and implementation of the Enterprise Business strategy, including the development and management of Technology related business process transformations, innovations, the prototyping of new solutions, and, administrative support activities such as vendor and contract management, resource management, IT security, budgeting and technology investment activities.

Your teams are responsible for implementing externally focused programmatic technology solutions for the organization, the development and management of a platform for mobile app development, and establishing the sets of configuring and customizing standards, integrating APIs, and ensuring seamless data flow between different. They will lead the overall technical infrastructure capability (Azure / Google / Outsystems as main partners), facilitate appropriate tools and platforms, ensuring scalability and reliability, and define data flows and integrations to support the organization\'s programmatic initiatives and strategic objectives. And, they will develop and implement a portfolio roadmap to deliver timely and fit for purpose solutions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manage and lead the Technology department;

Lead and provide input for enterprise-wide technology strategy, applying a digital lens to business strategy and strategic planning;

Implement programmatic technology solutions within the organization;

Responsible for the technical realisation, running and maintainence of the Rainforest Alliance Digital Platforms such as RACP, MultiTrace (Traceabilty including PalmTrace), Farm Improvement Platform (FIP), RA Portal platform, Data Analytics Platform, Integration Platform, and others as developed;

Responsible for the development and implementation of the test strategy for application development, and for release management of all digital solutions at RA;

Responsible for the planning, development and improvement of the RA\'s Digital Platforms;

Responsible for the development and improvements of future products based on business needs as defined by the Product Development Department.

Lead the \'make or buy\' decision when developing new software applications, understanding RA\'s business requirements and translating them into technical needs;

Responsible for the development of stand-alone RA applications such as Document management (Doc360), Customer support (Freshworks), Dynamics, Salesforce etc;

Responsible for the design, planning and development of mobile apps to support in field delivery of our business propositions, including Front-end development tools focused at the user interface, user experience (UI-UX) for our existing platforms such as the Rainforest Alliance Farm Improvement Platform, or \'stand-alone\' applications to support our Regenerative Agriculture strategy;

Responsible for the implementation and management of the Technology Portfolio management process at RA;

Handle the vendor base to ensure we have fit-for-purpose software development teams in place;

Improve the cost effectiveness of IT - Lead the technology operational and capital budgeted spend to deliver maximum value to the business;

Act as liaison to the innovations team when it comes to future software solutions;

Enable RA\'s Innovation by providing necessary technology tools and capabilities for prototyping/testing/POCs

Champion business process optimization and adoption of leading practices across the organization;

Develop and run a technology roadmap, architecture, models and governance in line with the technology strategy and business objectives;

Lead all aspects of the design and implementation of robust data management systems

Identify new innovations and exciting technologies in the marketplace that may be important in shaping the business and technology strategies

Consolidated sourcing strategy and governing sourcing decisions for technology;

Handle supplier selection and consistent with wider Business and Technology strategy;

Develop and handle the technology operating and capital budget required to implement the technology strategy and roadmap;

Develop, Implement and maintain RA\'s Portfolio of Applications in support of Strategic Business needs;

Ensuring the design and implementation of robust security strategy;

Configuration / maintenance of our administrative supporting RA solution such as Freshworks, Document 360, Dynamics, Netsuite, Jira, Confluence etc; and

Competency and talent development for staff

QUALIFICATIONS:

Master\'s Degree in Computer Sciences, or related field;

At least 7 years senior management experience in similar team leading role in international context on both internally, and externally focused technology solutions;

Minimum 15 years of relevant work experience in a medium-sized organization and a thorough understanding of IT Strategy, IT Application management and IT Architecture;

Experience with commercial software development and offshore supplier management;

Experience with IT Innovation projects;

Experienced manager with proven ability to coach, supervise and motivate teams;

"Self-starting" approach to initiate discussions with (internal) stakeholders;

Respected Thought Leader who can influence colleagues at all levels;

Ability to run multiple initiatives concurrently and leading cross-functional teams;

Ability to navigate a matrixed, highly complex organization while building relationships and trust;

Strong analytical and strong problem-solving skills, change orientation;

Experience in supplier contracting and management;

Experience in Technology strategy development and Portfolio management;

Innovative mind and good adviser;

Stress-resistant and can handle a big diversity of activities and responsibilities;

Fluency in English, both verbal and written, with effective communication skills; and

Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, including ability to present ideas in a user-friendly non-technical language

Job level: 1A

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Deadline: September 01, 2023

Notes: Only candidates authorized to work in the UK, Europe or Africa will be considered.

If you have any questions about the job vacancy, please contact the HR department:

Rainforest Alliance