Find & Apply For IT Project / Program Manager Jobs in Spring Grove, Illinois

Applications Manager - Manufacturing ERP Systems | Custom Applications | Manufacturing Technology Integration Position Summary We are looking for an experienced Applications Manager to lead the development, enhancement, integration, and ongoing support of enterprise business applications within a manufacturing setting in Spring Grove, IL. This role will primarily focus on ERP systems, custom software applications, and delivering technology solutions that enhance business processes and manufacturing performance. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in ERP application management, preferably with JD Edwards, as well as experience in custom software development and leading technical teams. Understanding manufacturing operations and how enterprise applications interact with operational technology (OT) systems and shop-floor technologies is crucial for success in this position. This role requires a mix of technical expertise, business acumen, and leadership skills to align software solutions with organizational goals, enhance operational efficiency, and support continuous improvement efforts. Key Responsibilities ERP & Enterprise Applications Take charge of managing, supporting, enhancing, and optimizing ERP and enterprise business applications, preferably JD Edwards. Collaborate with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, and other business departments to grasp operational needs and identify areas for application enhancements. Supervise ERP configurations, enhancements, integrations, upgrades, and ongoing application support. Assess existing applications and suggest solutions to improve functionality, efficiency, reliability, and user experience. Develop and maintain application roadmaps, prioritizing initiatives based on business requirements and operational impact. Ensure that business applications effectively support manufacturing processes, inventory management, production planning, and other critical functions. Custom Software Development & Application Integration Lead the development, upkeep, and enhancement of custom business applications using technologies like .NET, JavaScript, and related platforms. Oversee software development projects from requirements gathering and solution design to testing, implementation, and ongoing support. Provide technical guidance to developers and business systems analysts to ensure scalable, maintainable solutions aligned with business needs. Supervise integrations between ERP systems, custom applications, databases, and other enterprise technologies. Implement Agile development methodologies, including Scrum or Kanban, to boost software delivery and project execution. Identify opportunities to automate business processes, eliminate manual workflows, and enhance operational reporting and data accessibility. Set up software development standards and promote application quality, reliability, and continuous improvement. Manufacturing Technology & Systems Integration Apply a practical understanding of operational technology (OT) systems and applications utilized in manufacturing settings, such as MES, SCADA, PLC-connected systems, and industrial data collection tools. Comprehend how shop-floor technologies interact with ERP and enterprise applications to bolster production, scheduling, inventory, quality, and operational reporting. Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Automation, and IT teams to pinpoint areas for improved application integration and manufacturing data visibility. Support initiatives that link manufacturing information with business applications to enhance data accuracy, reporting, and decision-making. Translate manufacturing operational needs into feasible application improvements and software solutions. Act as a technical collaborator to manufacturing stakeholders without direct involvement in programming or maintaining industrial control systems. Team Leadership & Project Management Lead, mentor, and nurture a small team of application developers, business systems analysts, and other technical staff. Define clear performance expectations, development objectives, and project delivery accountability. Cultivate a collaborative, service-oriented culture centered on solving problems, fostering innovation, and driving continuous improvement. Handle multiple application projects, balancing priorities, resources, budgets, and delivery timelines. Work with business leaders to establish project priorities and ensure alignment with organizational objectives. Set up and monitor KPIs to evaluate application performance, system reliability, project execution, and business impact. Communicate project progress, risks, and recommendations to IT leadership and business stakeholders. Coordinate with external technology partners, software vendors, and consultants when necessary. Business Partnership & Continuous Improvement Cultivate strong relationships with business stakeholders to grasp challenges, needs, and improvement opportunities. Analyze business processes and propose technology solutions that enhance efficiency, productivity, and operational performance. Promote effective use of existing software applications through enhancements, user training, and adoption programs. Identify and prioritize opportunities to modernize applications, improve integrations, and streamline business processes. Support application troubleshooting, issue resolution, and root cause analysis to minimize disruptions. Stay updated on emerging technologies and assess their relevance in the manufacturing sector. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. 7+ years of progressive experience in ERP systems, business applications, software development, or application management. At least 3 years of experience managing technical teams. Prior experience in the manufacturing industry. Solid track record managing, supporting, implementing, or enhancing enterprise ERP applications. Experience overseeing custom software development and business application initiatives. Familiarity with software development technologies like .NET, JavaScript, or comparable platforms. Experience with enterprise application integrations, software implementation projects, and business process improvement. Understanding of operational technology systems and applications used in manufacturing, including MES, SCADA, PLC-connected equipment, or similar shop-floor technologies. Knowledge of how manufacturing systems interact with ERP and other enterprise applications. Familiarity with Agile software development methodologies, such as Scrum or Kanban. Strong leadership, communication, analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills. Ability to collaborate effectively with manufacturing operations, engineering, IT, and business leadership. Familiarity with manufacturing processes, production planning, inventory management, supply chain operations, and quality systems. Experience developing application roadmaps and managing software development backlogs. Exposure to Industry 4.0, manufacturing digital transformation, data analytics, or AI-enabled software development tools.