Application Support Specialist

In this role, you will be reporting to the Head of Business IT Applications, APAC based in Hong Kong. As an Application Managed Service Expert, you will play a pivotal role in delivering technical projects, driving application standardization, and enhancing application availability and quality across the APAC region. You will leverage your hands-on development experience in Java and .

NET to lead initiatives that improve operational efficiency, ensure best practices, and support business objectives. We are looking for a candidate with excellent communication and collaboration skills, capable of working effectively across teams and with vendors. We seek someone with a strong sense of innovation, able to continuously identify opportunities to enhance efficiency.

Proficiency in leveraging modern technologies to optimize processes and drive business outcomes is also essential for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee day-to-day applications support activities across APAC region. Ensure incidents, service requests, and problems are handled within SLA. Ensure proper handover, knowledge management, and support documentation. Technical Project Delivery: Lead and execute technical projects, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with business goals.

Oversee the implementation of application enhancements and new functionalities to improve system capabilities and user experience. Ensure delivery follows internal governance, security, architecture and change management processes. Track risks, dependencies, timelines, and stakeholder expectations. Plan, manage, and coordinate application enhancements of small to medium complexity, from requirement clarification through testing and deployment.

Application Standardization & Modernization: Develop and enforce standards for application architecture, coding, and deployment. Collaborate with internal teams and vendors to ensure consistency and adherence to best practices across all managed applications. Manage application technology lifecycle including framework upgrades, platform modernization, cloud migration, database upgrades and retirement of obsolete components.

Availability & Quality Improvement: Proactively identify and address issues impacting application availability and quality. Lead incident management efforts, perform root cause analysis, and implement long-term solutions to minimize disruptions and recurring problems. Define, monitor, and report on application availability metrics.

Establish clear targets for uptime and reliability and drive continuous improvement to meet or exceed service level agreements (SLAs). Cross-team Coordination: Coordinate with infrastructure, cloud, cybersecurity, architecture, business engagement, vendors, and regional/local IT teams to manage dependencies for incidents, enhancements, upgrade initiatives, and project delivery.

Security Standards Coordination: Coordinate to implement and maintain security standards, ensuring compliance with organizational and industry requirements. Oversee security reviews, vulnerability assessments, security remediations and the adoption of secure development practices. Performance Testing & Approval: Review and approve application performance test results, including load and stress testing outcomes.

Ensure that applications meet defined performance benchmarks before deployment, and work with relevant teams to address any gaps. Vendor & Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with AMS vendors to coordinate application support, development, and QA teams to ensure smooth service delivery. Assign and prioritize work across internal teams and vendors.

Review deliverables, test outcomes, incident resolution quality, and deployment readiness. Ensure accountability, performance tracking, and continuous capability improvement. Work with identified AMS providers to plan, schedule, and execute application maintenance, technology upgrades, and obsolescence remediation. Process Automation & Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to automate business processes and expand the scope of managed services.

Lead initiatives to streamline workflows, reduce manual effort, and enhance operational efficiency using modern automation tools and methodologies. Identify opportunities to optimize AMS processes, enhance application performance, and drive innovation. Regularly assess service performance and report insights to senior management.

Technical Leadership: Provide expert guidance and support to internal teams and vendors, ensuring technical challenges are resolved efficiently. Promote the adoption of latest technologies and methodologies to optimize business outcomes. Minimum Requirements Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, or a related field.

At least 8 years of experience in software application development and support, with proven hands-on experience in Java, .NET and Microsoft Power Platform (Power. Apps and Power Automate). Strong technical expertise in application layers, design patterns, APIs, cloud systems, security, DevOps, and testing methodologies.

Proficiency in relational and non-relational databases, web development, API/microservice development, and cloud-based design. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Strong troubleshooting abilities and a track record of effective issue resolution. Dev. Sec. Ops, ITIL, or Scrum Master certification is an added advantage.

Knowledge or experience in Robotic Process Automation (RPA), regardless of platform, is an added advantage. Experience in the Shipping Industry is a plus.