Senior IT Solutions Manager - Operations

Job Description Summary

The IT Sr Solutions Manager – Operations (NorAm) plays a pivotal role in shaping and delivering IT solutions that drive operational excellence. This dynamic position focuses on designing, managing, and optimizing IT systems and processes to enhance efficiency, quality, and functionality across Purchasing, Supply Chain and Manufacturing operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategic Business Partner – optimizing IT systems and processes across Supply Chain, Purchasing and Operations

• Provides strategic guidance to optimize IT systems and processes, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and operational efficiency.

• Collaborate closely with Supply Chain, Purchasing and Operations stakeholders to anticipate technological needs, identify challenges, and implement solutions that enhance and streamline business processes.

• Proactively evaluates emerging technologies and industry trends, assessing their potential value and recommending data-driven, strategic initiatives to strengthen the organization’s competitive edge.

• Application Management – responsible for end-to-end operation’s technology solutions

• Operational Support and Adoption: Serve as the primary point of contact for Purchasing, Supply Chain and Operations teams, providing comprehensive support and fostering seamless adoption of IT solutions to improve efficiency and productivity. Guide cross-functional teams in maximizing the value of IT solutions through training, communication, and hands-on collaboration.

• System Performance and Reliability: Ensure stable and reliable IT systems under their responsibility by continuously monitoring performance, conducting root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions to resolve issues proactively. Maintain a high level of data accuracy and system functionality to meet business and operational needs.

• Global Project Engagement: Actively participate in global initiatives affecting Operations, ensuring alignment between regional needs and group-level IT systems. Identify opportunities to leverage and customize existing global IT solutions for regional implementation while ensuring business continuity.

• Project Portfolio Management: Oversee a comprehensive portfolio of IT and operations projects, ensuring alignment with organizational governance processes and strategic objectives. Evaluate project priorities, perform risk assessments, and deliver results in line with deadlines.

• Implementation and Maintenance of IT Solutions: Lead the full lifecycle of IT solution implementation, including planning, configuration, and ongoing maintenance, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget. Collaborate with stakeholders to continuously enhance system capabilities and address emerging business needs.

• Vendor Performance and Relationship Management:

• Oversee vendor relationships by managing performance, monitoring service-level agreements (SLAs), and ensuring partners consistently deliver on contractual obligations.

• Lead contract negotiations with vendors to secure favorable terms, balancing cost efficiency with the need for high-quality IT solutions and services.

• Act as the primary point of escalation for vendor-related issues, driving swift resolution to minimize disruptions to operations.

Qualifications and Skills

• Education: Bachelor's degree in IT, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management or a related field. A master's degree is preferred.

• Experience: Minimum of 8 years IT leadership experience with a focus on Purchasing and Supply Chain systems for Manufacturing or CPG industry. Demonstrated experience implementing ERP and Supply Chain planning solutions (SAP strongly preferred).

• Skills: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and make data-driven decisions. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively across various levels within the organization. Ability to understand business processes and challenge users when appropriate. Ability to design and implement end-to-end solutions, including both technical and functional expertise to get the job done. Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams as well as IT resources.

Total Rewards

• Base Salary: $170,000 – $180,000

• Bonus Opportunity: 15%

• PTO and Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits from Day 1

• 401k Match

• Hybrid work schedule in Chicago