IT MANAGER - Enterprise Applications

KRC Corporation•Bismarck, ND

About The Position

An IT Manager - Enterprise Applications plans, directs, and manages the core ERP and CRM systems (i.e., JD Edwards, UKG, and future back-office and CRM applications) teams across Knife River Corporation and its subsidiaries, encompassing system implementation projects, upgrades, and ongoing support efforts. This role is responsible for providing application and technical leadership to ensure information systems supporting ERP (JD Edwards), workforce management (UKG), and other future back-office applications align with the company's long-term strategic goals and objectives. Works closely with Knife River management, internal customers, and IT team members to formulate solutions that meet current and future operational needs. Provides leadership and coordination in the development, design, testing, training, and implementation of JD Edwards, UKG solutions, and other future back-office and CRM applications while managing IT programs and projects within defined budgets and timelines. Develops business cases for technology investments, evaluates business processes for efficiency improvements, and works with technology vendors to evaluate, implement, and support the appropriate tools for the business. Understanding of AI-SDLC and experience in AI development tools, automation, and analytics is a plus.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Data/Information Systems, or a related field — or equivalent combination of education and experience.
5+ years of experience in software package configuration, installation, integration, and maintenance.
3+ years of experience in software development and maintenance.
3+ years of supervisory or project management experience.
Demonstrated experience with ERP systems, particularly JD Edwards (JDE), or other major ERP and CRM systems, including planning, implementation, configuration, and ongoing application support.
Must be able to convey business and system principles in a clear and concise fashion, both verbally and through written documentation.
High level of initiative and autonomy; ability to work productively and efficiently with minimal supervision.
Must have good organizational, project management, and time management skills.
Proven analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical journals, contracts and financial reports.
Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
Effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
Experience in financial analysis of IT investments
Excellent interpersonal and communications skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with internal and external customers.
Understanding of and ability to maintain confidentiality of all company information.
Demonstrated leadership skills.
Negotiation skills.

Nice To Haves

Knowledgeable of relational databases such as Oracle or SQL Server, particularly as they relate to JD Edwards, as well as building APIs and interfaces.
Financial modeling for Return On Investment analysis.
Demonstrated experience with UKG Suite of applications
Able to evaluate and re-design business processes to improve efficiency through the use of technology.
Experience working with technology vendors and technology consultants, including JDE and UKG partners.
Experience negotiating software, hardware, and consulting contracts.
Knowledge on the use of AI to help with efficiently using and managing the ERP and UKG applications.
Demonstrated understanding of AI-SDLC and experience in AI development tools, automation, and analytics
Demonstrated understanding of data governance using Databricks or Snowflake is a plus.

Responsibilities

Leads the JD Edwards and UKG application teams, providing technical direction, mentorship, and day-to-day management to ensure effective delivery of application support and project work.
Manages the full lifecycle of JD Edwards and UKG initiatives, including planning, implementation, upgrades, testing, training, and post-go-live support.
Consults with department managers and operating companies to develop JD Edwards and UKG system solutions and implementation schedules consistent with organizational objectives.
Assists in the preparation and administration of the Company's information technology budget, procurement, and contract negotiations with JDE and UKG vendors and service providers to contribute to cost-effective operations.
Provides formal and informal management of Information Technology staff located at various operating companies to ensure consistent communication and implementation of IT strategy and the efficient utilization of JDE and UKG skills.
Provides training and education to Information Technology personnel to enhance their job performance and promote personal and professional growth within the company.
Responsible for IT general controls related to JD Edwards and UKG across KRC companies to ensure SOX compliance.
Ensures the accuracy and enforcement of IT policies, standards, and security measures related to JD Edwards and UKG to safeguard information resources.
Develops and communicates standards for use, operations, and security of JD Edwards and UKG applications in coordination with the Knife River technology group.
Monitors industry standards and emerging technologies related to ERP and workforce management.
Makes recommendations on available technologies and directs development and implementation efforts to ensure the company's ability to adopt new technologies quickly and efficiently.
Manages the implementation and support of JD Edwards and UKG.
Protects core business systems by implementing proper security levels and participating in testing the company's disaster recovery plan on an annual basis.
Serves on the Knife River due diligence team as the JD Edwards and UKG subject matter expert when researching new acquisitions.
Directs and manages Knife River and external Information Technology service providers for JDE and UKG support.
Defines the level of service and deliverables to be provided to Knife River Corporation and negotiates associated fees.
Support data democratization by helping build scalable data lake platforms using technologies such as Databricks or Snowflake.