Applications CoE Manager - Operations & Supply Chain

Overview

This role will lead the Applications Centre of Excellence (CoE) across key business domains such as Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality & Compliance. The position is responsible for defining strategy, ensuring platform optimisation, and driving continuous improvement. The CoE Manager will oversee application governance, standardisation, and innovation to enable scalable, compliant, and high-performing technology solutions across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Innovation

• Define and deliver the roadmap for mid-office and operational technology applications.
• Identify opportunities for digital enablement, automation, and process optimisation.
• Drive standardisation, reusability, and best practices across the application landscape.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend adoption where beneficial.

Application Ownership, Governance & Compliance

• Manage the full lifecycle of core applications across operations, supply chain, and quality functions.
• Maintain robust governance, documentation standards, and change management processes.
• Ensure platforms comply with regulatory, data privacy, and internal governance requirements.
• Mitigate risk through strong vendor management, monitoring, and incident preparedness.

Team Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead and develop a cross-functional applications team.
• Act as the key liaison between IT and business functions to ensure alignment, communication, and engagement.
• Build strong internal and external partnerships to support delivery and performance.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure stable, secure, and well-supported application environments.
• Monitor performance metrics, usage trends, and operational KPIs to drive continuous improvement.

Project Delivery & Benefits Realisation

• Support planning, scoping, and resource coordination across multiple initiatives.
• Provide oversight on solution design, integrations, and architectural considerations.
• Work with stakeholders to ensure technology investments deliver measurable, aligned business value.

Key Requirements

• Degree in Information Technology, Business Systems, or a related field.
• Certifications or experience with platforms such as SAP, MES, HRIS, or digital applications (advantageous).
• 5+ years' experience managing enterprise applications in a manufacturing, processing, or regulated environment.
• Strong understanding of mid-office functions and associated technology needs.
• Hands-on experience with platforms such as SAP S/4HANA, MES, LIMS, or similar.
• Strong leadership abilities with experience guiding cross-functional teams and managing vendors.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.
• Exposure to regulatory frameworks (e.g., ISO, GMP, HACCP), digital transformation programmes, and data privacy requirements beneficial.
• Collaborative mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.