Sign up to access all features of our service.
  • Job search
  • Favorites
  • Create a CV
    New
  • Salaries
  • Subscriptions

IFS Cloud Solution Architect Senior Manager/Associate Director

Accenture

Accenture is a leading solutions and services company that helps the world’s leading enterprises reinvent by building their digital core and unleashing the power of AI to create value at speed across the enterprise, bringing together the talent of our approximately 786,000 people, our proprietary assets and platforms, and deep ecosystem relationships. Our strategy is to be the reinvention partner of choice for our clients and to be the most client-focused, AI-enabled, great place to work in the world. Through our Reinvention Services we bring together our capabilities across strategy, consulting, technology, operations, Song and Industry X with our deep industry expertise to create and deliver solutions and services for our clients. Our purpose is to deliver on the promise of technology and human ingenuity, and we measure our success by the 360 value we create for all our stakeholders. Visit us at accenture.com.WHO WE ARE:We are Supply Chain & Engineering: We embed innovation, intelligence, and sustainability in the way the world makes things and the things it makes. We help leaders act quickly and confidently as they pivot to the future, delivering the digital reinvention of manufacturing and engineering. We believe that smart, sustainable, connected digital products and assets are about to create hyper-personalized industrial experiences, completely new levels of operational efficiency, transparency and traceability, tangible impact on sustainability, and brand-new sources of revenue growth. Known for our ability to execute at speed, we help clients determine clear, actionable paths to competitive agility by bringing them new thinking on business and technology. Join us and become an integral part of our experienced Supply Chain & Engineering team with the credibility, expertise, and insight clients depend on.THE PRACTICE:This role will align with our Supply Chain & Engineering practice and fall under the Intelligent Asset Management capability.Supply Chain & Engineering professionals help our clients achieve their ambitions for digital transformation within their core manufacturing and operations throughout the full lifecycle of their assets. With domain expertise across consulting and technology they unlock new sources of opex and capex efficiency and effectiveness.Intelligent Asset Management professionals are focused on improving profitability and reducing asset-related operational risk over the life cycle, by defining, developing and deploying intelligent asset management solutions (EAM, EAM cloud platforms, RBI, etc.).The Role:As an IFS Cloud Solution Architect, you will define and own the end-to-end solution across IFS Cloud engagements, serving as the technical and functional authority our clients rely on from pursuit through delivery. IFS Cloud is a broad enterprise suite, and you will architect across its functional footprint — spanning Finance, Supply Chain, Procurement, Manufacturing, Projects, Human Capital Management, and Enterprise Asset & Service Management. Working collaboratively with senior leadership, you will lead solution blueprinting and advisory, translate client business processes into a coherent and scalable architecture spanning configuration, extensions, and integrations, and make the critical fit-gap and build decisions. You will lead experienced teams to deliver with quality, advise client enterprise architects on the IFS Cloud solution landscape, and develop points of view and thought capital on emerging trends in enterprise transformation. The role also requires working collaboratively with the sales and leadership team on overall business development (existing and new accounts).The Work:Define solution blueprinting and advisory consulting for IFS Cloud solutions for business stakeholders in large Industrials, Manufacturing, and Automotive customers.Conduct business workshops to define AS-IS / TO-BE processes with use cases across IFS Cloud functional areas such as Finance, Supply Chain & Procurement, Manufacturing, Project Management, Human Capital Management, and Enterprise Asset & Service Management (including Work & Asset Management, Field Service Management, and Asset Performance & Reliability).Prepare and review Functional and Technical Design documents and advise client Enterprise Architects on the IFS Cloud solution landscape.Define the integration architecture between IFS Cloud and surrounding enterprise systems, and set standards for extensions and custom development delivered by onshore and offshore (India delivery center) teams.Assist in the creation and execution of system testing, user acceptance testing (UAT), and go-live support.Manage and ensure timely project delivery with the highest quality and turnaround metrics by leading a team