Software Applications Manager

Integritas is working with a network partner to help fill a Software & Applications Manager role (on-prem) in Spring Grove, IL (north of Chicago at IL/WI border) .
Contact Ben (View email address on click.appcast.io) for more information.

Software & Applications Manager

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Software & Applications Manager to lead the development, integration, optimization, and ongoing support of enterprise business applications within a manufacturing environment. This role manages a multidisciplinary team-including software developers, business systems analysts, product owners, and technical architects-delivering technology solutions that improve operational efficiency, business performance, and user experience.

Bridging technical execution and executive strategy, the successful candidate will work closely with IT leadership, Operational Technology (OT), business unit leaders, and data science teams to align application capabilities with organizational priorities and continuous improvement initiatives.

Core Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Team Empowerment

• Lead & Cultivate: Mentor, manage, and empower a high-performing team of developers, analysts, product owners, and architects. Establish team objectives, performance metrics, professional development plans, and succession strategies.
• Culture & Operations: Promote a collaborative, customer-focused culture centered on innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement. Manage departmental budgets, technology investments, and external development resources.
• Architecture & Standards: Provide technical direction across software design, .NET application development, system modernization, and secure software development lifecycle (SDLC) practices.

Enterprise Applications & Solution Architecture

• ERP & Systems Management: Oversee custom software applications, system integrations, and core business systems, with a strong focus on JD Edwards ERP.
• Business Alignment: Partner with manufacturing and business leaders to evaluate operational workflows, identify improvement opportunities, and translate complex requirements into scalable technology solutions.
• Data & AI Integration: Collaborate with data science teams to advance data accessibility, business analytics, machine learning, and operational automation initiatives.

Agile Delivery & DevOps

• Execution & Governance: Direct software development and implementation activities using Agile methodologies (Scrum/Kanban), ensuring projects deliver expected business value on schedule and within budget.
• DevOps Maturity: Advance continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) capabilities, automated testing frameworks, and modern deployment practices.
• Vendor Management: Coordinate external vendors and development partners to ensure deliverables meet strict quality, cost, and timeline standards.

Operational Excellence, Security & Support

• Performance Insights: Establish and monitor KPIs, OKRs, and development metrics to evaluate team effectiveness, system performance, and technology ROI.
• System Reliability & Security: Partner with IT Security to enforce secure coding practices, application testing, compliance standards, and reliable support coverage (including escalation pathways).
• Adoption & Training: Support user training and technology adoption initiatives to maximize business benefits and application utilization.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience: 7-15 years in software development, enterprise application management, or systems integration.
• Leadership: Minimum 3 years of direct management experience leading technical teams of five or more resources.
• Technical Foundation: Demonstrated software development background in .NET, JavaScript, or comparable enterprise tech stacks.
• ERP Knowledge: Experience managing enterprise business applications, ideally JD Edwards or similar tier-1/tier-2 ERP platforms.
• Agile Mastery: Proven experience directing software delivery using Agile frameworks (Scrum/Kanban).
• Data Alignment: Background collaborating with data engineering or data science functions on reporting, automation, or analytics initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting enterprise software applications within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Deep experience with JD Edwards development, orchestrations, integrations, enhancements, and modernization strategies.
• Knowledge of DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, Azure DevOps), and automated software testing.
• Familiarity with enterprise architecture methodologies, application portfolio assessments, and technology roadmapping.
• Exposure to AI-assisted development tools and their responsible deployment in enterprise environments.

Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a hands-on, collaborative technology leader who combines deep software development expertise with proven capabilities in team, project, and application portfolio management. This individual demonstrates a servant-leadership approach, understands how enterprise systems intersect with manufacturing plant operations, and excels at translating complex operational needs into practical, high-value technology solutions.

Recruiting Notes:

• Manufacturing industry experience required. Targeting smaller companies. 15% Bonus plus profit sharing.
• Minimum 3 years managing technical teams; smaller teams targeted. 5 direct reports.
• Strong ERP applications experience; JD Edwards preferred, not required.
• Experience managing custom software development and application developers.
• Technical knowledge of .NET, JavaScript, or comparable development technologies; hands-on coding not required.
• Experience with ERP enhancements, integrations, implementations, and ongoing support.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing OT tools such as MES, SCADA, PLC-connected systems, and shop-floor data collection.
• Ability to lead projects, prioritize development work, and partner with manufacturing and business leaders.

OT Clarification

• Must understand how data science and manufacturing OT technologies function and integrate with ERP and business applications.
• Does not need to program PLCs, configure MES, or manage OT infrastructure.
• Cybersecurity responsibility is not part of this position.

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