IS Applications Manager

IS Applications Manager

Location: Barrow-in-Furness Organisation: OpCo Contract Duration: 2 years Reports to: Head of IS

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced IS Applications Manager to oversee the delivery, performance, security and ongoing development of a broad business applications environment, with SAP at its core.

The IS Applications Manager will be responsible for ensuring applications are secure, reliable, scalable and fit for purpose. Working closely with internal stakeholders and external service providers, you will manage technical delivery, supplier relationships, commercial agreements and application improvement projects.

This is a hands-on role suited to someone with a strong background in IS applications management, SAP, IT governance and outsourced service management.

Key Responsibilities

As the IS Applications Manager, you will oversee the full lifecycle of business applications, including implementation, testing, maintenance, upgrades, releases and retirement. You will ensure systems remain reliable, secure and integrated, while maintaining technical documentation, application procedures and service catalogues.

You will manage application incidents, changes and upgrades, coordinate testing and User Acceptance Testing (UAT), and lead projects involving new systems, implementations and improvements. The role will also involve overseeing software licensing, renewals, application performance and associated costs.

A key part of the IS Applications Manager position will be overseeing the SAP environment, including system architecture, hosting, security, performance and integrations. You will coordinate SAP changes with business stakeholders and external providers, manage release processes and ensure appropriate technical controls are maintained.

The IS Applications Manager will also manage third-party suppliers and outsourced support teams, monitoring service performance, resolving escalations and overseeing contractual arrangements. You will work alongside the Head of IS, Supply Chain and Finance on supplier agreements, tenders, renewals and application purchasing processes.

Security and compliance will form an important part of the role. You will support IT and cyber security audits, maintain application security controls, assess new or updated services and assist with cyber incident investigations and response testing. You will also collaborate with the wider IS and IT teams to strengthen security controls and improve operational resilience.

Skills and Experience

The successful IS Applications Manager will have experience managing business applications within a complex organisation, alongside a strong understanding of SAP environments, system integrations and application change and release management.

You should have experience managing external suppliers, outsourced support contracts and commercial relationships, as well as knowledge of IT General Controls, incident management, problem management and project delivery.

An understanding of Microsoft 365, Azure, PowerApps, Power BI, cloud-based applications and software licensing would be beneficial. You will also need a good appreciation of cyber security, risk management, application testing and technical governance.

Strong communication, stakeholder management and problem-solving skills are essential, together with the ability to coordinate technical resources, manage escalations and deliver effective solutions.

Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in an IT or business-related discipline, or equivalent relevant professional experience, is desirable.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced IS Applications Manager to take ownership of a critical business applications environment, oversee SAP and wider enterprise systems, and contribute to ongoing improvements in technology, security and service delivery.

The IS Applications Manager will play a key role in ensuring business applications continue to meet operational needs while supporting the organisation's wider technology strategy