IFS Business Application Lead

IFS Business Applications Lead – Job Specification

Job Title

IFS Business Applications Lead

Department

Information Technology / Enterprise Applications

Reports To

Head of Business Systems / IT Director

Direct Reports

IFS Functional Analysts, Application Support Analysts, Integration Developers (as applicable)

Job Purpose

The IFS Business Applications Lead is responsible for the strategic ownership, governance, development, and support of the organisation’s IFS platform (such as IFS Cloud or IFS Applications). The role ensures that the IFS ecosystem supports business operations effectively across key functions including finance, supply chain, manufacturing, asset management, and service management.

The role bridges the gap between business stakeholders and technical teams, ensuring the platform evolves to meet organisational needs, delivers operational efficiency, and aligns with the broader enterprise technology strategy.

Key Responsibilities

IFS Platform Ownership

  • Provide overall ownership and strategic direction for the organisation’s IFS platform including configuration, enhancements, integrations, and upgrades.

  • Define and maintain the application architecture and roadmap for IFS aligned with business and IT strategy.

  • Ensure the system supports business processes across functions such as finance, procurement, supply chain, manufacturing, and field service.

  • Lead system upgrades, patching, and platform migrations (e.g., transition to IFS Cloud where applicable).

Business Engagement and Stakeholder Management

  • Act as the primary point of contact between IT and business stakeholders for all IFS-related matters.

  • Facilitate workshops to gather and translate business requirements into technical solutions.

  • Build strong relationships with department leaders to ensure the platform supports operational goals.

  • Prioritise system improvements and enhancements in collaboration with business leadership.

Application Delivery and Implementation

  • Lead the design, configuration, and deployment of new IFS modules, enhancements, and integrations.

  • Oversee system development lifecycle processes including requirements, design, testing, release management, and post-implementation support.

  • Ensure best practices are followed for system configuration, customisation, and integration with other enterprise systems.

  • Manage system change requests and ensure alignment with governance and release processes.

Governance, Security and Compliance

  • Establish and maintain governance frameworks for application change management and system development.

  • Ensure system security, data integrity, and compliance with organisational policies and regulatory requirements.

  • Define and manage role-based access controls and data governance standards.

  • Monitor system performance and ensure operational stability.

Team Leadership and Development

  • Lead and mentor the IFS applications team including analysts, developers, and support specialists.

  • Define team priorities and ensure delivery against agreed service levels and project timelines.

  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional development within the team.

  • Coordinate with external consultants, implementation partners, and vendors when required.

Continuous Improvement and Innovation

  • Identify opportunities to improve business efficiency through system optimisation, automation, and digital transformation.

  • Evaluate new capabilities within the IFS platform and related technologies.

  • Promote the adoption of best practices and ensure the organisation maximises the value of its IFS investment.

  • Support long-term system scalability and innovation initiatives.

Key Skills and Experience

Essential

  • Extensive experience working with IFS Applications or IFS Cloud.

  • Strong understanding of ERP systems and enterprise application landscapes.

  • Proven experience leading ERP implementations or major system enhancements.

  • Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

  • Experience managing cross-functional IT or applications teams.

  • Strong understanding of business processes across finance, supply chain, manufacturing, or service operations.

  • Experience with system integrations, data management, and reporting tools.

Desirable

  • Experience delivering ERP transformation or cloud migration projects.

  • Knowledge of IFS modules such as Finance, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Asset Management, or Service Management.

  • Familiarity with integration technologies, APIs, and middleware platforms.

  • Experience working with Agile or hybrid project delivery methodologies.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Business Systems, or a related discipline.

  • Relevant ERP or IFS certifications are advantageous.

  • Project management certifications (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP, Agile) are desirable.

Competencies

  • Strategic thinking and systems leadership

  • Stakeholder engagement and influence

  • Problem solving and analytical thinking

  • Strong communication and facilitation skills

  • Change management and organisational awareness

  • Team leadership and mentoring

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

  • System uptime and performance of the IFS platform

  • Delivery of ERP projects and enhancements on time and within scope

  • User adoption and satisfaction with business applications

  • Reduction in manual processes through system optimisation

  • Compliance with governance and security standards

 

Jaay Marolia

IFS Recruitment Specialist - Contract
Ref:
48355

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