Equinix

Director, Application Lifecycle Management

Equinix • $155K — $233K *
Enterprise Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Extensive experience in IT strategy, application portfolio management, or technology transformation.
  • Proven track record in enterprise application rationalization and cost optimization.
  • Strong understanding of application lifecycle management and technical debt.
  • Experience in developing business cases and ROI assessments.
  • Demonstrated program leadership in complex, cross-functional initiatives.
  • Ability to influence stakeholders and drive decisions in a matrixed organization.
  • Excellent analytical and executive communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the strategy and roadmap for enterprise application portfolio rationalization.
  • Build and maintain a comprehensive application inventory.
  • Apply a decision framework for application retention, optimization, or retirement.
  • Develop business cases and total cost of ownership models for portfolio decisions.
  • Provide updates to steering committees and manage program budgets.
  • Oversee execution of application migrations and transitions.
  • Assess proposed purchases against internal capabilities and strategic fit.

Benefits

  • Employee Assistance Program available to all employees.
  • Health, life, and disability insurance options for employees and families.
  • Retirement plan contributions from both employees and Equinix.
  • Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO) and various paid holidays.
  • Healthcare coverage designed to complement provincial systems in Canada.
  • Vacation and personal time along with paid holidays in Canada.
Full Job Description
Job Summary

This role sits at the center of enterprise application portfolio optimization, helping the business make clearer decisions about which applications to invest in, consolidate, modernize, or retire.

As Director of Application Lifecycle Management, you will guide an enterprise-wide effort to simplify and govern the application landscape, reducing complexity while protecting critical business capabilities.

You will lead the strategy, governance, and execution of application portfolio rationalization, helping the business reduce cost, redundancy, and risk while protecting critical operations. Partnering with business functions, technology, Enterprise Architecture, security, procurement, and finance, you will translate portfolio data into clear recommendations, investment priorities, and an actionable multi-year roadmap.

Responsibilities
  • Lead the enterprise application portfolio strategy and rationalization roadmap.
  • Build and maintain a trusted application inventory that captures ownership, cost, usage, dependencies, technical health, risk, and lifecycle status.
  • Apply a consistent decision framework to determine whether applications should be retained, optimized, consolidated, migrated, or retired.
  • Develop business cases, total cost of ownership models, and ROI assessments to support portfolio decisions and investment priorities.
  • Lead portfolio governance by providing steering committee and executive updates, tracking decisions and milestones, managing program budget and financial performance, and escalating risks, trade-offs, and issues that require leadership attention.
  • Oversee execution across the full portfolio lifecycle, including application migrations, data transitions, business readiness, change adoption, user transition planning, and vendor contract exits.
  • Operate the application intake governance process by assessing proposed purchases against existing internal capabilities, strategic fit, architecture alignment, total cost, and the risk of unnecessary duplication.
  • Define responsibilities and provide guidance to application owners and the Enterprise Architecture community throughout the portfolio lifecycle.
  • Drive retirement plans in partnership with application and infrastructure owners.
  • Translate complex portfolio data into clear recommendations and trade-offs, building alignment across business and technology stakeholders on a portfolio roadmap for leadership.

Qualifications
  • Extensive experience in IT strategy, application portfolio management, enterprise architecture, technology transformation, or consulting, with a track record of leading complex enterprise initiatives.
  • Proven experience leading enterprise application rationalization, cost optimization, M&A integration, modernization, or a comparable technology transformation program.
  • Strong understanding of application lifecycle management, enterprise architecture, dependency mapping, technical debt, and technology risk.
  • Experience developing business cases, total cost of ownership models, ROI assessments, and benefits-tracking approaches.
  • Strong program leadership across complex, multi-year, cross-functional initiatives.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority, align stakeholders, and move complex decisions forward in a global, matrixed organization.
  • Excellent analytical, executive communication, and change leadership skills, with sound judgment in making portfolio recommendations when data is incomplete or trade-offs are complex.

What Success Looks Like
  • Reduced application redundancy, licensing and support costs, technical debt, and portfolio risk.
  • A trusted application portfolio with clear ownership, decision history, and lifecycle status.
  • Successful execution of portfolio decisions without disruption to critical business capabilities.
  • Repeatable portfolio governance embedded in ongoing operations.
  • Stakeholder trust strengthened through transparent, evidence-based portfolio decisions.