of experienced IFS Cloud professionals.Develop and articulate strategic recommendations based on rigorous data analysis.Develop Points of View (POVs) and Thought Capital around recent and upcoming trends and technologies in enterprise transformation and the asset and operations life cycle.Work with sales and leadership to shape solutions, estimate work efforts, and develop responses to client inquiries for new opportunities.Should possess a team-oriented and collaborative approach, and excellent presentation skills, including strong oral and writing capabilities.Should be comfortable functioning in a broadly positioned and diverse consulting environment.Travel:Travel may be required for this role. The amount of travel will vary from 0 to 100% depending on business need and client requirements.Here's what you need:Minimum 8 years experience in a technical advisory or consulting role documenting functional and technical designs and configuring IFS solutions to support client business processes across 3 or more functional areas (e.g., Finance, Supply Chain & Procurement, Manufacturing, Projects, Human Capital Management, or Asset & Service Management).Must have completed at least 1 full IFS Cloud implementation, including hands-on solution design across multiple functional pillars.Minimum of 3 years of experience demonstrating cross-pillar IFS expertise and deep understanding of IFS integration patterns, extensibility, and data model across finance, logistics, procurement, and operations.Minimum 5 years of experience in a Consulting and/or Advisory role, including client-facing solution shaping and business development support.Bonus points if:You have led the upgrade / migration program with data migration, cut-over, and deployment experience in large IFS upgrade / migration programs.Experience with IFS Applications-to-IFS Cloud upgrades or migrations across different hosting options (On-Prem or Cloud – Private Cloud / Azure / AWS).You have experience with one or more reporting or BI tools (e.g., Power BI, Crystal Reports, or other data warehouse tools) integrated with IFS.You have led enterprise transformation or strategy consulting across 3 or more IFS Cloud functional areas — for example Finance, Supply Chain, Procurement, Manufacturing, or Projects — and/or end-to-end asset life-cycle functions such as Asset Investment Planning, Asset & Work Management, Planning & Scheduling, and Reliability Strategies.You have depth in one or more IFS Cloud functional pillars — such as Finance, Supply Chain & Manufacturing, Project-based delivery, or Service & Asset Management (including Predictive and Condition-Based Maintenance).You have good understanding of industry-specific standards / compliance requirements such as OSHA (ISO 45001), NFPA, ASME, or API, preferably with Automotive, Aerospace & Defense, or Industrial manufacturing experience.You have implementation experience integrating IFS with adjacent enterprise systems such as PLM, MES, CRM, or IoT sensors and devices.You improvise and adapt to lead clients and teams through change and ambiguity.You have gained the trust of your clients and partnered with them to design business processes, lead design-thinking workshops, develop business cases, deliver agile projects, develop new operating models, manage talent and change, and co-create intellectual property.Bachelor's Degree or 12 years equivalent work experience; Associate degree or 15+ years equivalent work experience.Compensation at Accenture varies depending on a wide array of factors, which may include but are not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. As required by local law, Accenture provides a reasonable range of compensation for roles that may be hired as set forth below.We anticipate this job posting will be posted until 10/30/2026.Accenture offers a market competitive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability coverage, a 401(k) plan, bonus opportunities, paid holidays, and paid time off. See more information on our benefits here:U.S. Employee Benefits | AccentureRole Location Annual Salary RangeCalifornia $94,400 to $224,600Cleveland $87,400 to $179,700Colorado $94,400 to $194,100District of Columbia $100,500 to $206,700Illinois $87,400 to $194,100Maine $80,400 to $165,300Maryland $94,400 to $194,100Massachusetts $94,400 to $206,700Minnesota $94,400 to $194,100New York $87,400 to $224,600New Jersey $100,500 to $224,600Virginia $87,400 to $206,700Washington $100,500 to $206,700About AccentureAccenture is a leading global professional services company that helps the world’s leading businesses, governments and other organizations build their digital core, optimize their operations, accelerate revenue growth and enhance citizen services—creating tangible value at speed and scale. We are a talent- and innovation-led company with approximately 791,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Technology is at the core of change today, and we