Application Strategy Manager

The Application Strategy Manager we are looking for, is responsible for managing the overall transformation and migration towards an effective and future proof application landscape in line with regional strategic business requirements.

Building up from scratch the capability to set up and realize application strategies, roadmaps, business cases and program delivery.He / she will professionalize our practices regarding architecture management, system development and project management.

Application roadmapping and delivery

Establish IT application strategies and migrations roadmaps in line with Group IT strategies
Manage the setup and realization of the IT project portfolio for applications, including required governance and decision-making
Direct / govern the architecture management execution and decision-making related to application development
Direct / govern the full life cycle of IT application projects, focusing on project business cases / plans, effective governance, funding and successful delivery, adhering to group IT policies
Manage local / regional business stakeholder relations and relevant governance meetings
Manage global business and IT stakeholder relations related to application strategies, roadmapping and delivery
Oversee / support adequate setup of new IT vendor contracts and SLA’s

Team & talent development

Manage and develop a team of IT Architects and IT Project Managers and ensure their engagement
Source external IT Project Managers and other IT specialists specific for IT projects or programs
Establish a network of preferred external partners / agencies for flexible resourcing of IT project resources

IT management & professionalizing

Participate in / drive key management processes related to business – IT alignment, IT strategies definition, annual planning, budgeting & forecasting, portfolio & resource management and organizational development across the regional team
Act as principle point of contact in Belgium and Luxemburg for strategic matters coming from local senior business stakeholders
Implement new capabilities and standardized practices / processes for application roadmapping, IT architecture management, portfolio & project management and system development according to best practice methodologies

Functie eisen

15+ years’ experience in IT management, at least 5 years’ experience in a similar role
In possession of University / Master’s degree or equivalent
Solid experience with application strategy, architecture, portfolio / project and system development management processes in line with the latest industry best practices, preferably in possession of associated training certificates
Broad conceptual knowledge and experience with all key IT ‘towers / stacks’, functionally as well as technically
Experience with establishing and maintaining proper IT delivery and management processes in an immature business and IT environment
Experience with people / team management, development and engagement
Experience with balancing local, regional and global needs, interests and priorities
Up to date with latest technology trends and innovations and their relevance in daily operations
Preferably experience in multiple business environments and sectors
Excellent communication skills in English, Dutch and French
Key soft skills: leader, influencer / negotiator, communicative, result & quality oriented, analytical / conceptual, persistent, team player, ‘ambiguity resolver’.

Aanbod

Location: Brussels;

Periodic travelling to other Benelux HQs (Rotterdam and Luxembourg);

Period: 3 – 6 months;

Fulltime.