Group IT Business Applications Manager

Who We are

We are a signature contractor specializing in general contracting, MEP systems, and interior fit-out for complex, high-end projects across various sectors, including retail, offices and showrooms, luxury hospitality, and residential.

EXA.Group supports brands, developers, and designers from the early concept stages through to construction, with an approach driven by responsibility, vision, and excellence in execution. Our management team coordinates expertise, discipline, and international partners to ensure clarity in decision-making processes and consistency in results.

Each project is delivered as a distinctive experience, designed to generate lasting value and not only meet but exceed expectations.

About the role

The Group IT Business Applications Manager reports directly to the Group IT and Digital Innovation Director and plays a key role in the evolution of the Group application landscape and in the delivery of the digital transformation initiatives. Acting as the key link between Business and IT, the role translates business needs into effective technology solutions, ensuring application reliability, service quality and continuous improvement. The position oversees application governance, vendor management and project delivery, ensuring alignment with the Group IT strategy, architecture and security standards.

Key responsibilities

Business Partnership & Demand Management

• Act as the primary IT partner for Business Leaders, Business Transformation Managers and Process Owners, aligning business priorities with technology initiatives.
• Identify process improvement and digital transformation opportunities, translating business needs into technology roadmaps and solution proposals.
• Manage demand and support investment prioritization, balancing business value, strategic objectives, risks and resources.
• Promote collaboration and change adoption across Business and IT to ensure successful implementation of new solutions and ways of working.

Solution Design & Project Leadership

• Lead the design and evolution of applications and integrations, translating business requirements into effective, scalable solutions.
• Manage solution assessment, software selection and vendor evaluation activities, identifying the most suitable technologies and partners.
• Act as the IT lead for application initiatives, coordinating business stakeholders, internal IT teams and external partners.
• Ensure initiatives are governed and delivered in line with business priorities, architectural principles, security requirements and resource availability.

Application Governance & Service Management

• Ensure stability, performance and continuous improvement of business applications throughout their lifecycle.
• Drive application evolution in partnership with Business stakeholders, aligning systems with changing business needs and priorities.
• Manage application vendors and system integrators, ensuring service quality, accountability and SLA compliance.
• Govern application enhancements and changes, ensuring alignment with business priorities and the Group application roadmap.

Stakeholder & Vendor Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across key business functions.
• Facilitate communication between business users, technical teams and external partners, ensuring alignment on objectives and outcomes.
• Coordinate internal and external IT resources according to project and service needs.

Requirements

• Degree in Information Technology, Engineering, Economics or a related discipline
• At least 5 years of experience in roles such as IT Business Partner, Application Manager, IT Project Manager, Functional Lead or Technology Consultant.
• Proven experience in complex business transformation projects and in the management of external vendors and system integrators.
• Strong understanding of business processes and enterprise applications, with proven ability to design integrated solutions and successfully manage complex projects and programs, ensuring stakeholder alignment and effective delivery.
• Solid knowledge of project and program management methodologies, with the ability to govern complex initiatives, manage dependencies and align stakeholders toward common objectives
• Experience in application service management, SLA governance and continuous improvement.
• Experience in Supply Chain and Finance transformation initiatives and in Retail environments is highly desirable.
• Languages required: Italian (mother tongue) and English (professional proficiency, written and spoken). French is a plus.

Key Competencies:

• Problem-solving, analytical and synthesis skills, with a pragmatic and outcome-oriented approach.
• Strong leadership, change management, communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders, overcome resistance and operate effectively in challenging and evolving environments.

What We offer:

• Compensation: Starting from €60,000 per year, commensurate with experience and competencies.
• Contract: Permanent employment contract under CCNL Commercio
• Benefits: Corporate welfare program.

Location:

Milan - HQ

The role requires travel for approximately 30% of working time, primarily across the Group's Italian locations in Milan, Arezzo and San Vendemiano, depending on project and business needs.

EXA Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. We value a diverse and inclusive workforce and provide equal opportunities to all applicants and employees. The Group believes that achieving the best results requires a workforce that reflects the diverse communities in which our clients operate. We recognize and appreciate the skills, knowledge, and experience that diversity brings to our culture and the solutions we deliver.