are one of the world’s leaders in helping drive that change, with strong ecosystem relationships. We combine our strength in technology and leadership in cloud, data and AI with unmatched industry experience, functional expertise and global delivery capability. Our broad range of services, solutions and assets across Strategy & Consulting, Technology, Operations, Industry X and Song, together with our culture of shared success and commitment to creating 360 value, enable us to help our clients reinvent and build trusted, lasting relationships. We measure our success by the 360 value we create for our clients, each other, our shareholders, partners and communities.Visit us at What We BelieveWe have an unwavering commitment to diversity with the aim that every one of our people has a full sense of belonging within our organization. As a business imperative, every person at Accenture has the responsibility to create and sustain an inclusive environment.Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to our culture and core values. Our rich diversity makes us more innovative and more creative, which helps us better serve our clients and our communities. Read more hereRequesting An AccommodationAccenture is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities or religious observances, including reasonable accommodation when needed. If you are hired by Accenture and require accommodation to perform the essential functions of your role, you will be asked to participate in our reasonable accommodation process. Accommodations made to facilitate the recruiting process are not a guarantee of future or continued accommodations once hired.If you would like to be considered for employment opportunities with Accenture and have accommodation needs such as for a disability or religious observance, please call us toll free at View phone number on click.appcast.io or send us an email or speak with your recruiter.Equal Employment Opportunity StatementWe believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, military veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by applicable law. Our rich diversity makes us more innovative, more competitive, and more creative, which helps us better serve our clients and our communities.For details, view a copy of the  Accenture Equal Opportunity StatementAccenture is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer of Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.Accenture is committed to providing veteran employment opportunities to our service men and women.Other Employment StatementsApplicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.Candidates who are currently employed by a client of Accenture or an affiliated Accenture business may not be eligible for consideration.Job candidates will not be obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest as part of the hiring process. Further, at Accenture a criminal conviction history is not an absolute bar to employment. The Company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Additionally, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the Company's legal duty to furnish information.California requires additional notifications for applicants and employees. If you are a California resident, live in or plan to work from Los Angeles County upon being hired for this position, please click here for additional important information.Please read Accenture’s Recruiting and Hiring Statement for more information on how we process your data during the Recruiting and Hiring process.SummaryLocation: Chicago, Accenture Tower, Corp; Milwaukee, 790 N Milwaukee St, Corp; Dallas, 5205 N OConnor Las Colinas, Corp; Columbus, 400 W. Nationwide Blvd, Corp; Kirkland, 416 6th Street South, Corp; Cincinnati, 4th Street, Corp; New York, One Manhattan West, Corp; Cleveland, 1400 W 10th Street, Corp; Oklahoma City, 525 NW 11th St, Corp; Austin, 323 Congress Avenue, Corp; Albany, 69 State St, Corp; St. Pete, 140 Fountain Pkwy, Tampa Corp; Hartford, 280 Trumbull, Corp; Pittsburgh, 1001 Liberty Ave, Corp; St. Louis, 4220 Duncan Avenue, Corp; Miami, 777 Brickell Ave, Corp; Sacramento, 1610 R Street, Corp; Raleigh, 555 Fayetteville, Corp; Minneapolis, 333 S 7th, Corp; Mountain View, 650 Castro, Corp; Scottsdale, 15279 N Scottsdale Rd, Corp; Morristown, 1 Speedwell Ave, Corp; San Francisco, 415 Mission Street, Corp; Denver, 999 18th St, Corp; Boston, 888 Boylston, Corp; Philadelphia, 2001 Market St, Corp; Des Moines, 909 Locust, Corp; Overland Park, 7300 W 110th Street, Corp; Los Angeles, 6181 W Centinela Ave, Corp; Charlotte, 1120 S Tryon St., Corp; Seattle, 1191 2nd Avenue, Corp; Houston, 1301 Fannin, Corp; Arlington, 1201 Wilson, Corp; Atlanta, 75 Fifth, Corp; Redmond, 8383 158th Avenue NE, Corp; Bentonville, 805 S Walton Blvd., Corp; Beaverton, 15220 NW Greenbrier, Corp; Nashville, 4101 Charlotte Ave., Corp; Detroit, 1240 Woodward, Corp; San Diego, 12680 High Bluff Dr, CorpType: Full time

