Applications Manager Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

MSA is seeking a strategic and people-focused Manager, Enterprise Applications to lead the operations, governance, and product lifecycle of MSA's enterprise business applications. This role oversees the Microsoft business applications ecosystem, including Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations, Customer Engagement, and Power BI, while partnering closely with leaders, stakeholders, vendors, and IT team members across the organization.

Reporting to the Chief Information Officer, this role plays a key part in shaping secure, scalable, and effective technology solutions that support MSA's business operations, financial systems, reporting needs, and long-term growth.

MSA Professional Services is 100% employee-owned, meaning every employee has a direct stake in the success of the company. This ownership mindset drives our collaborative culture, long-term thinking, and commitment to delivering high-quality work for the communities we serve.

Come join the ownership team at MSA!

Employee Testimonial:"As an employee-owned company (100% ESOP), working at MSA is not just a job. We're genuine co-owners, and this ESOP setup promotes a culture of collaboration and engagement throughout MSA because we all have a direct financial interest as owners."

-Project Engineer - Transportation, Cedar Rapids Office

Enterprise Applications Leadership

• Own the technical and product governance for MSA's Microsoft business applications ecosystem, including Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations, Customer Engagement, and Power BI
• Lead application architecture, integration strategy, and solution design to ensure secure, scalable, and supportable platforms
• Manage the full lifecycle of ERP-related enhancements, releases, customizations, support, and vendor-delivered work
• Establish controls for security, compliance, environment management, testing, documentation, and operational support

Product Strategy & Business Partnership

• Direct the product management process for the ERP portfolio, including business intake, backlog prioritization, roadmap planning, release coordination, and stakeholder communication
• Partner with leaders and decision makers across departments to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support cost-effective technology solutions
• Analyze complex business needs and recommend technical solutions that align with enterprise standards and business goals
• Establish governance for reporting and analytics solutions connected to ERP and CRM systems, including KPI alignment, data quality, and reporting consistency

Project, Vendor & Operational Management

• Produce detailed timelines for application releases and implementations, monitor progress, and communicate project status
• Oversee third-party vendors and implementation partners to ensure timely delivery, quality outcomes, knowledge transfer, and adherence to MSA standards
• Develop business case justifications and cost/benefit analyses for IT initiatives
• Support IT operational planning, including staffing, budgeting, software/hardware purchasing, resource allocation, and service delivery

People Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop direct reports while creating a positive employee experience
• Foster accountability, continuous improvement, open communication, and high performance across the team
• Participate in recruiting efforts and employment decisions for direct reports

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Business, or a related field
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

Experience

• Five years of progressive technology experience required
• Experience within the IT and finance functions of an Architecture/Engineering/Construction firm preferred
• Experience leading enterprise applications, ERP platforms, business systems, or related technology portfolios preferred
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations, Customer Engagement, Power BI, or similar enterprise platforms preferred

Skills

• Strong leadership, coaching, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to communicate with empathy and effectiveness in individual and group settings
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage changing priorities and complex initiatives
• Ability to analyze business needs, evaluate solutions, and drive technology decisions aligned with organizational goals
• Ability to negotiate persuasively, build trust, and demonstrate high personal and professional standards
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

• This position is performed in an office environment, with regular travel to other company offices
• Eligible for MSA's Flex Time Program

• 100% employee-owned firm with 100+ years of community impact
• Collaborative culture with in-house experts for all disciplines across the firm
• Flexible work-life integration
• Ongoing learning and professional growth opportunities for all positions
• Commitment to fostering a work environment where employees have a strong sense of inclusion and belonging
• Included on the "ENR Top 500 Design Firms" for over 27 straight years

Eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Compensation Range: $112,000 - $179,500 a year
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Flex Time
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employer-Paid Insurance
• Short-Term Incentive Program (STIP)

MSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact hr@msa-ps.com so we can assist you.