Applications Manager

**Purpose of Role**:
This role works closely with Application owners, the Application Support and Infrastructure teams.

There is potential for this role to also include the responsibilities of IT Lead (detailed below) and report directly to Head of Shared Services

**Objectives of Role**:
**Application Management and Support**

As the Shared Services Applications Manager, you will be responsible for performing the following activities:

- Implementation of appropriate ITIL systems and processes to support the IT shared services model
- Vendor Management of 3rd party service providers
- Manage Information System Projects
- Provide input to the IST Strategy, Policies and Principles
- Manage the Software Development Life Cycle
- Govern the procurement, innovation, evolution and maintenance of Information Systems architecture through the involvement of relevant stakeholders.
- Provide input to the IST Strategy, Policies and Principles.
- Work with the Data Management and Application Support functions to Ensure the accuracy of data in all systems by following the Data Governance Principles and on-boarding new users, ensuring legislative compliance
- Business Application support
- User Administration
- System configuration and maintenance
- Reporting
- Licence Management
- System Optimisation
- Training and Communication
- Understanding of the hosting environments for Applications

**Customer Excellence**
- Work closely with the relevant stakeholders to set expectations and provide services exceeding the agreed standard.
- Contribute to customer satisfaction for services delivered by the Shared Services Finance Team.
- Identify problems in your area of responsibility, and identify possible solutions to achieve customer excellence

**IT Lead Responsibilities**

Shared Service IT Lead is responsible for building and managing the Shared Services IT function. This includes responsibility for the performance of the IT team and the service it provides to its customers, and responsibility for devising an agreed strategy and long-term plan for the function.
- **Strategy**:
Work with Head of Shared Services and stakeholders to set plans and objectives for Shared Services IT Department, including innovative changes to processes, the use of technology, talent strategy, or identifying potential new customers
- **IT Management**:
Overall accountability for the delivery of IT Services, technical innovation and security
- **Process creation and implementation**:
Design and implement appropriate policies, procedures, governance and risk management frameworks to support IT operations
- **Team Management**:
Build and manage and effective team to deliver IT Shared Services
- **Stakeholder management**:
Build and maintain relationships with Shared Service Stakeholders, entity managmanent, internal clients and external service providers
- **Finance and governance**

Responsible for Finance and Risk management for the IT Department, including governance, budets, performance reporting, contract negotiation and vendor management
- 3-5 years in relevant management position with strong leadership and management skills required for this level_

**Experience and Qualifications**:

- Relevant Technology qualification (preferably post-graduate level)
- 6-8 years functional experience
- Project Management Qualification
- ITIL Qualification
- Quality Management
- Problem solving / resolution
- Experience in analysis, implementation and evaluation of IT systems/infrastructure and relevant specifications.
- Preferable experience in finance and hr system management
- Experience in commissioning services from third parties and managing relationships with suppliers and contractors.
- Experience in Application testing methodologies
- Firm grasp on IT Infrastructure and operations practices.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

**Competencies**:

- Identification with the AGGP Africa Vision, Mission and Values
- Customer-oriented service mindset, excellent communication skills
- Enthusiastic collaborator
- Strong results orientation and drive
- Strong sense of accountability
- Able to work on multiple assignments
- Effective soft influencing skills
- Coaching and knowledge sharing
- Time management skills