Vacancy posted 5 days ago
Similar jobs that could be interesting for youBased on the IFS Cloud Solution Architect Senior Manager/Associate Director in Boston, MA vacancy
  • $155k - $225k

     ...a vision of providing life-long cures to patients suffering from serious diseases.Position Overview:Beam is seeking a Senior Manager/Associate Director, Biostatistics to support the statistical design, execution, analysis, and reporting of clinical trials across Beam’s... 
    Senior
    Full time

    Beam Therapeutics

    Cambridge, MA
    1 day ago
  • $145k - $240k

     ...inclusivity, so that our people are valued, seen, and heard.How you’ll make an impact:We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Manager or Associate Director, Feasibility Analytics & Insights to serve as the analytical and technical lead within Clinical Trial Planning and... 
    Senior

    Kymera Therapeutics

    Watertown, MA
    1 day ago
  • $145k - $240k

     ...heard.How you’ll make an impact:Lead Translational Medicine (TM) operations for clinical studies, overseeing end-to-end biospecimen management from study start-up through closeout.Develop and execute biospecimen operational strategies, including collection, processing,... 
    Senior
    Contract work

    Kymera Therapeutics

    Watertown, MA
    5 days ago
  • $165k - $195k

     ...wholes. The Enterprise Solutions Architect exists to change that. This is a senior, cross-functional design...  ...the backing of the Sr. Director of IT. Partners on:...  ...technology teams such as Cloud and Engineering, and...  ...and schedule. You do not manage internal teams' people... 
    Senior
    Shift work

    Parabilis Medicines

    Cambridge, MA
    11 days ago
  •  ...deliver innovative solutions. Empowered with...  ...resources that range from cloud, data centers and...  ..., security and managed services.Accenture...  ...Security Solution Architect team with...  ...interaction with senior leadership at a client...  ...work experience. (If Associate’s Degree, must have... 
    Senior
    Full time
    Work experience placement
    Live in
    Work at office
    Local area

    Accenture

    Boston, MA
    3 days ago
  • $100k - $175k

     ...organization and pioneer in industry cloud, helping life sciences companies bring...  ....The RoleVeeva is seeking a Senior Manager / Associate Director of Field Marketing. This is a great opportunity...  ...events, and digital marketing. If you are smart, resourceful, results-driven... 
    Senior
    Work at office
    Local area
    Remote work
    Work from home
    3 days per week

    Veeva Systems

    Boston, MA
    4 days ago
  •  ...relationships to deliver end-to-end solutions and measurable outcomes at...  ...software, platform, cloud, and industry expertise to...  ...(SDV) Go-to-Market Senior Manager / Associate Director, you will play a critical...  ...or in industryBONUS POINTS IF YOU HAVEHands-on experience... 
    Senior
    Full time
    Live in
    Work at office
    Local area

    Accenture

    Boston, MA
    3 days ago
  •  ...challenge thinking at the senior level, and know how to...  ...large deal pursuits, management consulting, or...  ...years) work experience. (If Associate’s Degree, must have minimum...  ...and leadership in cloud, data and AI with unmatched...  ...range of services, solutions and assets across... 
    Senior
    Full time
    Work experience placement
    Live in
    Work at office
    Local area

    Accenture

    Boston, MA
    1 day ago
  • $230k - $260k

     ....ai.About the roleStarburst Solution Architects will partner with field sales...  ...technical leadership, data management, and analytics experience and...  ...a pre sales capacity. As a Senior Solution Architect at Starburst...  ...and conceptsPrivate/Public Cloud DeploymentsBig Data... 
    Senior
    Local area
    Flexible hours

    Starburst Data

    Boston, MA
    2 days ago
  • $155.6k - $306.8k

    Position Summary Manager/Solution Architect Deloitte's...  ...vice president- and director-level client...  ...handing off the cloud data platform layer...  ...geographic differential associated with the location...  ...an award, if any, depends on various...  ...employees to senior leaders, we... 
    Local area

