Director, Enterprise Applications

The Director, Enterprise Applications oversees the operation and strategic planning of the applications department and ensures its enterprise applications and distinct software packages align with the business objectives. This individual’s principal goals are to provide leadership in the design, definition and enterprise-wide use of the applications that support business units, enhance the effectiveness of the ERP and supported applications, and align resources to meet the Information Technology goals. The Director, Enterprise Applications will work closely with decision makers to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support cost-effective technology solutions. This individual is also responsible for supporting and assisting in the integration of existing and new applications in support of IT’s business objectives. The candidate will oversee the applications teams and is a key participant in the development of the IT Strategic Plan.

Why Lifeway?

This is a place where you can bring your faith and work experience to join in the most important mission in the world: making disciples of Jesus Christ. Whether you’re a creator or storyteller, data guru or problem-solver, or anywhere in between, if you’re passionate about serving the church, we have a place for you. Lifeway has a strong Work from Anywhere (WFA) culture that is deeply focused on our mission and values. While headquartered in Nashville, TN, many of our positions are remote-eligible and have autonomy and flexibility with work hours. We provide equipment and resources to ensure team members have access to a productive and ergonomic workspace. Lifeway hosts all-team meetings several times per year and provides travel for key team gatherings for remote-based team members. Full-time employees are eligible for enrollment in our comprehensive benefits plans including healthcare, vacation and sick time, holiday pay, care days, 401(k) plan, maternity and paternity leave, adoption assistance, mission trip time, and more.

This is a remote position in the U.S with occasional travel to Nashville for in-person meetings and team gatherings. #LI-Remote 

Learn more about our culture at team.lifeway.com/culture-code

• Responsible for the design, build, implementation and maintenance of several ERP modules and mega processes, as well as, Inventory Management and Warehouse Management interacting with multiple stakeholders across the organization and vendor partners 

• Manages and provides direction for the application team in support of business operations
• Evaluates new applications, systems software, products, and/or enhancements to existing applications throughout the enterprise
• Creates data standards and data strategy for the business, brings data to life to assist in efforts to become a data-driven culture 
• Manages the ERP platform, WMS, TMS and other enterprise solutions to ensure applications are meeting business needs

• Identifies opportunities to maximize value of ERP investment, and creates plans to implement suggested improvements 
• Creates end-user support strategy for ERP platform and other enterprise applications. This includes developing the support model, training users, creating support documentation, and continuing self-help solutions
• Oversees the application development team to effectively develop business applications
• Manages application / data support function to solve ongoing user issues and facilitate training for both onboarding and continued adoption
• Manages data integrations between applications

• Develops business use cases for potential enterprise applications that solve business issues
• Analyzes complex business needs presented by the user community and/or clients and recommends technical solutions to meet those needs and is aligned with the overall strategic vision
• Stays on the forefront of technology advancements within the publishing industry and networks within the user community for software applications by reading, journals and other pertinent publications, maintaining contact with vendors, and participating in professional organizations, meetings and seminars 
• Proactively leads efforts to evaluate, select, and implement new technologies to enhance application portfolio. 

• Aligns with Operations and Finance Leaders to drive technology initiatives by overseeing the selection, implementation, and adoption of each application
• Provides oversight of application releases and implements effective project control by monitoring the progress of the software release 
• Directs and prioritizes the workload of application teams
• Participates on all hardware and software evaluations and maintains vendor relationships and contracts

• Collaborates with analysts, designers, and system owners in the testing of new software programs and applications
• Ensures that any new software integration into company systems meets functional requirements, system compliance, and interface specifications

• Coordinates feasibility studies for software and system products under consideration for purchase, and give advice based on findings
• Contributes to pre-testing phase of development by evaluating proposals in order to identify potential problem areas, and make the appropriate recommendations

• Liaises with company’s software suppliers for prompt rectification of any problems or emergencies
• Liaises with network administrators and software engineers to assist with quality assurance, program logic, and data processing

• B.S. or B.A. degree in Business Administration, Management Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering or related field 

• 8+ years of direct people leadership experience including managing ERP teams  
• 8+ years of ERP experience, with specific experience in Finance, Payroll, HR, Maintenance and Asset management 
• ERP full cycle implementation required (Workday, SAP, Oracle, or other ERP systems)
• In depth knowledge on ERP mega-processes 
• Exceptional understanding of ERP functionality, data, and integration capabilities, including extending functionality outside the core product 

• Experienced in both Agile and waterfall delivery execution methodologies 
• Outstanding listening, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including presentation skills 
• Excellent analytical, mathematical, and creative problem-solving skills
• Ability to exercise independent judgement and take action on it
• Experienced with designing, implementing and maintaining SharePoint environments 

• Fundamental understanding of web-based systems programming and development 
• Exceptional project leadership abilities  
• Proficient with MS Project or similar software and MS Office applications 
• Demonstrated experience in leading cross-functional project teams 
• Ability to adjust and set priorities to meet deadlines, effectively prioritizing and executing tasks while under pressure 

• Strong customer service orientation, including the ability to work effectively in a professional manner with technology staff, business stakeholders, end users, management and others outside the organization 
• Experience estimating project costs  
• Ability to travel in approximately once/month

 Preferred Qualifications: 

• MBA, Finance concentration preferred
• Experience with process improvement projects 
• PMP certification