Business Application Specialist

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The job incumbent shall install and maintain computer applications and often adjust or reconfigure standard off-the-shelf applications including and not limiting to PowerBI, Business Central, SQL Server and tailor them to meet the specific needs of the organization or individual users. He/She shall play a primary role in selecting or recommending applications based on user needs and also provide applications-related training, technical support, and troubleshooting assistance.

1. ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

1.1 Duties
IT Technical Support
- Provide training to fellow team members on project rollouts, latest technologies and assist with their development.
- Perform implementation, configuration and testing of proposed solution as per project implementation plan.
- This role involves day-to-day tasks related to data analytics & improving exhaustiveness and quality of data, integration of multiple systems

Team Management
- Recruit, train, and develop a high-performing IT Business Applications team.
- Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, promoting professional growth and encouraging innovation within the team.
- Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, and address any performance-related issues.

Application Development and Implementation
- Oversee the design, development, testing, and deployment of IT applications that support various business functions, such as ERP systems, CRM, HRIS, financial systems, PowerBI, JetReport and more.
- Ensure that all applications are scalable, reliable, secure, and compliant with relevant regulations and industry best practices.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements and facilitate seamless integration between different applications.

Application Support and Maintenance
- Establish robust application support processes, including incident management, problem resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Monitor application performance, identify potential issues, and take proactive measures to maintain high availability and optimal performance.
- Coordinate with IT operations teams to ensure smooth deployments, updates, and upgrades of applications.

Compliance and Security

- Ensure that all IT applications adhere to relevant data security and privacy standards. - Implement and maintain necessary controls and measures to safeguard sensitive information.

Leadership and Strategy

- Develop and communicate a clear vision and strategic direction for the IT Business Applications department in alignment with the overall IT and business objectives.

- Collaborate with senior management and other stakeholders to identify business needs and align IT application initiatives to meet those needs effectively.

- Set departmental goals, objectives, and KPIs, and lead the team in achieving and exceeding them.

Vendor Management

- Collaborate with vendors and third-party service providers to evaluate, select, and implement external IT solutions when necessary.

- Negotiate contracts, service level agreements (SLAs), and maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure quality and cost-effective services.

Budget and Resource Management

- Prepare and manage the department's budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources for various projects and initiatives.

- Monitor expenses and identify cost optimization opportunities without compromising on quality.

Supplier Management

- Assist in the identification of suppliers.

- Participate in selection of supplier.

Hardware

- Use appropriate tools during intervention to ensure accuracy.

Data Analysis

- Performing analysis to assess quality and meaning of data.

- Working with programmers, engineers, and management heads to identify Process improvement opportunities, propose system modifications, and devise data governance strategies. - Create or Enhance PowerBI dashboards

Systems Maintenance and Development

- Work on a reliable and stable 24/7 network for all our offices through cable and WIFI. - Maintain and contribute to the development of IT Network.

- Maintain all IT system work flows.

- Actively participate in developing, planning and implementing IT systems. - Proactively keep up to date with new & emerging technologies.

- Monitor and test application performance for potential bottlenecks, identify possible solutions and implement relevant solutions.

Support and Training

- Supervise desktop and system support.

General

- Assist, participate and represent the company on project meetings and forum of discussions for related projects.

Cyber Security

- Stay up-to-date on information technology trends and security standards.

2. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ATTITUDE

2.1 Knowledge of, Skill in & Attitude to:

- Ability to manage multiple projects from beginning to completion.

- Ability to run more advanced queries and execute scripts.

- Proficiency with SQL and an understanding of relational database systems.

- Operating systems: Familiarity with Mac, Linux, and Microsoft operating systems. - Security: A fundamental understanding of computer and internet security.

- Networks: Knowing the essentials of networking issues, like network access and IP services. - Customer Focus Commitment to customer satisfaction.

- Flexibility The ability to readily modify, respond to, and integrate change with minimal personal resistance.

- Strong analytical skills: demonstrated ability to bring high level, complex customer issues to resolution.

- Very good verbal, written communication in both English and French.

3. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

- Bsc in Computer Science Engineering, or relevant software/computer related fields. - 3 to 5 years of experience in a similar position would be an advantage.

- Exposure to object-oriented programming (C#, .NET), Data Warehouse, ERP or/and PowerBI.

- Participate in Disciplinary Committee / grievance as required, whenever required.

- Ensure optimised organisational behaviour to make businesses operate more effectively. - Ensure user manual/s are available to staff.