Permanent Innovative Technology Solutions Jobs in Chicago, IL

blueStone Executive Search has a distinct focus on recruiting IT professionals with an emphasis on the areas of leadership, business transformation and enterprise.

 The IT Applications Manager is for an experienced manager to provide leadership, vision, and management to the IT applications team. Oversees and directs the multiple application deployment and development functions of complex multi-platform business systems ensuring the continuity, quality and on-time delivery.  This role will oversee the requirements gathering, planning, designing, configuring/developing, testing and deploying of large and complex business application software systems in support of business objectives. Responsible for overall planning, execution and success of all complex business application projects with a high degree of technical and business competence. Successfully manages systems/applications deployment and development, database development, web development and project management across multiple functional business areas and software platforms. Primary liaison and point of contact with all WP's utilizing business application software systems from shared services organization. Manages and directs application management staff including mentoring and development, setting priorities, coordinating activities, goal setting and skill development along with hiring and assigning appropriate permanent and/or contract staff, as resources to projects adhering to internal processes and procedures to align with business needs. Ensures on call 24/7, coverage for all critical business application services. Develops, maintains, and communicates project plans and schedules, prioritizes requirements, and coordinates human and financial resources.

• Coordinate and work cooperatively with global IT applications staff at other entities including Japan, Europe, and Asia Pacific to manage IT business applications.

• Manage the implementation of the Oracle JDEdwards ERP solution.

• Ensure IT systems/applications deployment and/or development process disciplines (solution delivery, project management, work requests, QA, etc.) and standards are established, effectively managed and performed.

• Continuously striving for more efficient system utilization.

• Provide information and periodic updates to support overall IT performance metrics, weekly project status reporting and quarterly resource planning review.

• Ensures systems/applications projects/programs are completed within the committed time and budget and are integrated with other software applications and work well with the infrastructure components.

• Directs multiple teams of outside vendors and developers involved in the analysis, design and development of complex and large scale applications which may include both projects and programs.

• Accountable for gaining and maintaining alignment of delivery success criteria with business partners.

• Accountable for effective project management and delivery of work requests and projects within committed budget, schedule and quality for individual projects while also meeting overall department performance goals.

• Accountable for identifying needs, securing commitments and monitoring progress of deliverables from internal and external service provider teams.

• Work closely with the business users to understand their needs and further standardize best practices across the company.

• Establish and maintain strong business relationships with both senior and operating level business leaders.

• Be a "Thought Business Partner", i.e. engaged with business owners/business process development.

• Educate business partners on roles, responsibilities, processes and deliverables required to ensure effective delivery of new technology solutions.

• Responsible for escalating, assisting and follow-through on resolution of issues related to delivery of technology solutions.

  Engage and ensure effective delivery of business deliverables and tasks with business partners for delivery of technology solutions (development of business requirements, scope management, training business change management and deployment).

• Manage system implementations, additions of new functionality and upgrades.

• Participate in analyzing and reshaping business processes while identifying and acquiring and/or developing new tools.

• Develop an operating plan in conjunction with the affected operating company and ensure commitment levels are achieved and maintained to meet or exceed customer expectations.

• Develop project and operating budget.

• Establish strong relations and partnerships with major applications vendors. Ensure contract compliance by vendors and monitor vendor performance.

• Promote and support IT policies and procedures within the group.

• Make recommendations to the individual entities to ensure the achievement of the quality, cost, and delivery criterion of the corporation.

• To work with other IT groups and leaders to ensure a coherent and unified approach to the planning and development and delivery of the long term technology strategy.

• Establish a team where partners and internal staff operate as a seamless team and is passionate and committed to delivering an exceptional service.

• Represent the corporation in the Americas to accrue the best advantage to the corporation as a whole.

• Other duties and miscellaneous projects as needed.

Education: Bachelors or Master's degree in business and/or technical field.

Experience: Minimum of 5-7years experience in related field including expertise on the Oracle JDEdwards ERP - One World Xe and Enterprise One - and Web Portal, EDI, BI and collaboration/workflow technologies.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: The responsibilities listed below are representative, but not all inclusive of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability necessary to satisfactorily and successfully perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Technical Abilities: Excellent analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving abilities. Excellent architecture and technical support documentation skills

Behavioral Profile: Excellent understanding of the organization's goals and objectives. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; Able to communicate at all levels in the entire organization. Extensive experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment. Exceptional customer service orientation

Managerial Abilities: Ability to manage a team as well as work independently and with limited resources. Open, direct and persuasive. Able to communicate at all levels in the entire organization. Possess proven project management skills.

Physical Requirements: While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is often required to talk, hear at normal speaking levels, sit and use their hands and fingers to type, handle or feel, including repetitive motions with the wrists, hands and fingers. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with arms and hands, this is a sedentary position involving sitting most of the time. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision for extensive computer use, reading and visual inspections.

Travel Requirements: Approximately 10% travel