Senior Manager, IT Applications

Reports To: Director, Information Technology Department: Information Technology Location: Stow, Ohio FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Senior Manager, IT Applications is a strategic technology leader responsible for the overall direction, support, enhancement, development, security, and optimization of the organization's business application portfolio. This role leads the teams responsible for application development, business systems analysis, reporting, and application security while ensuring technology solutions align with organizational goals and deliver measurable business value.

The Senior Manager, IT Applications serves as the primary IT leader for enterprise business applications, including ERP (JD Edwards), Manufacturing Execution Systems (Greycon), reporting platforms (Power BI), and other critical business systems. This individual is responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives, supporting business transformation projects, and ensuring the application landscape evolves to meet the changing needs of the organization.

Direct Reports

The following functions and leaders report directly to this position:

• Manager, ERP Development & Technology
• Manager, Business Systems Analysis
• Reporting and Business Intelligence Function
• Application Security Function

Key Responsibilities

Application Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute the strategic roadmap for enterprise business applications.
• Establish application governance processes, standards, and best practices.
• Align application investments and initiatives with business objectives.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to business leadership on technology opportunities and application capabilities.
• Lead the evaluation, selection, implementation, and optimization of business applications.

ERP, Manufacturing Systems, and Business Applications

• Provide leadership for the support, development, and continuous improvement of JD Edwards (JDE).
• Oversee Manufacturing Execution Systems and related manufacturing technology platforms.
• Ensure reliable operation and support of all enterprise business applications.
• Drive the adoption of new technologies and solutions that improve business efficiency and effectiveness.
• Establish long-term plans for application modernization and lifecycle management.

Development & Technical Leadership

• Lead application development teams responsible for ERP enhancements, integrations, reporting solutions, and custom applications.
• Ensure effective software development, testing, deployment, and support methodologies.
• Oversee application architecture decisions and integration strategies.
• Promote automation and innovation across the application portfolio.

Business Relationship Management

• Partner with leaders across Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, Sales, Customer Service, Human Resources, and other business functions.
• Translate business requirements into scalable technology solutions.
• Prioritize initiatives and resources based on organizational objectives.
• Ensure high levels of user satisfaction and business engagement.

Project & Portfolio Management

• Lead strategic application projects from concept through deployment.
• Manage application-related project portfolios, budgets, resources, and timelines.
• Ensure successful delivery of ERP enhancements, system implementations, upgrades, and business transformation initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts across all supported platforms.

Reporting, Analytics, and Data Management

• Provide oversight for reporting and business intelligence solutions.
• Ensure reporting capabilities support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Promote data quality, governance, and consistency across business systems.
• Support data-driven decision making through effective analytics solutions.

Security, Compliance, and Risk Management

• Oversee application security standards and practices.
• Ensure appropriate controls, access management, segregation of duties, and audit compliance.
• Partner with infrastructure and cybersecurity teams to manage risks affecting business applications.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulatory requirements.

Team Development

• Build, develop, and mentor a high-performing applications organization.
• Establish performance expectations and career development opportunities.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, customer service, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Ensure the team possesses the skills necessary to support evolving business requirements and emerging technologies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Information Systems, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive IT experience supporting enterprise applications.
• Minimum 3 years of leadership experience managing technical teams.
• Experience leading ERP, application development, and business analysis functions.
• Experience managing cross-functional technology initiatives and projects.
• Strong understanding of application lifecycle management, systems integration, and business process optimization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting JD Edwards EnterpriseOne.
• Experience supporting Manufacturing Execution Systems.
• Experience with reporting and business intelligence platforms.
• Experience with application governance, security, and compliance programs.
• Project management experience and formal project management training or certification.

Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Business Partnership
• People Development
• Change Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Customer Focus
• Technology Innovation
• Financial and Project Management
• Communication and Influencing Skills
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based position located in Stow, Ohio.
• 0 to 20% travel to manufacturing and business sites as required.
• Ability to work effectively in both independent and team-oriented environments.

Success Measures

Success in this role will be demonstrated by:

• High availability and performance of business applications.
• Successful delivery of application projects and enhancements.
• Continuous improvement of JD Edwards, MES, and related business systems.
• Strong business stakeholder satisfaction.
• Effective management of application security and compliance requirements.
• Development of a high-performing applications organization capable of supporting current operations while enabling future business growth.

This position plays a critical leadership role in ensuring the organization's ERP ecosystem, manufacturing systems, and broader application portfolio provide a stable, secure, and continuously improving technology foundation that supports operational excellence and business growth.