The IT Senior Manager - Applications will be based in The Woodlands reporting to the CIO. They will be responsible for overseeing the managing, supporting, implementation, and maintenance of all software applications. This position involves managing the IT applications function ensuring the efficient functioning of all business-critical applications. The Senior Manager collaborates closely with the CIO, their IT peers, business stakeholders, and external vendors to align application strategies with organizational goals and drive innovation. This role will be responsible for the day-to-day data integrity and accuracy, workflow, functional management, improvement, and support of all company applications including the company ERP SAP. They will also work closely with the IT Security & Audit group to ensure alignment in all aspects of controls.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: include but are not limited to the activities below. (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions):

• Manage relationship with Managed Service Provider ensuring that IT governance processes and procedures are followed and terms of contract are applied.

• Manage the relationship with Application business stakeholders across global time zones, to ensure requirements are understood, prioritized and delivered. Also have continuous open communication on key items such as status reporting and issue resolution.

• Provide guidance and direction to the IT team and business on support and enhancement requests in SAP, ensuring scalability, flexibility, and that it meets quality standards with supporting documentation.

• Manage relationship with support services vendors, ensuring they adhere to IT PMO processes and procedures.

• Align IT application strategy with the business vision, strategy and roadmap.

• Adhere to the change controls processes, procedures and actively monitor to ensure change processes are followed.

• Ensure alignment with the IT Security & Audit team, assisting with all audit requests from External and Internal Audit timely, ensuring they are completed within the timelines provided. Also ensure that Audit findings are effectively addressed.

• Review and analyze existing application effectiveness and efficiency, and then develop strategies for improving or leveraging the system.

  QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, AND EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field; advanced degree preferred.

• Proven experience (10+ years) in a leadership role within the IT applications domain, with a strong track record of successful project delivery and team management.

• Experience (10+ years) with SAP S4 HANA, SAP ECC and SAP GRC essential.

• Experience (8+ years) managing a 3 rd party Managed Service Provider essential.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound decisions in complex situations.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

• Project management certification (e.g., PMP) is desirable.

• Familiarity with agile methodologies and DevOps practices is a plus.

  Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Leadership: Provide strategic direction and leadership to the applications IT team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with business stakeholders to understand their requirements, identify opportunities for application improvements, and ensure alignment with organizational objectives.

• Vendor Management: Evaluate and manage relationships with external vendors and software providers, negotiating contracts, and ensuring service level agreements are met.

• Project Management: Assist in managing key application-related projects from initiation to completion, managing timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.

• Training and Development: Foster the professional growth and development of team members through training, coaching, and performance management initiatives.

• Technology Evaluation: Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends, evaluating their potential impact on the organization and recommending adoption strategies where appropriate.

• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.

• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.

• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.

• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.

• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.

• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.