The Context
Our 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 Overview
The 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.