Head of Application Operations

Vard Group IT has a vacant position as Head of the group Application Operations; a department responsible for the evolution, operation and management of VARD IT business applications globally.

The position involves management and development of the department, personnel responsibilities, professional follow-up, and collaboration with external suppliers. The position reports to SVP Digital Innovation & Information Technology.

You and your team are focusing on supporting business areas in taking full advantage of VARD’s applications to optimize the entire value chain. At the core are VARD’s ERP, Business Intelligence and Information Management applications, with additional satellite systems to deliver functionality and process support to all of VARD’s companies and departments. Your team will be expected to seek and provide advice on improved ways of utilizing systems and participate in planning and implementing new functionality in close collaboration with business areas and our vendors. Integral to this role is the pursuit of digital transformation and evolution, where the strategic leveraging of technology drives innovation, enhances operational efficiency, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement within VARD.

Duties and responsibilities

• Line manager for IT personnel dedicated to Application Operations
• Shape a strategy for ERP and Information Management applications in VARD together with your team
• Management of the application infrastructure in cooperation with VARD IT groups and third parties. This includes overseeing the architecture, design, development, and support of applications
• Definition and management of the application maintenance model, Operational-Level Agreements (OLA) and service levels (SLA)
• Ensure continuity of operations of IT Application Software, through monitoring and operational management
• Guarantee support for other IT units and to other Business Units involved in the activities required for corporate certifications and Audit
• Coordinate the Application Operation activities carried out by the external suppliers
• Oversee projects aimed at enhancing, upgrading, updating and harmonizing VARD ecosystem in relation to IT Software Application; including planning against EoL situations
• Lead the Application and business area specific Business Forums
• Contribute in the project portfolio planning; support to the IT Governance Management and SVP DI&IT in the definition of procurement strategies
• Manage application documenting and training of system users
• Oversee the IT budget for the Application Operations area

Qualifications

• Relevant management experience
  
• Minimum BSc/BA in computer science or another relevant field. MSc/MA will be preferred
• Professional communication skills in both a Scandinavian language and English.
• Experience with ERP systems. SAP (and IFS) is preferred.
  
• Experience with PM-, PLM-systems and Cloud services
• Strong ITSM knowledge in the ITIL framework; Request, Change, Incident and Problem management.
• Strong IT technical background with proven senior level experience from the application, database or infrastructure perspective
• Ability to lead and motivate others. Proven ability to build well-functioning teams.

Personal qualities

• Ability to lead, motivate and develop employees
• Structured, responsible, targeted and withstrategic skills
• Driving license B
  

We can offer

For the right candidate we offer an interesting opportunity to be part of a highly dynamic and knowledge driven sector, to develop and implement digital solutions in a global organization. Ability to utilize internal business and process knowledge in collaboration with the best ICT vendors, in building great solutions. Competitive conditions in terms of salaries, opportunities for development and benefits.