Global Manager - Core IT Platform Services

We’re looking for motivated, engaged people to help make everyone’s journeys better.Application Deadline: 05 February 2026Position Location: This is a global role, and applications are welcome from all gategroup locations. The final work location will be determined based on the location of the successful candidate.Application Requirements: Please submit your application with a CV in English, as English is the working language for this role.Internal Applicants: In line with internal guidelines, internal candidates are requested to inform their current line manager prior to applying.Job SummaryThe Global Manager - Core IT Platform Services position leads the lifecycle management, governance, and continuous improvement of all enterprise applications and business platforms outside the SACS & Operations Suite. This includes ERP systems (D365, SAP), HRIS (Workday), Finance (SAP), Procurement (D365), Legal, Operational Support tools, and associated integration platforms.The role ensures that core platforms are standardized, secure, reliable, aligned with the all-time IT strategy and gategroup’s mission to Simplify, Standardize, and Innovate. Acting as a bridge between Business Engagement, Technology Alignment Office, Infrastructure, and Service Reliability teams, this role owns platform scalability, lifecycle governance, product roadmap coordination, and end-user adoption across global functions.Main Duties & ResponsibilitiesPlatform OwnershipManage the lifecycle of enterprise applications (ERP, HRIS, Finance, Procurement, Legal, etc.) in line with architecture and security standards.Maintain platform lifecycle plans (upgrades, patches, dependencies, end-of-life).Ensure documentation, configuration baselines, and standards are maintained.Standardization & SimplificationDrive platform harmonization and rationalization, removing duplications.Promote global adoption of standardized templates and configurations.Support Spark’IT 2030 simplification and modernization priorities.GovernanceDefine and enforce platform policies, release processes, and change governance.Ensure compliance with cybersecurity, identity, and audit requirements.Collaboration & Stakeholder EngagementWork with Business Engagement to translate functional needs into scalable platform solutions.Partner with Data & Analytics on data quality, MDM alignment, and stewardship.Coordinate with Infrastructure, Architecture, and Innovation teams.Vendor & Partner ManagementManage platform vendors and system integrators to ensure performance and contract compliance.Support procurement and legal during negotiations and renewals.Support & OperationsCollaborate with IT Operations & Service Reliability on monitoring, incident prevention, and SRE practices.Act as L3 escalation point and coordinate resolution with internal/external teams.Ensure platform performance, stability, and adherence to SLAs/OLAs.Accountable for global reliability, cost efficiency, and user experience KPIs within the Corporate Services service catalog.QualificationsEducationBachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or Business AdministrationPreferred: Master’s degree in Information Systems, IT Management, Business Administration, or Digital TransformationWork Experience10+ years of experience in IT, enterprise applications, or platform management7+ years managing enterprise platforms across ERP, HRIS, Finance, Procurement, and corporate systemsProven delivery of global platform standardization, simplification, and rationalization initiativesExperience working in large, multinational, matrix organizationsStrong track record in vendor and system integrator managementTechnical SkillsStrong expertise in enterprise application platforms, including ERP, HRIS, Finance, Procurement, and corporate support systemsSolid understanding of platform lifecycle management, including upgrades, patching, and end-of-life planningExperience with integration platforms, middleware, and cloud / hybrid IT environmentsKnowledge of IT service management, security, identity and access management, and audit requirementsAbility to define and track platform KPIs related to reliability, cost efficiency, and user experienceLanguagesFluent in English (written and spoken); additional regional languages are an asset.Required Core CompetenciesStrategic & Systems Thinking: Demonstrates the ability to think strategically and holistically across complex systems, applying the principles of Standardize • Simplify • Innovate to guide decisions and priorities.Decision Making & Accountability: Makes timely, data-informed decisions in complex and ambiguous situations and takes ownership for outcomes related to cost, reliability, and service quality.People Leadership & Development: Leads, coaches, and develops teams, fostering accountability, capability growth, and engagement while building resilient, high-performing global teams.Business & Stakeholder Acumen: Understands business priorities and stakeholder needs and effectively balances them with platform standards and long-term sustainability.Governance & Change Discipline: Applies sound judgment in governance, security, and compliance matters while driving change in a structured, resilient, and disciplined way.If you want to be part of a team that helps make travel and culinary memories, join us!SummaryLocation: Belgrade, RS; Ash House, GB; Mexico, MX; Reston, VA, USA; Madrid, ESP; Zurich, CHType: Full time