What are the responsibilities and job description for the IT Application Manager position at KI?
At KI, we believe knowing our customers helps us serve them better. We listen. We observe. We understand that each customer has unique needs. So, we pride ourselves on helping our customers make smart furniture decisions by offering expert advice, design options and personalized solutions.Since 1941, we’ve positioned KI as the furniture company that best understands the furniture industry and is committed to providing customers with the smart solutions. By targeting specific markets with solutions for business furniture, university furniture, educational furniture, healthcare furniture and government furniture, we can quickly respond to our customers’ unique needs – including the choice to procure furniture according to what fits their ordering and fulfillment process. That’s why we say we offer far more than furniture. We’re Furnishing Knowledge.
KI is seeking an IT Application Manager to join our team in Green Bay, WI.
This is more than an application development leadership role. It is an opportunity to define how customers, dealers, designers, and architects experience KI products through industry-leading visualization, design, and quoting technologies. Working alongside senior business leaders, this role will help shape KI's digital future by driving innovation in AI, 3D visualization, customer experience, and next-generation technology platforms.
Why This Role Matters
- Shape the Digital Front Door of KI – Lead the platforms that power how customers, dealers, designers, and A&D firms discover, visualize, configure, and quote KI solutions, directly impacting the customer experience and business growth.
- Influence Enterprise Strategy – Partner with senior leaders across Design & Development, Space Planning, Pallas, Sales, and Data Management to define technology roadmaps and drive strategic initiatives across the organization.
- Drive Innovation with Modern Technologies – Advance KI's use of AI, cloud technologies, digital visualization, automation, and modern software development practices to create scalable solutions for the future.
- Transform How Products Reach the Market – Play a key role in product launches by influencing how products are digitally modeled, configured, drawn, and quoted, helping KI bring new innovations to customers faster.
- Lead the Future of Visualization – Work at the intersection of software engineering, 3D design, CAD technologies, and customer experience to create industry-leading digital tools that set KI apart from the competition.
- Bring an Outside-In Perspective – Challenge traditional approaches, identify emerging opportunities, and champion technology solutions that make it easier for customers and partners to do business with KI.
- Build Your Career and a Platform for Growth – Join a highly visible role with the opportunity to influence major technology decisions today while developing the leadership experience and business partnerships that prepare you for larger leadership opportunities in the future.
What You'll Do
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of software developers.
- Oversee the design, development, integration, and support of enterprise applications.
- Partner with business leaders to align the technology strategy and deliver solutions that improve business performance.
- Drive application strategy across cloud, SaaS, and on-premise environments.
- Lead projects, manage priorities, and communicate progress with key stakeholders.
- Evaluate and implement emerging technologies that support business objectives.
- Drive automation, AI, and digital transformation initiatives.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.
- Participate as a member of the technology management team in conjunction with the Governance Steering Committee in developing KI's overall technology strategy and enterprise priorities.
What You Need to Succeed
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, or equivalent experience.
- 5 years of progressive experience in software development, application delivery, or related technology roles.
- Experience leading projects, technical teams, or cross-functional initiatives through project leadership, technical leadership, team lead, or other indirect leadership responsibilities.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with business leaders and peers, influence stakeholders, and guide technical teams to successful outcomes.
- Experience mentoring developers and building teams.
- Proven thought leadership and strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical concepts for business audiences.
- Experience with modern application architectures, cloud technologies, APIs, SaaS platforms, and software development best practices as well as data and AI platforms and tools. Expertise in Microsoft technologies including .net, Azure, Fabric, Power BI, and Copilot as well as Claude.
- Experience with 3D design, CAD, web/e-commerce, and other digital commercial and customer experience solutions.
Why KI?
At KI, you're more than an employee—you’re an owner. As a 100% employee-owned company, every team member shares in our success and has the opportunity to influence the future of the business. Whether you're leading strategic technology initiatives, developing talent, or driving innovation, your contributions matter and are recognized.
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
- Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
- On-site fitness center and wellness resources
- On-site café
- Educational reimbursement for degree programs and certifications
- Employee product discounts
- Comprehensive benefits package, including life insurance, disability coverage, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Collaborative employee-owner culture focused on innovation, growth, and continuous improvement
Ready to lead a talented development team and help shape the future of enterprise applications at KI? Apply today and become part of an employee-owned organization where your leadership, expertise, and ideas can make a lasting impact.
KI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.