An application manager is an information technology (IT) professional who identifies and implements software solutions to optimize business operations. As an application manager, your responsibilities involve the procurement, installation, configuration, and maintenance of software applications. Responsible to plan out which software applications are needed for smooth business operations and supervise the installation and daily maintenance of those applications, as well as the associated network and hardware installations.
You collaborate with business analysts to ensure that the software solutions you manage align with the company’s operational goals and help produce desirable business outcomes.
The responsibilities of the application manager include identifying the best applications for the business's needs, installing the software, and upgrading and repairing the software as needed
The Application manager is responsible for the building, configuring, maintaining, enhancing and eventual decommissioning of applications throughout their lifecycle. The role provides leadership, vision and direction to the applications delivery function to ensure it contributes to the organisation achieving its goals and delivers value. It is responsible for continually focusing on eliminating waste and delays, creating a culture relentless improvements and providing an environment conducive to innovation.
Because their job requires identifying problems and assessing potential application solutions, Application Managers need to have a strong analytical mind and problem-solving skills. Sometimes, the solutions they come up with will require detailed analysis and creative thinking
Continous IT system improvements
· Analyzing business operations and the business's computer systems and determining which software applications could improve efficiency.
· The Applications Manager analyzes the structure and flow of the business’ work to identify possible application solutions. They need to be aware of the latest software developments and think of ways that software can be applied to make the business more efficient and successful
· Understand business drivers and business capabilities (future and current state) and IT application solutions and application architecture future state that drives and meets the organisation’s targeted business outcomes.
· Develops application delivery strategies, defines and enhances methodologies and practices for the application lifecycle management in line with industry practise and practical experience of continuous improvement.
· Making recommendations on whether to upgrade the existing systems or install new ones
· Evaluate the business value requirements by consulting closely with internal stakeholders i.e., Business Head, and Operational Managers, SAP Business Analysts, and business leaders
· Works with business stakeholders to confirm the prioritised set of business outcomes and application delivery work required to accomplish those outcomes within the limitations of the IT budget.
· Leading teams of SAP Business Analysis in the implementation and upgrading of software or improvements in the SAP ERP system.
· Focus on continuous improvement in the SAP ERP systems.
· Monitoring the roll-out of new software applications to ensure there are no problems.
· Coordinate analysis and resolve issues on all system upgrades and changes
· Troubleshooting and resolving any problems with business application software.
· Provide technical support and problem resolution related to business application software systems
· Creating and overseeing protocols and procedures for the use of any new software applications.
· Implements and manages application lifecycle management status reporting, metrics and benchmarks.
· Training employees on the use of any new software applications and maintaining a good work atmosphere
IT Governance Frameworks
- Ensures that application delivery processes (including those of external service providers) are conducted in line with the organisation’s application delivery and IT governance principles.
- Define the requirements, principles and models that guide IT application solutions decisions for the organisation based on the business strategy, business capabilities, business requirements and in support of the overall enterprise architecture
· Identify, escalate and manage project risks and issues to resolution
· Conduct workflow analysis, business process reviews and creates functional specifications
· For any new software that is introduced to the organization, creates, develops and oversees protocols and procedures for its usage
IT Strategy alignment with operational requirements
- Continuous consulting and analysis to ensure that our business strategy uses proper technology systems architecture to achieve their strategic objectives
- Continuously assesses the technical and business fitness of the application portfolio and its associated costs and risks to ensure alignment with the organisation’s business requirements and strategy
- Develop new IT strategic initiatives and customer relationships while continuing to enhance pre-existing IT initiatives and relationships.
Resource Management
- Ensure application resources are assigned appropriately to day-to-day support and projects
- Manage outside vendors and contractors to ensure performance expectations and customer satisfaction.
- Provide support, guidance, leadership and motivation to promote maximum performance.
PROFILE REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Qualification Required
Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in business, computer science, engineering or computer science, or Information Systems or equivalent experience
Minimum Experience Requirements
Process/Place/Area
Involvement
Period
Importance
IT Delivery experience
Operational
8+ Years
Required
Application Delivery-specific credentials and certifications
Operational
5+ Years
Required
Experience in ERP systems
Operational
5+ Years
Required
Leadership & Managerial skills
Management
5 – 7 years
Advantageous
Experiences in infrastructure technologies
Operational
3+ years
Required
