Senior Manager, Information Technology

DENSO North America Enterprise Solutions Group is seeking a successor to the current Senior Manager

Information Technology position. This person will lead an application development and support team

consisting of approximately 40 members. The team consists of two managers and several technical product

owners who lead application development and support.

The Senior Manager leads strategic initiatives and operational excellence within the Enterprise Solutions

Group. This role is responsible for managing cross-functional teams, driving adoption of standard systems,

overseeing AOP (Annual Operating Plan) projects, maintaining budgets, and improving internal processes

to enhance service delivery and business alignment.

Leadership & Strategy

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to the Application Development and Support team primarily responsible for supply chain systems. Disciplines include but are not limited to RPG and Java development as well as database administration and project management.
• Align IT initiatives with business goals, ensuring technology supports organizational growth and efficiency. As applications and data are core to the entire operation, this position involves extensive cross-collaboration with other IT teams.
• Lead change management efforts related to current ERP system and other enterprise-level initiatives
• Lead steering committees with business leaders and executives both to understand needs and pain points as well as to inform them of IT initiatives and changes.
• Lead project management initiatives within the group and drive adoption with other IT teams.

Project & Portfolio Management

• Oversee planning, execution, and delivery of AOP projects, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and benefit tracking.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources, mitigating risks and resolving issues proactively. 
• Collaborate with stakeholders across departments to ensure successful project outcomes.

Process Improvement & Service Management 

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and service quality. 
• Define and maintain Service catalog items to streamline service delivery and user experience. 
• Monitor performance metrics and KPIs to drive continuous improvement. 
• Lead policy adoption and enforcement. 
• Responsible for audit compliance including JSOX.

Team Development & Collaboration 

• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and growth. Direct reports include technical product owners, project managers, scrum masters, data engineers, system architects and developers. These team members consist of associates, contractors, offshore resources and shared service agencies. Team members are in the US, Mexico and India supporting affiliates in the US, Mexico and Canada.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing across IT and business units including root cause analyses, corporate communication, outage management and overall IT leadership. 
• Conduct regular performance reviews and support team members’ career development initiatives. This includes managing G&O activities, talent evaluation and upskilling initiatives.

Technology & Innovation 

• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends to inform strategic decisions. 
• Champion the adoption of modern tools and platforms, including next-gen ERP systems. 
• Ensure compliance with IT governance, security policies, and regulatory requirements. 
• Lead team to deeper understanding and practical use of AI in development and process improvements. 
• Lead the Databricks initiative for the regional data lake house.

Budget & Vendor Management 

• Manage the North America budget for applications including planning, forecasting, procurement, management and execution. 
• Negotiate contracts with vendors, assess vendor performance, report on vendor activity and provide overall vendor management.

Qualifications: 

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field. 
• 15+ years of experience in IT leadership roles, with a strong background in enterprise systems and project management including 3 years as a manager or above. 
• Proven experience managing ERP, web, Java technologies and driving digital transformation. 
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills. 
• Experience with Jira, ServiceNow, Agile methodologies, and ITIL practices. 
• Experience with automotive manufacturing is a strong desire for this position.

Benefits Summary:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug plans 
• 401K with 4% Company Match
• Vacation/PTO and 13 paid Holidays 
• Bonus Program 
• FSA/HSA and Dependent Care Programs
• Company provided Life, Disability, ADD and Business Travel Insurance
• Various No Cost Wellness & Chronic Condition Management Programs
• Various Optional Insurance programs such as legal, identity theft, critical illness, etc.
• Tuition Reimbursement 
• Career Development and Ongoing Training 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Employee Spotlight and Recognition Program 
• Volunteer Opportunities 
• Onsite Fitness Center (vary by location)
• Cafeteria and food markets (vary by location) 
• Onsite Health Clinic and Pharmacy (vary by location)

Candidates residing 50+ miles from the work location are eligible for relocation assistance. 

Annual Salary: $141,400 - $176,800

• Lead and mentor a team of application developers and support staff, fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.
• Drive the adoption of standard systems and processes, ensuring efficient and consistent operations across the organization.
• Oversee AOP projects, aligning them with corporate objectives and tracking benefits to ensure successful execution.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources, proactively identifying and mitigating risks.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure successful project outcomes and seamless integration of IT solutions.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and service quality.
• Define and maintain a Service Catalog to streamline service delivery and enhance the user experience.
• Monitor performance metrics and KPIs to drive continuous improvement and meet business goals.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends to inform strategic decisions and drive innovation.
• Ensure compliance with IT governance, security policies, and regulatory requirements, including audit compliance.

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field is mandatory.
• A minimum of 15 years of experience in IT leadership roles, with 3 years of managerial experience, is essential.
• Proven track record in managing ERP, web, and Java technologies, with a focus on digital transformation.
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills are crucial.
• Experience with Jira, ServiceNow, Agile methodologies, and ITIL practices is highly desirable.
• A deep understanding of automotive manufacturing processes is a significant advantage.
• Ability to lead and inspire a diverse team, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to risk management and issue resolution.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing business landscapes and priorities, ensuring seamless operations.
• A commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends and technologies.