    Deloitte

    Boston, MA
    4 days ago
  • $85 - $95 per hour

     ...position with possible extension for a Technical Solution Architect focused on designing modern ecosystem leveraging cloud platforms, APIs, data architecture, and AI-...  ...Practices Daily Responsibilities 40% Hands On 30% Management Duties 30% Team Collaboration You will receive... 
    Senior
    Full time
    Contract work
    Temporary work
    Flexible hours

    Motion Recruitment

    Boston, MA
    2 days ago
  • $153.6k - $207.8k

     ...designing, and building cloud solutions across a diverse...  ...the Global Solutions Architect (SA) develops the technology...  ...interface with both senior executive leaders and...  ...functionally with Account Managers, Professional Services...  ...experiences. Even if you do not meet all of... 
    Senior
    Flexible hours

    AmazonWebServices

    Boston, MA
    2 days ago
  •  ...Solutions Architect / Senior Engineer – Gen AI CodingLocation: Remote - USA Language Requirement: Fluent in Brazilian Portuguese and English Employment...  ...global locations.Preferred QualificationsExperience with cloud platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS, GCP) and deploying AI... 
    Senior
    Long term contract
    Local area
    Remote work

    Saviance

    Boston, MA
    5 days ago
  • $99k - $232k

     ...SummaryThe OpportunityAs a Bank Platform Transformation - Solution Architect - Manager, you will design and implement seamless integration solutions...  ...Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure for cloud solutions- Integrating enterprise applications using Mulesoft... 
    Full time
    H1b

    PwC

    Boston, MA
    4 days ago
  • $153.6k - $207.8k

     ...build innovative solutions for their most...  ...of solutions architects working with business...  ...a range of cloud and AI services...  ...strategy and senior level relationships...  ...product management and engineering...  ...experiences. Even if you do not meet...  ...Solutions Architect Associate- Demonstrated... 
    Senior
    Flexible hours

    AmazonWebServices

    Boston, MA
    1 day ago
  • $83k - $122k

     ...teams.About the RoleWe're looking for a Senior Associate, AI Solutions Architect to help build and scale AI-powered...  ...This role will report to the Senior Manager, Marketing Technology within the...  ...dig in and uncover the truth, even if it’s scary or inconvenient. Everyone... 
    Senior
    Hourly pay
    Work at office
    Local area
    Remote work
    Flexible hours

    Doordash

    Boston, MA
    5 days ago
  •  ...Senior Solutions ArchitectChainlink is the industry-standard...  ...As a Senior Solutions Architect, you will play a crucial...  ...technology and associated areas (e.g. DeFi, tokenisation...  ...IP environments, cloud infrastructure, and the...  ...regulations, or ordinances. If you need assistance or... 
    Senior
    Remote work

    Chainlink Labs

    Boston, MA
    5 days ago
  • $120k - $202.5k

     ...an experienced, hands-on Solution Architect for AI and Cloud Systems to support State Street...  ...and stakeholder management skills, including the ability...  ...to engage effectively with senior leaders. Experience driving...  ...primary location specified. If the candidate would... 
    Senior
    Full time
    Temporary work
    Work experience placement
    Flexible hours

    State Street Bank

    Quincy, MA
    5 days ago
  •  ...operations. About the Role: We are seeking a Senior Manager/Associate Director, Quality & Supply Chain Systems to...  ...and vendors to build new solutions supporting the Quality and Supply Chain...  ...understood and followed by direct reports, if any. Other duties as assigned.... 
    Senior
    Temporary work
    Work at office
    2 days per week

    Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc.

    Needham Heights, MA
    6 days ago
  • $130k - $170k

     ...technology.Job DescriptionJob Title:Senior Cloud Solutions ArchitectLocations: Hybrid: Waltham,...  ...looking for a Senior Cloud Solutions Architect to join a team to design secure, resilient...  ...and identity federation, KMS and key management, encryption in transit and at rest,... 
    Senior
    Ongoing contract
    Full time
    Casual work
    Remote work
    Worldwide
    Flexible hours

