Solutions Development Manager

Position summary

The Solutions Development Manager leads the design, development, and delivery of innovative software solutions that enhance legal practices and enterprise support functions. This role partners with stakeholders to translate complex requirements into technology solutions, overseeing assigned global platforms, system integrations, and software development projects while managing resources, monitoring project costs, and ensuring compliance with security, regulatory, and internal policies. The Manager leads a team of Analysts and Developers and drives the adoption of emerging technologies to support operational efficiency and transformative business outcomes.

Job duties and responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of tailored technology solutions for practice groups, attorneys, and clients, ensuring alignment with the firm's strategic objectives and enterprise technology roadmap.
• Partner with senior stakeholders to define requirements, evaluate technical solution options, recommend innovative solutions, and lead the implementation of assigned complex projects and system integrations.
• Lead and manage software development projects, including defining scope, allocating resources, managing deliverables, and coordinating vendor support to ensure successful outcomes.
• Develop project cost estimates and track project expenditures.
• Identify and assess risks associated with assigned technology solutions and projects, implement appropriate mitigation measures within established authority, and escalate significant risks to leadership. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, data privacy standards, and cybersecurity protocols.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and success metrics for assigned technology solutions and development teams, using performance data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Communicate project status, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders and leadership, ensuring timely escalation of significant issues and supporting informed decision-making.
• Oversee the production and maintenance of assigned projects and platforms, including implementation strategies, project plans, cost analyses, and compliance records, adhering to firm standards, regulatory requirements, and cybersecurity best practices.
• Manage assigned global platforms such as intranet, extranet, room scheduling, and business intelligence (BI) systems, ensuring reliability, scalability, and continuous improvement.
• Champion the adoption and integration of emerging technologies, including cloud computing, automation, and artificial intelligence, to drive operational efficiency and innovation.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Analysts and Developers, including hiring, performance management, and coaching to support team effectiveness and professional development.
• Establish, refine, and enforce software development policies, methodologies, best practices, and security standards, under the directorion of the Assistant Director, ensuring firm requirements, alignment with industry advancements and compliance obligations.
• Represent Solutions Development on firmwide committees, governance boards, or cross-functional project teams, providing technical expertise and contributing to enterprise technology initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job duties and responsibilities included are not exhaustive and may be supplemented asnecessary.  Reed Smith reserves the right to revise or modify job duties and responsibilities at any time. 

Requirements

Education: Bachelor's Degree in an IT-related discipline is required. A Master's Degree and other relevant training, education, and certifications are preferred.

Experience: 

• Minimum of 7 years of software development experience, including expertise with React, MS SQL, and enterprise system integrations.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience leading or managing technical teams.
• Experience leading complex software development projects using Agile and DevOps methodologies.
• Expertise with BI platforms (Power BI, Tableau) and enterprise data visualization, analytics, and dashboard strategy.
• Deep knowledge of SharePoint-based intranet/extranet development and large-scale platform customization.
• Experience implementing emerging technologies, including cloud, AI, and automation, to support enterprise technology initiatives.
• Experience coordinating vendor relationships, including overseeing technical deliverables and evaluating third-party performance.
• Experience in a law firm or professional services environment strongly preferred. 

Skills:

• Demonstrated management and supervisory capability, leading, mentoring, and developing global technical teams.
• Strong knowledge of software development methodologies, system architecture, integrations, and enterprise platforms supporting the firm's technology environment.
• Strong project management capability, defining scope, allocating resources, managing deliverables, and overseeing multiple concurrent initiatives.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, presenting complex technical information clearly to senior leadership and diverse stakeholders.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment, with the flexibility and adaptability to respond effectively in complex, dynamic, or rapidly evolving situations.
• Analytical and critical thinking capability, including defining KPIs, interpreting data, and using insights to drive continuous improvement.
• Ability to prioritize work effectively, manage competing responsibilities, and meet established timelines.
• Capable of working independently and collaboratively, including leading and supporting a team in a remote or hybrid work environment. 

Additional information

Supervisory responsibilities: IT Solutions Development Team

Equipment used: Personal computer and other office equipment such as telephone, calculator, copier, scanner, etc.

Essential job functions

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks requiring prolonged and/or extensive computer use.
• Ability to use computers, telecommunications, and digital collaboration tools to perform core job responsibilities.
• Ability to engage in effective and professional communication.
• Ability to analyze complex information while maintaining attention to detail, managing multiple priorities, and exercising sound judgment in decision-making.
• Ability to access, use, and safeguard confidential and sensitive information while performing job responsibilities in work environments that support confidentiality, privacy, and information security requirements.
• Ability to work extended or adjusted hours as needed, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and early start times to support collaboration with international stakeholders across EMEA and the US, and to meet business, operational, or project needs.
• Ability to work in-office as required to meet business or project needs.

Working conditions

You will be required to work in the office at minimum 4 days per week. Occasionally called upon to work hours in excess of your normal daily schedule. The details of your weekly schedule will be discussed further with your direct supervisor.

Pay ranges
This represents the presently anticipated low and high end of Reed Smith's pay range for this position. Actual pay may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location and experience.

• Pittsburgh: $148,000 - $162,000

Employee benefits overview

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Medical Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Virtual Health Services
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Coverage
• Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Lyra Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Family Leave (for eligible Exempt and Non-Exempt staff)
• Transportation Benefit
• Back-up Child Care Services
• College Coach Program
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Sick Time (for Exempt staff)
• Paid Time Off (available to all full-time, non-temporary employees)

Reed Smith offers a challenging work environment, business casual dress code and a total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, flexible benefits program, tuition assistance, and generous 401(k) plan.

Reed Smith is an Equal Opportunity Employer with Core Values of Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork & Respect, Innovation, and Impact. Reed Smith also provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with law, including in the application and interview process.

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