POSITION SUMMARY



The Manager, Lawson Applications is responsible for the firm's implementation and support of Lawson software. The Manager maintains and manages the application throughout its lifecycle, focused on meeting or exceeding the firm's service level agreements ( SLAs ) for all Lawson-based applications. This includes managing all related vendor relationships for service, support, and licensing. Additionally, the Manager coordinates with all other relevant areas of the Information Technology ( IT ) department, including Relationship Management, Operations, Development, Project Manager ( PMO ), etc., to ensure the highest levels of customer satisfaction for their applications. It is expected that the Manager looks closely at the Lawson user community to help drive both strategy and operations accordingly. Finally, the Manager works closely with IT Governance to provide vision and leadership in support of a broad firm technology strategy and architecture. This position reports to the Director of Applications Development and Management ( ADM ) and is based in Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181.



ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

-Ensure proper application monitoring to maintain expected performance and availability ( as defined in customer SLAs ).

-Provide leadership and act as the single point of ownership to address any application outages or issues as they occur, communicating effectively with other IT groups as appropriate.

-Provide functional expertise to support continued improvement and usage of applications.

-Evaluate current support and operations procedures and continually look for ways to improve overall customer satisfaction.

-Identify and build Lawson education and training strategy and execution, in coordination with the IT Human Resources ( HR ) Relationship Manager.

-Coordinate all systems maintenance and new applications development through standard IT Change Management and PM methodologies.

-Coordinate resource scheduling for any project work in conjunction with assigned project managers and through normal PMO practices.

-Ensure consistent application of standard IT development methodologies and best practices, and contribute to the consistent refinement and improvements to the same.

-Report application health and status to IT Leadership via regular updates and status meetings.

-Develop and execute against a Lawson strategy that is aligned with ADM and firm IT visions.

-Develop a thorough understanding of the firm's HR systems and needs.

-Define and manage the entire Lawson application lifecycle.

-Manage all relevant vendor relationships in support of the Lawson applications strategy.

-Develop and maintain appropriate service level agreements.

-Review HR applications capabilities and identify process fits and gaps as per the firm's business requirements.

-Coordinate activities with the Enterprise Architecture team to ensure alignment of strategy and planning.

-Provide mentoring and technical guidance to Lawson team.

-Manage Lawson staff and budget.

-Participate with other ADM division managers in developing a world class IT organization.

-Adhere to the highest degree of professional standards and strict confidentiality in matters that required discretion.

-Attend professional development and training sessions on a regular basis.

-Perform other job-related duties as necessary.
Experience: QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

-Bachelor's degree in Information Systems. MBA preferred.

-8-10 years in overall IT experience.

-5-8 years in overall Lawson experience preferred.

-3 + years in IT technology management.

-3+ years in a similar position in the areas of people, process, technology and project management.

-Experience with Lawson HR, Benefits, Payroll, Procurement self-service product lines required. Most recent experience with version 8.0.3 required. Version 9.0 experience preferred.

-Project Management experience or exposure to at least one development methodology.

-Proven project management capabilities; led at least five successful projects.

-Lawson implementation experience with at least four successful implementations.

-Must be experienced in all areas of the Software Development Lifecycle.

-Excellent analytical and problem solving skills.

-Must be able to deliver in an environment of competing priorities and changing project scope.

-Proven effectiveness as a creative problem solver; ability to challenge conventional approaches and 'think outside the box'.

-Experience in assessing business needs and selecting the right analytic approach for the problem at hand.

-Team oriented with a track record of excellence in internal and external customer service.

-Must be able to think big picture and tie it to day-to-day work.

-Excellent customer service and verbal and written communications skills.

-Good time management skills, i.e. the ability to take on and prioritize several tasks.

-Good interpersonal skills and a high level of professionalism.

-Ability to work additional hours as needed.

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