    SS&C Technologies

    Waltham, MA
    4 days ago
  • $110k - $130k

     ...Commanders, Cleveland Cavaliers, Women’s Tennis Association), as well as public sector institutions...  ...for an exceptional Associate Design Director with deep expertise and strong creative...  ..., and craft; Expert in Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly After Effects, setting the... 
    Work at office
    Flexible hours

    Gupta Media

    Boston, MA
    4 days ago
  • $170k - $201k

     ...preparing for our first launch in Neurology.Role SummaryThe Associate Director, Neurology Market Insights will report into the Sr. Director...  ...relevant experience in market research, competitive intelligence, management consulting, and/or decision support in the biopharmaceutical... 
    Temporary work
    Work at office
    Flexible hours
    2 days per week
    3 days per week

    Les Laboratoires Servier

    Boston, MA
    3 days ago
  • $160k - $220k

    About This Role: As the Associate Director of Service Delivery for MCN (Manufacturing Controlled Network) Global Solutions, you'll play a crucial role in leading the planning, governance...  ...will set priorities, allocate resources, manage project delivery, and oversee budgets... 
    Full time
    Temporary work
    Local area

    Biogen Idec

    Cambridge, MA
    3 days ago
  • $154.4k - $242.55k

     ...of my knowledge.Job DescriptionAssociate Director, IBD Consumer MarketingTakeda PharmaceuticalCambridge, MAAbout the role:As the Associate Director of Consumer Marketing, you will...  ...ad and promotional materials development.Manage agency relationships, their work product... 
    Minimum wage
    Temporary work
    Local area

    Takeda

    Cambridge, MA
    4 days ago
  • $164k - $226k

    About This RoleThis Associate Director Neuropsychiatry HCP Marketing is responsible for establishing...  ...on personal promotion and lead key solutions to educate and activate HCP audiences in...  ...functional partners, and all agencies. Manage relationship with agency to ensure expected... 
    Full time
    Temporary work
    Local area

    Biogen Idec

    Cambridge, MA
    5 days ago
  • $138.6k - $207.8k

     ...enrich people’s lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science...  ...in the US. Your Role:The Associate Director, Market Insights, Oncology...  ...products, thereby enabling Senior Leadership to make optimal,...  ..., instruments, vendor management, analysis, readouts) to solve... 
    Work at office
    Flexible hours

    Merck

    Boston, MA
    5 days ago
  • $225k - $275k

    Associate Director of Marketing - IPCooley is seeking an Associate Director of Marketing - IP to...  ...with all firm and department policies. Manage staffing coverage, review and process time...  ...management experience (some at the senior level preferred)Prior professional services... 
    Full time
    Temporary work
    Work at office
    Immediate start
    Flexible hours
    Shift work
    Weekend work

    Cooley

    Boston, MA
    4 days ago
  • $159k - $219k

    About This Role:The Associate Director, Launch Excellence and Change Management is a key execution-focused role within Business Insights & Operations (BI&O) - Biogen North America’s (BNA) largest organization. This role will help Lead commercial enablement readiness for... 
    Full time
    Temporary work
    Work at office
    Local area
    3 days per week

    Biogen Idec

    Cambridge, MA
    1 day ago
  • $156.6k - $234.8k

    Job DescriptionGeneral Summary:The Associate Director, GMP Operational Quality is responsible for oversight of team activities, development...  ...drug products internally at Vertex manufacturing facilities. Manages QA On The Floor and QA Walkthrough programs supporting... 
    Full time
    Work experience placement
    Summer work
    Remote work
    Flexible hours
    Shift work
    Day shift
    2 days per week

    Vertex Pharmaceuticals

    Boston, MA
    4 days ago
  • $148.5k - $214.5k

    Job Title: Associate Director Market Access GTN Forecasting Systems & AnalyticsLocation: Morristown...  ...with Digital and the GTN COE, and managing the pipeline of model changes through appropriate...  ...accessible to any and all users. If you are experiencing difficulty and... 
    Full time
    Contract work

    Sanofi

    Cambridge, MA
    22 hours ago

Do you want to receive more vacancies?

Subscribe and receive similar vacancies to IFS Cloud Solution Architect Senior Manager/Associate Director. Be the first to apply!