IT Corporate Applications Manager - Hybrid

Kforce Inc; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Kforce Inc. in Chicago, IL, seeks an IT Corporate Applications Manager for a hybrid role.

You will lead the implementation, enhancement, integration, and ongoing support of enterprise applications with a strong focus on COTS platforms and packaged software solutions. You will oversee the full lifecycle—from requirements and evaluation through deployment, upgrades and maintenance—while partnering with stakeholders to translate needs into scalable technology solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with 7–10 years of experience in enterprise applications.
• Experience implementing and supporting COTS applications and third-party platforms.
• Proven ability to manage the full application lifecycle from requirements to support.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation, enhancement, integration, and ongoing support of enterprise business applications.
• Oversee the full application lifecycle including requirements, evaluation, deployment, and maintenance.
• Partner with business and IT stakeholders to translate needs into scalable solutions.
• Lead projects involving COTS products, vendor platforms, and integrated systems.
• Evaluate existing applications to identify modernization, automation, and efficiency opportunities.
• Manage integrations across the enterprise technology environment.
• Provide leadership to development and support teams, mentoring and prioritizing work.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems

Tools

COTS platforms

Packaged software

Third-party platforms

Job description

Responsibilities

Kforce has a client in need of an IT Corporate applications Manager for a hybrid role in Chicago, IL.

• Lead the implementation, enhancement, integration, and ongoing support of enterprise business applications, with a strong focus on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) platforms and packaged software solutions
• Oversee the full application lifecycle, including requirements gathering, solution evaluation, implementation, configuration, testing, deployment, upgrades, maintenance, and support
• Partner with business and IT stakeholders to understand operational needs and translate them into scalable application solutions
• Lead application implementation projects involving COTS products, third-party platforms, vendor-supported systems, and internally integrated solutions
• Evaluate existing business applications and processes to identify opportunities for system improvements, modernization, automation, and increased efficiency
• Manage application integrations and dependencies across the broader enterprise technology environment
• Provide technical and functional leadership to application development and support teams, including mentoring, prioritizing work, and allocating resources
• Establish project priorities and coordinate multiple application initiatives based on business objectives, technical requirements, and available resources
• Develop and maintain system requirements, functional specifications, testing plans, implementation documentation, support procedures, and training materials
• Lead system testing, troubleshooting, and issue resolution to ensure applications meet business, performance, integration, and quality requirements
• Manage relationships with software vendors and implementation partners, including product evaluations, implementations, upgrades, technical support, and issue escalation
• Coordinate internal and external resources throughout application implementations and major system changes

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• 7-10 years of experience supporting, implementing, or managing enterprise business applications and application systems
• Strong experience implementing and supporting COTS applications, packaged software, and third-party enterprise platforms
• Demonstrated experience managing the complete application implementation lifecycle, from requirements and solution evaluation through deployment and ongoing support
• Strong understanding of business application architecture, systems integration, configuration, testing, troubleshooting, and application lifecycle management
• Experience working directly with software vendors, implementation partners, and third-party technical resources
• Experience leading technical teams and providing direction, mentoring, and professional development
• Strong project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple application implementations and priorities simultaneously
• Ability to translate complex business requirements into practical technology solutions
• Experience partnering with stakeholders across multiple business functions; exposure to Finance applications or processes is beneficial
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively across technical and business teams
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to think strategically while maintaining hands‑on oversight of application implementations, upgrades, integrations, and support activities

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.