ABOUT THE ROLE: K2 Recruit is representing a dynamic, values-driven, growth-focused organisation within the retail space that is seeking an experienced Applications Manager to lead and manage its core business applications landscape.

The Applications Manager will be responsible for the stability, scalability, performance, and strategic alignment of all key business applications. This role plays a critical part in delivering customer-centric, innovative software solutions that drive operational efficiency, digital transformation, and measurable business value across the organisation.

The successful candidate will oversee the architecture, development, enhancement, rollout, and ongoing maintenance of core applications, while ensuring seamless integrations across systems and platforms. Working closely with business stakeholders, the Applications Manager will translate business requirements into scalable, user-focused technology solutions and manage the end-to-end delivery of application initiatives using Agile and Scrum methodologies.

This role also contributes at a governance level, supporting technology strategy, prioritisation, and continuous improvement across the applications portfolio.

KEY ATTRIBUTES & COMPETENCIES

· Innovation & Exploration: Conceptualises ideas, applies creative thinking, and explores opportunities to deliver meaningful technology solutions.

· Stakeholder Focus: Engages openly with stakeholders, collaborates across functions, and balances business needs with technical delivery.

· Insight & Problem Solving: Analyses complex information, identifies key issues, and delivers well-considered, logical solutions.

· Relationship Building: Builds strong, trusted relationships and creates an environment of openness and collaboration.

· Delivery & Productivity: Maintains focus on output, applies structured planning, and drives initiatives to successful completion.

· Team Leadership: Encourages teamwork, collaboration, and shared ownership of outcomes.

· Composure & Resilience: Maintains calm and effectiveness under pressure while sustaining energy and momentum.

· Analytical Thinking: Applies rigorous analysis, attention to detail, and ethical standards when working with data and systems.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Own and oversee core business application roadmaps, performance, integrity, and system availability

· Ensure optimal application performance and reduce recurring application-related incidents and ticket volumes

· Drive business value through innovation, automation, and digital transformation initiatives

· Manage the end-to-end delivery of application projects using Agile and Scrum methodologies

· Collaborate with Infrastructure and Cloud teams to enable unified and automated change management frameworks

· Lead, mentor, and coach direct reports to achieve operational excellence and professional growth

· Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and innovation

· Embed user and stakeholder feedback into product backlogs and development cycles

· Identify opportunities, conceptualise solutions, and implement innovative improvements

· Analyse operational performance metrics and design process and system optimisations

· Contribute to product and application development strategies that enhance competitive differentiation

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & REQUIREMENTS

· National Senior Certificate (Grade 12)

· Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Business Administration

· Project Management (PMP) and Agile/Scrum certifications (CSM or CSPO)

· ITIL v4 Foundation certification

· COBIT certification (advantageous)

· Minimum 7–10 years’ direct people and/or team management experience

· 10–15 years’ experience managing business applications and software development environments

· 5–7 years’ experience implementing and optimising core business systems (ERP, CRM, Mobile Applications, etc.)

· Strong exposure to Agile delivery, DevOps practices, and vendor management

· Solid expertise in Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) management

· ERP and enterprise systems experience (e.g., Odoo, SAP, or similar platforms)

· Understanding of integration architecture and API design

· Knowledge of Quality Assurance, CI/CD pipelines, and continuous delivery practices

· Strong strategic, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities

· Experience in business process mapping, optimisation, and re-engineering

· Proven ability to manage vendors and external technology partners

· Willingness to travel as required

· Availability for after-hours support or standby when necessar