Job Title: Senior Manager, Business Applications
Reports To: Vice President, IT
Location: Vernon Hills, IL
Work Type: Hybrid
FLSA Status: Exempt
About the Job: The Senior Manager, Business Applications owns the enterprise application portfolio for North America, including multiple ERPs, Warehouse Management Systems, and Logistics and Manufacturing systems.
The primary accountability is the AS400 (IBM i) ERP environment, which runs the largest share of our business. You are responsible for day-to-day operations, development and maintenance across every ERP platform, and for the people, vendors and projects that support them. You also lead the evaluation, selection and implementation of new application platforms as the landscape evolves.
This is a leadership role with both strategic and hands-on elements. You will keep legacy systems stable and well supported while building the roadmap, team depth and vendor relationships the next generation of the portfolio needs. You will work closely with business leaders, IT leadership and the global IT organization, and you will be a visible voice for IT with users at every level.
How You Will Contribute:Application Operations, Development and Maintenance- Own the availability, performance and support of the AS400 ERP and other ERP systems across the portfolio.
- Oversee application development, enhancements, patching, upgrades and release management, including legacy RPG, CL and related technologies.
- Establish and monitor service levels, incident and problem management, change control and disaster recovery processes.
- Establish development standards, policies and procedures, and maintain system documentation and knowledge transfer practices to reduce reliance on individual employees.
ERP Strategy, Selection and Implementation- Develop and maintain a multi-year ERP and applications roadmap aligned with business priorities, risk and cost.
- Lead requirements gathering, vendor evaluations, business case development and selection of new ERP platforms.
- Oversee ERP implementations, including data migration, system integrations, cutover and decommissioning of legacy platforms.
- Partner with business leaders to support organizational change and successful system adoption.
Project Intake, Requirements and Delivery- Lead the intake and prioritization of application requests, working with business executives and IT leadership to align demand with available resources.
- Ensure business requirements are documented, reviewed and approved before development begins, and participate in design discussions with users and developers.
- Oversee project delivery, ensuring scope, schedule, budget and quality expectations are met.
- Communicate project status, risks and resource needs to the VP of IT and business sponsors through regular updates and presentations.
Vendor Management- Manage relationships with application software vendors, hardware and hosting providers, system integrators and managed service partners.
- Lead contract negotiations, renewals, licensing and support agreements.
- Monitor vendor performance, spending and risk, and ensure vendors meet agreed service levels.
Team Leadership- Lead, coach and develop managers, technical leads and staff across multiple ERP platforms, including hiring, training and performance management.
- Address employee performance issues in partnership with Human Resources, as needed.
- Develop succession plans and ensure appropriate skills coverage across legacy and emerging platforms.
- Establish clear goals and promote accountability, collaboration and cross-training.
- Balance employee and contractor resources to meet business needs.
Governance, Security and Financial Management- Partner with Information Security and Audit to maintain appropriate access controls, segregation of duties and compliance across ERP systems.
- Manage the applications operating and capital budgets, including personnel, software and hardware expenses, forecasting and variance reporting.
- Represent North America on the global IT committee, ensuring alignment with corporate IT requirements and guidelines. Raise business concerns and resource needs with the VP of IT.
- Monitor technology and application trends to identify opportunities for improvement and modernization.
What You'll Bring That Excites Us:- Bachelor's degree in information systems, computer science, business or equivalent experience.
- 15+ years of IT experience in a business environment, including 5+ years managing ERP or core business applications.
- 3+ years of experience leading managers or multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience managing enterprise software vendors, contracts, licensing and service agreements.
- Proven experience leading ERP projects from requirements gathering through implementation and go-live support.
- Technical knowledge of programming and business applications, with the ability to guide legacy development and evaluate technical solutions.
- Experience leading ERP selection, implementation, modernization or consolidation initiatives.
- Experience supporting multiple ERP platforms simultaneously.
- Working knowledge of system integrations, data migration and cloud ERP models.
- Hands-on experience with AS400 / IBM i environments in a production business setting.
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively with executives, business users and technical teams.
- Experience in distribution, manufacturing or another operations-focused industry.
- PMP, ITIL or similar certification.
Core Competencies- Strategic thinking with a practical, hands-on approach.
- Ability to maintain and stabilize legacy systems while planning for modernization.
- Strong prioritization and decision-making skills.
- Vendor and relationship management.
- Team development, coaching and succession planning.
- Customer-focused approach and commitment to supporting business needs.
- Clear communication and strong analytical skills.
- Approximately 10% travel required.
What We Offer:- Competitive Salary: Range: $170k - $200k depending on location, experience, and qualifications.
- Annual-Incentive Plan (AIP): 15%
- Benefits coverage begins day 1, including the following:
- Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Life Insurance
- 401(k) company match
- Paid Time Off (15 days annually)
- Paid Holiday time (10 company-designated days)
- Tuition Assistance
- Additional benefits available with company package
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities associated with it.
