IT Business Applications Manager

The ContextOur client is a rapidly growing company and a leader in its sector. To support its ongoing expansion, we are seeking a passionate and forward-thinking IT Business Applications Manager, ready to make an impact in a dynamic and challenging environment.Reporting Line: Finance Director (responsible for IT oversight)Location: Alessandria - Multi-site environment (potential projects in Spain and Portugal)Role OverviewThe position reports directly to the Finance Director, who also supervises the IT area.The role has a dual objective:- Act as the IT point of contact for business functions, with an initial focus on Operations and a secondary focus on Finance, translating business needs into effective technology solutions. - Lead strategic IT projects as Project Manager, with a strong emphasis on the stabilization and optimization of the Microsoft Business Central ERP system in a post-implementation phase, within a multi-site context and with potential international rollouts.Key Responsibilities• Project Management (ERP)- Lead the post–go-live management of Microsoft Business Central. - Coordinate external vendors (for development and ticketing) and business key users. - Oversee issue resolution, activity prioritization, and adherence to deadlines.• Business Partnership- Build solid relationships with Operations and Finance leaders. - Serve as the primary contact for gathering and analyzing business requirements, optimizing processes, and providing timely feedback.• Functional Analysis- Formalize business requirements and constructively challenge requests to identify efficient solutions. - Emphasize planning, organization, and clear communication to reduce possible internal friction and frustrations (in the face of changes).• M&A System Integration- Support system integration initiatives for acquired companies, including potential migration to Business Central (currently on hold). - Ensure system harmonization within international environments.• Application Management- Oversee the application portfolio (ERP, reporting, infrastructure). - Propose system evolutions in collaboration with the IT team and external partners, including those supporting logistics and foreign subsidiaries.• Change Management- Facilitate adoption of new processes and platforms. - Manage relational and psychological aspects of change, including regular demand meetings with key users to strengthen IT’s credibility and reliability.Skills & Experience- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics. - Hybrid Background: 8–10 years of experience in similar roles (IT Project Manager or equivalent), combining technical IT skills with a solid understanding of business processes; experience in manufacturing or logistics environments preferred. Consulting backgrounds also considered. - Process Knowledge: Strong understanding of Operations flows (production, logistics, supply chain) and Finance processes. Ability to manage and overcome potential inefficiencies and project delays. - ERP Project Management: Proven experience in complex post–implementation ERP projects. - Preferred knowledge of Microsoft Business Central (or Navision) architecture and logic. - Experience with SAP or other ERPs may be considered if paired with strong project management expertise. - Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with particular attention to managing relationships with global clients. - Problem-solving abilities and conflict-management skills. - Results-oriented mindset and ability to work independently, with strong multi-tasking capabilities and the capacity to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. - Fluent English proficiency.