Manager IT Application Operations

CareerArc; Katy (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Academy Sports + Outdoors in Katy, TX is seeking a Manager IT Application Operations to lead enterprise application support teams and oversee mission-critical systems across WMS, TMS, and LMS. You will ensure high availability of distribution center interfaces and drive observability roadmaps while coordinating with PMO and product teams.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, 8+ years in retail IT management, and proven leadership of contractors and MSPs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent years of related work experience.
• 8+ years of related management experience in the retail IT field.
• Experience leading contractors and managed service providers.
• Experience supporting enterprise-scale applications across multiple business domains.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership across assigned enterprise application support teams and platforms.
• Manage the application lifecycle for Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), and Labor Management Systems (LMS).
• Oversee the IT interface with automated Material Handling Equipment (conveyors, sorters, robotics, and ASRS). Ensure high availability for mission-critical distribution center hardware/software interfaces.
• Maintain the 'source of truth' for inventory data as it moves through the supply chain into Merchandising and Store systems.
• Maintains smooth and efficient operation of assigned departments.
• Responsible for service reliability, cross-functional incident/problem/change governance.
• Own execution of IT General Controls (ITGC) for assigned application portfolios; lead quarterly access reviews and ensure Segregation of Duties (SoD) is maintained.
• Own MSP/SaaS vendor scorecards, QBRs, penalties/incentives, and remediation plans; ensure RCAs and SLAs are contractually upheld.

Skills

Leadership

Vendor management

IT operations

On-call support

Observability

SOX compliance

Budgeting

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Splunk

Dynatrace

Grafana

ServiceNow

Job description

Manager IT Application Operations Job Listing at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Katy, TX (Job ID R334083)

At Academy Sports + Outdoors our vision is to be the best sports + outdoors retailer in the country — but what truly sets us apart is our people. We're a passionate, purpose-driven team that's as committed to each other as we are to our customers.

We've spent over 80 years building a culture that puts people first. We believe in creating opportunities for growth, fostering meaningful connections, and supporting every Team Member's journey. What fuels us? Our belief in the power of fun.

Here, you won't just help customers gear up for their next adventure — you'll launch one of your own. Whether you're starting out or leveling up, Academy is a place where fun can't lose!

Education:

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study or equivalent years of related work experience required.

Work Experiences:

At least 8 years of related management experience in the retail industry IT field.

Prior people leadership experience, including management of employees, contractors, and/or managed service providers

Experience supporting enterprise‑scale applications across one or more business domains (e.g., Supply Chain, Retail Operations, Finance, Digital, Corporate Systems)

Skills:

Possess the capability to manage direct reports who may be contractors as well as employees in a managed services environment

Experience managing a technical staff with a variety of technical skills, administering and supporting a portfolio of enterprise applications and systems

Experience managing a technical team providing 24/7 on-call support

Experience supporting enterprise application platforms across one or more business domains, with oversight to related support towers such as Stores, BI/Reporting, Financials, or Digital as required.

Experience in building and maintaining a comprehensive Application Catalog of applications and business customers

Working knowledge of the latest technological trends, including observability, automation, and AI.

Coordinate with project managers, business analysts, development managers, and the Infrastructure teams on new application projects, and ensure application and database performance and stability

Provide regular and proactive communication to senior IT management on project status, potential risks, concerns, team successes and challenges, as well as the progress of individual performance

Maintain current knowledge on new IT tools, hardware, software, and technology, and make recommendations to meet current and future business challenges

Must possess excellent customer service, inter-personal, leadership, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills

Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and ensure Business SLA's and project deadlines are met

Experience in product-based IT Operations and SRE principles is a plus

Acceptable level of hearing and vision to perform job duties

Communication - effective listening, speaking, and writing

Responsibilities:

Provide leadership across assigned enterprise application support teams and platforms

Manage the application lifecycle for Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), and Labor Management Systems (LMS)

Oversee the IT interface with automated Material Handling Equipment (conveyors, sorters, robotics, and ASRS). Ensure high availability for mission-critical distribution center hardware/software interfaces

Maintain the "source of truth" for inventory data as it moves through the supply chain into Merchandising and Store systems

Maintains smooth and efficient operation of assigned departments

Responsible for service reliability, cross-functional incident/problem/change governance

Performs general managerial duties, including hiring, training, coaching, reviewing, performance, compensation, and termination for regular and contract associates as applicable

Able to enumerate and assign tasks to staff and establish metrics to assess performance

Mentor team members to ensure continuous learning and engagement, maximizing individual talents and strengths where they serve the team(s) best, and report on these to management

Own execution of IT General Controls (ITGC) for assigned application portfolios; lead quarterly access reviews and ensure Segregation of Duties (SoD) is maintained

Maintain internal control documentation, effectively perform assigned internal controls, remediate internal control exceptions, and respond to internal and external audit requests

Ensure adherence to all Academy standards and policies and effectively maintain SOX, PCI, ISO, and other compliance standards where assigned

Define and manage observability roadmaps (logs/metrics/traces, AIOps); drive alert hygiene and signal-to-noise across Splunk/Dynatrace/Grafana.

Define and manage self-healing and diagnostics automation; quantify value (hours saved, incidents avoided, risk reduced).

Own DR/BCP readiness for critical apps; validate playbooks, RTO/RPO targets, and periodic exercises in partnership with the DR team.

Supports the corporate goal of Academy – For All, For Less

Continuous reviews and, when necessary, realigns department strategies to fit the changing business needs of the company

Guards against the installation of any technology that does not have a direct business benefit associated with it

Own MSP/SaaS vendor scorecards, QBRs, penalties/incentives, and remediation plans; ensure RCAs and SLAs are contractually upheld.

Manage OpEx budgets, forecasts, and cost-to-serve; optimize onsite/offshore mix and licensing/observability spend.

Represent service posture to executives and business leaders; publish simple, actionable health reports and narratives.

Translate business priorities into operational plans; align intake/prioritization with the Product team and PMO.

Required to learn company policies, procedures, and safety rules

Duties may change, and associates may be required to perform other duties as assigned

Physical Requirements & Attendance

Acceptable level of hearing and vision to perform job duties

Adhere to company work hours, policies, procedures, and rules governing professional staff behavior

Regular in-office attendance is required

Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate with regard to employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law.