IT Business Applications Manager (Perm)

ATS Client; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

BIOVAC, a leading sterile vaccine manufacturer in Africa, seeks an IT Business Applications Manager to steer the portfolio of business applications and ensure alignment with strategic goals. This permanent role requires a dynamic leader to oversee ERP, LIMS and QMS, while ensuring regulatory compliance.

You will drive project delivery, vendor management, and lifecycle processes from requirements through retirement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in IT, CS, or related field.
• 7–10 years in IT application management in pharma/healthcare.
• Experience in lifecycle management of ERP/LIMS/QMS.
• Proven project management experience.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements (FDA, GxP, data privacy).
• Knowledge of generative AI, data analytics, RPA, IDP, process mining.
• SAP experience including SAP HANA and SAP S/4HANA.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the company's application portfolio lifecycle from selection to retirement.
• Align applications with business strategies and optimize resource use.
• Lead application-related projects using PM methodologies.
• Manage ERP, LIMS, and QMS landscapes and integration points.
• Ensure lifecycle processes: requirements, design, development, testing, deployment, maintenance, retirement.
• Collaborate with vendors and ensure SLAs and compliance.
• Translate business needs into functional specs and measure performance.
• Communicate clearly with stakeholders and drive change management.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to the IT applications team.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Regulatory knowledge

AI & data analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/CS or related field

Tools

SAP HANA

SAP S/4HANA

LIMS

QMS

ITIL

Job description

About the job

IT Business Applications Manager (Perm) BIOVAC is one of the leading sterile vaccine manufacturers rooted in Africa, with our core purpose being to "protect life". We are looking to hire a dynamic, passionate, confident, proactive and meticulous Business Application Manager to join a goal-oriented team.

Qualifications Needed

Required

• Bachelors degree in information technology, Computer Science, or a related field.

Preferred

• SAP Certification, ITIL Certification, Project Management Certified (e.g. PRINCE2)

Necessary Experience & Industry Knowledge

• Proven experience 7-10 years in IT application management, preferably in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry.
• Strong technical knowledge of application lifecycle management, including application selection, implementation, maintenance, and retirement.
• Experience in managing complex application landscapes, including ERP systems, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and quality management systems (QMS).
• Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools. Demonstrated experience in leading application-related projects.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements in the pharmaceutical industry, such as FDA regulations, GxP guidelines, and data privacy regulations.
• Knowledge of generative AI, data analytics & science, RPA, IDP, process mining with proven track record of at least one such implementation.
• SAP experience, including SAP HANA and SAP S/4HANA.

Key Duties & Responsibilities of the Role

Core Technical Delivery

Application Portfolio Management

Manage the company's application portfolio, including the selection, implementation, maintenance, and retirement of applications. Align the application portfolio with business strategies and ensure optimal utilization of resources.

• Possess a strong understanding of various types of applications, including enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, customer relationship management (CRM) software, data management systems, and other industry-specific applications. Stay updated on emerging technologies and trends in application development and management.
• Project Management: Demonstrate proficient project management skills to effectively plan, execute, and deliver application-related projects. Utilize project management methodologies, tools, and techniques to ensure successful project outcomes within scope, budget, and timeline.
• Application Lifecycle Management: Understand the entire lifecycle of applications, including requirements gathering, design, development, testing, deployment, maintenance, and retirement. Apply best practices to effectively manage applications throughout their lifecycle.
• Business Acumen: Possess a strong understanding of the organization's business processes, objectives, and challenges. Align application strategies with business goals and identify opportunities for process improvement and automation.
• Vendor Management: Exhibit strong vendor management skills to effectively collaborate with application vendors and service providers. Evaluate vendor capabilities, negotiate contracts, ensure compliance with service level agreements (SLAs), and monitor vendor performance.
• Analytical Thinking: Apply analytical thinking to understand complex business requirements and translate them into functional specifications for application development and enhancement. Analyze data and metrics to measure application performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Problem-Solving: Demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills to troubleshoot application-related issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions. Use a systematic and logical approach to resolve technical and functional challenges.
• Communication: Possess strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively communicate with technical and non-technical stakeholders. Clearly articulate complex concepts, present recommendations, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Change Management: Implement effective change management processes for application-related changes. Assess the impact of changes, manage risks, communicate changes to end-users, and ensure smooth transitions.
• Leadership: Exhibit strong leadership skills to effectively lead and manage the IT application team. Provide guidance, support, and mentorship to team members, foster a collaborative work environment, and promote continuous learning and development.

Quality Assurance

Ensure that applications meet quality standards and adhere to regulatory requirements. Implement appropriate testing and validation processes to ensure the reliability, security, and usability of applications.

Disclaimer

Dear Applicant, we appreciate your interest in joining our organization. It is imperative for us that you understand how we handle your information. We are committed to ensuring the security and confidentiality of the information you provide. Your personal details will be collected for the sole purpose of the application process and will be used strictly for that purpose. By applying, you acknowledge and consent to the collection, use, and protection of your personal information in accordance with our privacy policy. If you have any inquiries or concerns, our Human Capital department is available to provide clarification. We look forward to reviewing your application.