The targeted pay range for this position in the following location is / locations are:

United States - Denver Office DEO : 155,000 - 233,000 USD / Annual

United States - Dallas Infomart Office DAI : 155,000 - 233,000 USD / Annual

Canada - Toronto Office TRO : 166,000 - 248,000 CAD / Annual

Our pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum target for new hire pay for the full-time position determined by role, level, and location.The pay range shown is based on our compensation structure in place at the time of posting and may be updated periodically based on business needs. Individual pay is based on additional factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education and/or training.

The targeted pay range listed reflects the base pay only and does not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Employees are eligible for bonus, and equity may be offered depending on the position.

Equinix Benefits

As an employee, you become important to Equinix's success. We ensure all your benefits are in line with our core values: competitive, inclusive, sustainable, connected and efficient. We keep them competitive within the current marketplace to ensure we're providing you with the best package possible. So, wherever you are in your career and life, you'll be able to enhance your experience and bring your whole self to work.

Employee Assistance Program: An Employee Assistance program is available to all employees.
US Benefits: - Insurance: You may enroll in health, life, disability and voluntary plans that are designed for you and your eligible family members. - Retirement: You and Equinix may contribute to a retirement plan to help you plan for your financial future. - Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays: You will receive an accrued amount of PTO each pay period along with various paid holidays for you to rest and recharge. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific plan or program terms.Canada Core Benefits: - Insurance: You may enroll in healthcare coverage that is designed to complement the provincial healthcare system, along with life, disability and optional benefit plans that are designed for you and your eligible family members. - Retirement: You may also enroll in Equinix-sponsored retirement or savings plans: Defined Contribution Pension Plan (DCPP), Group Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax-Free Savings Plan (TSFA). - Vacation and Paid Holidays: Equinix offers both vacation and personal time, along with various paid holidays for you to rest and recharge. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits. Benefits are subject to specific plan or program terms, and to change at Equinix discretion.

This posting is for a backfill position, meaning it is to fill an existing vacancy within our organization.

About Equinix

Equinix is an internet company that provides data center services for companies, businesses, and organizations. It offers a software application platform designed for digital businesses that help its users to connect to their customers, employees, and partners. The company was founded in 1998 and headquartered in Redwood City, California.

Equinix Careers

Join the vibrant team at Equinix, the world's digital infrastructure company, and be part of a dynamic network of professionals dedicated to redefining the future of the internet. At Equinix, we offer unparalleled job opportunities in an environment that celebrates innovation, leadership, and diversity. Work You’ll Do At Equinix, we empower you to drive your career path forward with a range of employment opportunities, from internships to full-time positions. Our team is at the forefront of digital transformation, providing the infrastructure that powers over 10,000 of the world's leading businesses. Transform your career with Equinix by engaging in work that matters. Our global platform spans across multiple continents, offering you the chance to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in technology and consulting. Lead with Innovation Equinix stands at the intersection of technology, networking, and digital innovation. As a member of our team, you will use your skills to help companies navigate their digital journeys and transform their strategies to thrive in the digital age. Join a team of over 10,000 dedicated professionals worldwide and work on groundbreaking projects that redefine how businesses connect globally. Our leadership in the industry is driven by a commitment to innovation and excellence. Explore Equinix’s Professional Growth and Benefits At Equinix, we believe in nurturing the growth of our employees through comprehensive professional and diversity training programs. Our benefits are designed to support the well-being and continuous growth of our team members, both professionally and personally. Future-proof your career with Equinix’s robust training programs, which are tailored to help you acquire new skills and advance within the company. From technical skills to leadership development, Equinix is committed to your professional growth. Be Part of Our Culture Equinix’s culture is centered on fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment where every team member’s contribution is valued. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Our team thrives on creativity and collaboration, and we believe that every team member brings a unique perspective that is crucial for our innovation and success. Join us and be part of a culture that encourages curiosity, creativity, and continuous learning. Stay Connected with Equinix Careers Discover the exciting career opportunities waiting for you at Equinix. Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are always looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Keep up to date with the latest industry trends, career tips, and insights from Equinix professionals through our Careers Blog. Personalize your experience by subscribing to job alert emails, tailored to your preferences and career goals. Join Equinix and transform your future while shaping the digital landscape. Explore job opportunities, submit your resume, and prepare for an interview that could lead to the next exciting chapter in your career. At Equinix, your potential is limitless. SEARCH EQUIINIX JOBS READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Tailor your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips directly related to your career interests. Discover the rewarding opportunities that await at Equinix.
Learn more about Equinix
Size
10,944 employees
Market Cap
$60.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$369.7 million
Founded
1998
5 Year Trend
+12.9%
Revenue
$5.9 billion
NASDAQ

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