Senior IT Solutions Manager - Operations

Job Description Summary

Reporting directly to the Vice President of IT, the IT Sr Solutions Manager – Operations (NorAm) plays a pivotal role in shaping and delivering IT solutions that drive operational excellence. This dynamic position focuses on designing, managing, and optimizing IT systems and processes to enhance efficiency, quality, and functionality across Purchasing, Supply Chain and Manufacturing operations.

The Solution Manager will work in close partnership with NorAm Purchasing, Supply Chain and Operations leaders while collaborating with global and Local IT Operations teams. As a strategic partner, this role ensures alignment between technological initiatives and business goals and actively supports data-driven decision-making to deliver impactful results. This is a #hybrid role based in Chicago.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategic Business Partner – optimizing IT systems and processes across Supply Chain, Purchasing and Operations

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• Provides strategic guidance to optimize IT systems and processes, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and operational efficiency.

• Collaborate closely with Supply Chain, Purchasing and Operations stakeholders to anticipate technological needs, identify challenges, and implement solutions that enhance and streamline business processes.

• Proactively evaluates emerging technologies and industry trends, assessing their potential value and recommending data-driven, strategic initiatives to strengthen the organization’s competitive edge.

• Application Management – responsible for end-to-end operation’s technology solutions

• Operational Support and Adoption: Serve as the primary point of contact for Purchasing, Supply Chain and Operations teams, providing comprehensive support and fostering seamless adoption of IT solutions to improve efficiency and productivity. Guide cross-functional teams in maximizing the value of IT solutions through training, communication, and hands-on collaboration.

• System Performance and Reliability: Ensure stable and reliable IT systems under their responsibility by continuously monitoring performance, conducting root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions to resolve issues proactively. Maintain a high level of data accuracy and system functionality to meet business and operational needs.

• Global Project Engagement: Actively participate in global initiatives affecting Operations, ensuring alignment between regional needs and group-level IT systems. Identify opportunities to leverage and customize existing global IT solutions for regional implementation while ensuring business continuity.

• Project Portfolio Management: Oversee a comprehensive portfolio of IT and operations projects, ensuring alignment with organizational governance processes and strategic objectives. Evaluate project priorities, perform risk assessments, and deliver results in line with deadlines.

• Implementation and Maintenance of IT Solutions: Lead the full lifecycle of IT solution implementation, including planning, configuration, and ongoing maintenance, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget. Collaborate with stakeholders to continuously enhance system capabilities and address emerging business needs.

• Vendor Performance and Relationship Management:

• Oversee vendor relationships by managing performance, monitoring service-level agreements (SLAs), and ensuring partners consistently deliver on contractual obligations.

• Lead contract negotiations with vendors to secure favorable terms, balancing cost efficiency with the need for high-quality IT solutions and services.

• Act as the primary point of escalation for vendor-related issues, driving swift resolution to minimize disruptions to operations.

Qualifications and SkillsEducation

• Bachelor's degree in IT, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management or a related field. A master's degree is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 8 years IT leadership experience with a focus on Purchasing and Supply Chain systems for Manufacturing or CPG industry.

• Demonstrated experience implementing ERP and Supply Chain planning solutions (SAP strongly preferred);

• Demonstrated experience overseeing a comprehensive portfolio of IT and operations projects, ensuring alignment with organizational governance processes and corporate strategic objectives.

• Experience leading full lifecycle of IT solution implementation, including planning, configuration, and ongoing maintenance, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.

• Demonstrated experience in project leadership, project management, and vendor management.

Skills

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and make data-driven decisions.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills and ability collaborate effectively across various levels within the organization.

• Demonstrates effective listening skills; regularly handles difficult customers or situations effectively requiring sensitivity and diplomacy.

• Ability to understand business processes and challenge users when appropriate.

• Ability to design and implement end-to-end solutions, including both technical and functional expertise to get the job done.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams as well as IT resources.

• Ability to work independently with only general direction; appropriately keeps management informed of relevant issues.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able work in normal office conditions for a minimum of 8 hours per day.

• Must be able to travel intermittently via airplane within the U.S. and internationally.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed largely in a hybrid office environment (2-3 days/week in office). Hours of work will generally be during regular business hours with at least 40 hours a week. At times there will be some variation in work hours due to special projects, deadlines and other business needs.

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Travel Expectations: 15-25%

Acknowledgement

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employee assigned to this position. It does not state or imply that these are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to the job. The employee may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by manager and/or organization. All requirements are subject to change over time and to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.

Total Rewards

• Base Salary: $170,000 – $180,000

• Bonus Opportunity: 23%

• PTO and Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits from Day 1

• 401k Match

• Hybrid work schedule in Chicago