Business Application Manager

Job Title: Business Applications ManagerLocation: United Kingdom (with occasional travel to other Mpac Group sites)Department: IT ServicesJob SummaryThe Business Applications Manager is responsible for developing, managing, and supporting the organisation’s portfolio of business-critical applications, including ERP, CRM, PLM, and other specialised software services. This role ensures that these applications are optimally configured, fully supported, and aligned with the organisation’s business needs.In addition to overseeing the day-to-day management of applications, the Business Applications Manager plays a crucial role in implementing, integrating, and continuously improving the Group ERP system. They collaborate closely with various departments to drive process improvements, manage application upgrades, and ensure the successful deployment of new applications. A critical aspect of the role is developing and delivering comprehensive training programmes, ensuring employees can effectively use the systems.The business applications manager contributes significantly to the company's overall efficiency and success by equipping users with the necessary knowledge and skills to fully leverage the organisation’s application services.Key ResponsibilitiesERP Management and Implementation:Manage and support the Group's ERP system, ensuring it aligns with evolving organisational needs.Lead ERP implementation projects, including planning, execution, and post-implementation support, ensuring full integration with other business applications.Collaborate with stakeholders to gather and document ERP requirements, ensuring the system supports key business processes. Business Application Management:Oversee business-critical applications' management, configuration, and support, including CRM, PLM, and specialised applications.Maintain an up-to-date portfolio of business applications, ensuring full integration and seamless data flow across the organisation.Ensure applications are optimally configured to meet business requirements and operate efficiently and securely.Ensure that BI solutions provide data-driven insights to inform strategic decision-making across the Group.Process Improvement and Optimisation:Lead initiatives to streamline and automate business processes by leveraging the organisation's software services.Ensure best practices are followed in the configuration and use of business applications to promote consistency and efficiency.Training Development and Delivery:Develop and deliver comprehensive training programmes for end-users to ensure proficiency in business applications.Create and maintain user guides, tutorials, and workshops tailored to different user groups.Conduct ongoing training sessions to inform employees about new features, best practices, and system changes.Team Leadership and Development:Lead, mentor, and develop a team of application specialists, providing them with the skills and resources to support the business effectively.Set clear objectives for the team, monitor performance, and provide regular feedback and development opportunities.Foster a collaborative and innovative team environment, encouraging continuous learning and improvement.System Upgrades and Implementations:Plan, coordinate, and the implementation of new applications and upgrades to existing applicationsEnsure that upgrades and new deployments are thoroughly tested, documented, and communicated to stakeholders before implementation.Manage post-implementation support and troubleshooting to ensure systems meet business expectations.User Support and Problem Resolution:Ensure end-users receive timely and effective support for any issues related to business applications.Serve as the primary point of escalation for complex issues that cannot be resolved by the application support team.Regularly assess user satisfaction and identify opportunities to improve application support and training.Compliance and Security:Ensure all business applications, including the ERP system, comply with internal security policies and regulatory requirements.Work closely with the ISCO to safeguard business applications against potential threats.Stakeholder Management and Communication:Communicate effectively with stakeholders to gather requirements, provide updates on project progress, and ensure alignment with business objectives.Prepare and present reports on application performance, user feedback, and areas for improvement.Manage relationships with third-party application service providers to ensure service delivery.Qualifications and SkillsEducation:Degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).Experience:6+ years of experience managing business applications, with a strong focus on ERP systems.Proven experience leading ERP implementation projects, including planning, execution, and post-implementation support.Experience managing other business-critical applications such as CRM, PLM, and other specialised systems is highly desirable.Technical Skills:Strong understanding of ERP systems and their role in supporting business processes (experience with Infor Visual or MS Dynamics is highly desirable).Proficiency in application lifecycle management, including implementation, support, and upgrades.Knowledge of data integration and process automation tools and techniques.Experience with SQL scripting and Power BI for reporting and analysis.Project and Change Management Skills:Ability to manage the change control process, ensuring smooth transitions during application updates with minimal disruption to business operations.Proficiency in change management principles to guide stakeholders through system upgrades and new application deployments.Vendor Management:Experience managing third-party vendors and service providers, ensuring they meet SLAs and deliver value to the organisation.Ability to negotiate contracts and licences with software vendors to optimise costs and services.Soft Skills:Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify user requirements and map out existing business processes.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritise tasks, and work effectively under pressure.Location and Travel:This role is based in the UK, with occasional travel to other Mpac Group sites as required