IT Manager, Applications and Process Improvement
Highly competitive salary, bonus, pension, healthcare, company car scheme, additional benefits
Company and Job Description
We have been retained to work with one of our most impressive clients, who require an experienced IT Manager, with applications and business process improvement experience, to join their organisation in Belgium. As one of the most respected medical device organisations in the world, this is a rare opportunity to develop your career in applications development within the medical device sector. This fast growing and very successful organisation is able to provide true accountability and diverse range of responsibility. There is a high level of visibility in this role and you will be working in a challenging and rapidly changing environment.
Continuous improvement is in the DNA of this organisation, therefore all employees are expected to contribute to CI innovation. There is a genuine eagerness to improve, finding faster, better, more cost effective ways to work. The company has a very pragmatic approach to business, within the fixed regulatory parameters the a medical device company must operate within. You will need to be customer orientated and driven to meet functional requirements, whilst maintaining a clear understanding of company objectives. There is a level of openness and transparency within this company that is both refreshing and inspiring. The commitment to meet both customer and patient requirements, in a cost effective and high quality manner is at the highest level.
Summary
As IT Manager, Applications and Process Improvement, you will be responsible for regional planning, coordinating and leading all activities related to the design, development and implementation of information systems and software applications. Applications will include ERP, data integration, web development and automation.
This highly visible and influential position will lead the maintenance, support and upgrade of existing systems and applications on an international basis, across multiple functions. The successful candidate will apply proven business, technology, communication, problem solving skills and best practice, to lead a diverse team in the design, development, deployment and continuous improvement of business critical information and software systems.
Responsibilities
Manage the design, development and deployment of new applications, systems and software and deliver continuous improvement of existing applications, on an international basis and across multiple functions within the organisation.
Tactical and overall operational responsibility for technical development team; define, monitor and continually improve the overall development plan and team performance, with particular emphasis on setting realistic deadlines and ensuring that they are met. Ensure the technical development team engage effectively across the business,
Recruit, develop, lead and improve the performance of the technical development team. Manage training plans in line with available resources. Manage and provide direction to the technical development team to improve the performance of business operations and customer service standards.
Ensure success in developing solutions across areas such as Global Healthcare Exchange (GHX), SharePoint/Dot Net development, MS Office/Outlook, distribution/supply chain and field applications, inventory controls and dashboards for sales teams to manage data, automation for approval processes, intranet tools, workflow improvement, e-commerce integration for customers linked to business process.
Lead the assessment and selection of individuals and organisations providing external development resources in a cost efficient way, delivering a high level of ROI.
Ensure development projects meet business requirements and goals, fulfil end-user requirements and identify and resolve systems issues.
Lead pre-testing phase of development by evaluating proposals in order to identify potential problem areas and make appropriate recommendations.
Collaborate with Analysts, Designers and functional leaders in the testing of new software programs and applications.
Increase accuracy and capability within functions, developing and implementing training programmes to increase understanding of new and existing systems and applications.
Act as a conduit between functional leaders and the technical development team to create requirements and translate them for the business, after defining functional specifications and the development of tools and applications.
Demonstrate to functional leaders what applications and software tools are already available across the organisation, how this will benefit functional and company performance and deliver a return on investment while keeping costs low.
Report to senior level leadership on how applications are providing a return on investment and the saving that are being delivered.
Liaise with Network Administrators and Software Engineers to assist with quality assurance and data program integrity and processing, identify and resolve program errors.
Ensure that development standards are kept up to date and that they are observed.
Maintain awareness of Data Protection legislation, Freedom of Information and other relevant legislation, and ensure that all legal requirements are complied with.
Pro-actively seek opportunities to improve and enhance the efficiency of the organisation through innovative and improved systems development.
Review and analyse existing applications’ efficiency and effectiveness and develop strategies to drive continuous improvement and maximum return on investment.
Design, develop and install enhancements and upgrades to systems and application software.
Research and make recommendations on software products and services that will offer genuine benefits, whilst maintaining a clear focus on cost and return on investment.
Coordinate feasibility studies for software and system products under consideration for purchase and provide advice based on findings.
Candidate Requirements
At least five years experience of leading an applications/technical development team, who have successfully designed, developed and implemented information systems and software applications on an international basis.
Recently worked in applications development within the medical device, pharmaceutical or other life science sector for at least three years.
Alternatively could be from a supplier organisation who offer consultancy or development services for applications solutions within the life science sector.
Successfully developed applications for multiple functions such as distribution, supply chain, field applications, sales and marketing on an international basis.
Driven change and successfully introduced new, effective ways of working, inspiring people in an organisation to accept change. Proven success in building strong relationships internationally and demonstrated empathy when working with different cultures.
Increased performance, accuracy, automation and capability within functions such as distribution, supply chain, field applications, sales and marketing on an international basis.
Developed e-commerce solutions and successfully integrated these solutions into business processes, resulting in increased customer service standards and business performance.
Successfully selected external development resources delivering a high level of ROI, whist ensuring efficient and effective control of specifications and costs.
Successfully delivered development projects that have met and/or exceeded business requirements and goals.
Will ideally have expertise in areas such as Global Healthcare Exchange (GHX), SharePoint/Dot Net development, MS Office/Outlook, distribution/supply chain and field applications, inventory controls and dashboards for sales teams to manage data, automation for approval processes, intranet tools, workflow improvement and e-commerce integration.
Successfully worked between functional leaders and applications/technical development teams to create requirements and translate them for the business.
Achieved high levels of quality, data program integrity and identified and resolve program errors in an accurate and timely manner.
Successfully improved the efficiency and effectiveness of existing applications and software systems and developed strategies to drive continuous improvement and maximum return on investment, in collaboration with functional leaders.
Education
Degree educated or equivalent
Six Sigma certification is desirable
Fluent English and ideally fluent Dutch and/or French
Personal Attributes
Demonstrated ability to solve problems and utilised analytical skills to do so.
Demonstrate ability to design, build, organise, lead and develop a team.
Project management and business reengineering initiatives.
Strong communication, interpersonal and report writing skills, attention to detail and ability to communicate complicated issues effectively.
Demonstrate ability to work across all levels of seniority within an organisation.
Excellent business management and developmental skills.
Ability to resolve conflicting situations and to challenge in a diplomatic manner.
Ability to focus on delivering results and solving problems.
High level of responsibility and accountability for their own work and that of their team.
Able to work under tight deadlines, multi-task and be flexible to cope with a constantly changing environment and priorities.
This is a rare opportunity to join a leading medical device organisation in a high visibility and accountability IT, applications and process improvement leadership role. Future career opportunities are extensive.
To apply for or learn more about this exciting role, please contact Sam Hassall at Wilson Alexander Ltd. on +44 (0)1753 850540, or alternatively send your CV to info@wilsonalexander.com .
Please quote reference SHAP-1111-MON in all correspondence.