Director of Applications

WHO WE ARE
At Polaris Pharmacy Services, we’re more than a pharmacy — we’re a dedicated partner in care, transforming how patients experience long-term, post-acute, correctional, PACE, and specialty pharmacy services. As industry leaders, we’re raising the bar for quality and coordination across all sites of care, ensuring every patient receives seamless, compassionate, and expert support.

 Founded in 2015, Polaris is proud to be locally and independently owned, with a growing national footprint. Our team thrives in a mission-driven environment where innovation meets purpose, and every role contributes to making a real impact. We offer more than just a job — we provide competitive pay, robust benefits, and genuine opportunities for career advancement.

If you're passionate about shaping the future of pharmacy and making a difference in the lives of those who need it most, we invite you to grow with us.

Job Summary: 

The Director of Applications at Polaris Pharmacy Services is responsible for overseeing the strategic planning, development, and implementation of all software applications within the organization. This role ensures that the applications meet the current and future needs of the business, enhancing operational efficiency and supporting the company's growth objectives. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• This position oversees the applications management team 

 Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) Implementation and Configuration Leadership 

• Lead a team of 10+ to implement purchased software systems into a pharmacy Environment. 

• Support the team in managing configuration changes to match the pharmacy operating environment. 

• Lead the conversions to Frameworks LTC and PioneerRx for new locations and acquired pharmacies. 

• Partner with the Application Development organization in identifying requirements for custom application development. 

• Data mapping and migration: Understanding of data structures, import/export processes, and validation. 

• Process automation: Identifying opportunities to streamline workflows using built-in tools or scripts. 

• Acceptance testing of system updates, patches, or new functionality. 

• Domain Expertise 

• Understanding of LTC pharmacy workflows: Medication dispensing, regulatory compliance (e.g., HIPAA, DEA), billing, and patient care coordination. 

• Keep abreast with COTS systems used in healthcare/pharmacy (e.g., FrameworkLTC, QS/1, DocuTrack) to inform the team and leadership. 

• Process Documentation & Change Management 

• Creating SOPs and user guides: Clear, accessible documentation for system use, troubleshooting, and training. 

• Version control and change tracking: Ensuring updates to processes and configurations are well-documented and communicated. 

• Training program design: Developing role-based training for end users, super users, and support staff. 

• Change management: Helping staff adapt to new systems and workflows with minimal disruption. 

• Process Improvement: Use process improvement techniques (e.g. process mapping, data analysis) to identify and quantify opportunities. 

• Team Leadership & Mentorship 

• Mentoring analysts and trainers: Coaching on best practices, encouraging professional growth, and fostering a collaborative environment. 

• Creating meaningful performance reviews. 

• Lead and support employee engagement initiatives. 

• Regular staff meetings with useful content and helps direct the team in alignment with IT Department goals. 

• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement 

• Cross-functional collaboration: Working with pharmacy operations, application development, compliance, IT security, and vendors. 

• Executive reporting: Communicating progress, risks, and ROI to leadership. 

• Acts as part of an integrated IT management team support projects and objectives. 

• Project Management 

• Agile or hybrid methodologies: Managing timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder expectations. 

• Risk management: Identifying and mitigating implementation risks (e.g., data loss, user resistance). 

QUALIFICATIONS/COMPETENCIES 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Required Skills/Abilities:  

• Deep knowledge of Softwriters Frameworks suite.  Preferred: also some knowledge of Red Sail PioneerRx. 

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to mentor and develop high-performing teams. 

• Excellent project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions. 

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. 

• Proficiency in enterprise application platforms, software development methodologies, and IT infrastructure. 

• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:  

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in IT applications management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. 

• Proven track record of successfully managing and implementing enterprise-level applications in a healthcare or pharmacy services environment. 

• Experience in strategic planning and execution of technology roadmaps and initiatives. 

• Demonstrated experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to drive business outcomes. 

• Experience with regulatory compliance and data security standards relevant to the healthcare industry. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that should be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• May sit or stand seven (7) to ten (10) hours per day
• The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, bend, walk
• May be necessary to work extended hours as needed
• May lift and/or move up to 30 pounds
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this role

HOLIDAY & PTO POLICY

• Paid holidays are provided annually, with 6 days offered each year, along with 5 sick days.
• Employees earn up to 10 PTO days each year, with rollover options and milestone bonuses.
• Employees have the option to cash out up to 10 PTO hours each quarter for added financial flexibility.

Please note, because we are a pharmacy most of our locations are open 24-hours a day, 7 days a week and therefore schedules may change as determined by the needs of the business.

BENEFITS for full time Employees

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 401 (k) (available for Part Time & Full Time EEs)
• Company Paid Life insurance
• Short-term and Long-term disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Personal Time Off (PTO)
• Competitive pay with annual performance reviews and merit-based raises
• Career growth potential
• Annual on-site voluntary Flu Vaccines
• Employee referral bonus program