Overview of the Role
The Senior Manager- ERP, Applications and Data, reporting to the Global Director of Information Technology, is the primary IT leader accountable for The Lighting Groups corporate and enterprise application landscape. This role will define and execute the strategy for enterprise applications, data platforms, integrations, and platform support across a global manufacturing environment. The Senior Manager will lead a small core team (Applications Sr. Analyst and Data & Reporting Sr. Analyst) and act as a key partner to divisional IT and corporate functions to ensure The Lighting Group's application and data solutions are robust, scalable, and aligned with business objectives.
Company Background
The Lighting Group is a recognized leader in automotive lighting, serving numerous customers globally. We are committed to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and lead the global IT strategy for enterprise applications, data platforms, and integrations in alignment with The Lighting Groups business and digital roadmap.
- Own the overall governance, lifecycle management, and roadmap for The Lighting Groups application portfolio, including SaaS solutions (for example OneStream, Kyriba, Dayforce, supply chain and sales solutions), ERP systems (SAP S/4HANA, Infor Trans4M Automotive ERP), MES, middleware integrations (EDI and WebEDI) and future data platforms.
- Establish standards and best practices for application architecture, configuration, integration, security, and support.
- Lead the selection, implementation, and evolution of a global data warehousing and analytics platform, ensuring it supports reliable, governed, and timely data for decision making.
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with divisional IT, Finance, HR, Operations/Manufacturing Commercial, and other corporate functions to ensure IT solutions meet operational and strategic needs.
- Manage relationships with key technology vendors, SaaS providers, and managed service providers (MSPs); negotiate and oversee contracts, service levels, and performance.
- Develop and lead the Applications Sr. Analyst and Data & Reporting Sr. Analyst, providing direction, coaching, and support to ensure high performance and engagement.
- Ensure effective integration and utilization of Microsoft Azure and Office 365 platforms to support collaboration, security, and application delivery.
- Oversee incident, change, and release management processes for enterprise applications to maintain stability while enabling continuous improvement.
- Contribute to IT budgeting and cost optimization for applications, data platforms, and related services.
Required Qualifications
- Typically requires 10+ years of progressive experience in IT applications, ERP, and/or data platform leadership within complex, global organizations.
- Proven experience owning and directing enterprise application landscapes, including ERP and SaaS solutions.
- Hands-on leadership with SAP S/4HANA and/or Infor Trans4M or similar automotive manufacturing ERP platforms.
- Demonstrated experience designing and implementing strategies for data platforms, data warehousing, and integrations in a cloud context.
- Strong background working with Microsoft Azure and Office 365 in an enterprise environment.
- Proven ability to build strong partnerships with business stakeholders and divisional IT teams across multiple countries.
- Experience managing vendors and MSPs, including contract negotiations and SLA and KPI management.
- Demonstrated people leadership experience, including building, coaching, and developing high performing IT teams.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire.
Desired Skills
- Experience in the automotive or manufacturing sector, ideally within a multi-plant, multi-country footprint.
- Knowledge of Azure-based data platforms (such as Azure Fabric, Azure Synapse, Databricks) and modern integration architectures (APIs, iPaaS, and similar).
- Familiarity with corporate performance management and treasury tools such as OneStream and Kyriba.
- Strong strategic thinking with the ability to translate business needs into practical technology roadmaps.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including at executive level.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast moving, global, and matrixed environment.
Equal Employment Opportunity
- The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable law.
Call-To-Action
- If you are ready to steer your career towards new horizons with the Lighting Group, we encourage you to bring your expertise onboard. Join us in shaping the future of automotive lighting solutions, your leadership can make a difference!
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Novi, MI 48375
