VP IT Development: Responsibilities

How important having a VP of IT development is? What are the responsibilities of this position? These are the things we will discuss.

Who Is VP IT Development?

VP of IT Development is a high-level manager who oversees the development of all software solutions that the company uses. In most cases, he is responsible for choosing and maintaining them.

Moreover, it is for training employees in using the software. The VP of IT development is also in charge of developing software solutions if the company needs any. 

They control the budget and coordinate all IT development processes in cooperation. So with other managers who take care of particular applications.

Sometimes, a VP of IT Development has a VP of IT Operations under his command. It means that he or she has two levels under him/her (VP of IT operations and VP of IT development). 

Therefore, he is responsible for overseeing the whole IT department, including both departments.

Responsibilities Of A VP Of IT Development

This position has a lot to do. That is why we are going to go through those responsibilities and see what they are all about.

1. Developing Software Solutions And Applications That The Company Needs

This one is pretty self-explanatory. So the person in this position is responsible for developing all applications and software solutions that the company might need.

Whether it’s a simple website or an intricate ERP system for logistics. This also includes maintenance and support for all developed applications (we’ll see this aspect later on).

2. Choosing The Software Solution For Each Application And Maintaining It In The Future

This responsibility refers to choosing the best solution among several options. Also, it will be maintained by the VP of IT development himself/herself after it’s chosen. 

In most cases, this position involves choosing an off-the-shelf solution that can be easily maintained by someone else at a later stage (in case there is no time for it). For example, if you choose a specialized ERP solution for your business processes.

So you will be able to maintain it yourself. However, if you go with something simpler like WordPress or Joomla!, your development team will be able to maintain it better than you will. 

In addition, choosing the right software solution for each application. A VP of IT development must also oversee its maintenance in case it has any issues (we’ll see how to deal with these issues later on).

3. Managing The Budget Of The IT Development Department

So this is one of the main responsibilities of a VP of IT development. They must ensure that the budget is used correctly and that the development department doesn’t go over its limits.

It includes building a functional budget and managing it throughout the year. In addition to managing the budget, this person must also be aware of all spent funds. 

As well as their origin and destination. So he or she must complete all financial documentation for the IT department properly (the documentation will be available for audit).

4. Coordinating IT Development Processes With Other Managers And Developers

The VP of IT development is responsible for coordinating software development processes with other managers who take care of particular applications. In most cases, this means having weekly meetings with them. 

Also, monthly meetings with all involved managers. So these meetings are dedicated to planning and monitoring the progress of all applications and software solutions in development. 

In addition to coordination with other managers who take care of particular applications. So this position also involves coordinating processes with developers working under him/her directly. 

It means that they are not responsible for any particular application. But they are responsible for one or more software solutions in general (similar to a project manager).