Applications Manager

BE - Ardo Headquarters
IT
Permanent contract

Ardo supplies its continuously growing markets around the world with high quality frozen vegetables, herbs, and fruit with 4000 employees and 17 production sites in 8 countries. The family business sells in more than 100 countries and has a turnover of more than 1.4 billion euros. Ardo's mission is to preserve the gift of nature as pure as possible. Ardo achieves this goal thanks to an integrated network of growing areas, production units, freezing units, packaging equipment, appropriate logistics and thorough quality control. The group's know-how and flexible structure ensure that it can respond quickly to new trends and that innovative products can be brought onto the market quickly. More info on www.ardo.com. 

Your Scope

As Group Application Manager, you are responsible for the entire Application landscape with SAP S/4HANA as the main application for the future, next to various other software tools, like an MES and WMS.

The Group Application Manager will focus on elaborating and implementing vision in the field of applications, aligned with the IT, business and the overall company vision. He/she will also be responsible for managing the team, the daily operations, the projects and the budget of the applications team and landscape.


As Manager of the application department, you determine the vision and strategic plan in consultation with the Group IT Director to optimally service the business. You analyse the needs and translate these into application architecture, roadmap and projects.

  • You make strategic and tactical choices; buy or build, insourcing, outsourcing. You help determine the vendor selection, purchase of ICT goods and external services.
  • Your responsibilities include an important focus on compliance and (data)security.
  • With your strong helicopter view of an SAP and application landscape, you give direction how to further develop, optimize and innovate the new ERP, S/4HANA, as well as the other applications. You pose clear priorities and direct your department of professionals in a proactive, structured and project-based manner.
  • As an experienced people manager, you are also responsible for coaching the team. You set up a powerful department that is customer-oriented and that starts from an ICT business partnering attitude.
  • You ensure knowledge building inside the applications team to enable to provide the best fitting innovative technology solutions to the Ardo business.
  • In close collaboration with the Group IT Director, you help to build a corporate and centralized IT structure and help to guide the organization through these changes.
  • You build and maintain strong relationships and communication with all key stakeholders, both internally and externally on a global scale.
  • You align on regular basis with your peers, the members of the IT management team, to ensure overall integrated solutions.
  • You manage the ICT budget for Applications.
  • You implement best practices in terms of work processes and methodology. You manage ICT delivery and support throughout the entire organization. You drive optimizations as well as innovations in the daily business.



Your profile

For the position of Group Applications Manager, we are looking for a candidate with senior level of experience in applications and SAP and with senior management experience.

  • You obtained a relevant higher degree in Computer Science/Information Technology or equivalent through experience.
  • You have a good knowledge of applications and specifically a good helicopter view of SAP. Knowledge of S/4HANA is a plus.
  • You have experience in managing the delivery of the application projects and always strive for pragmatic and business-oriented solutions.
  • You have experience with managing project- and team budgets.
  • You have experience as a people manager and know how to motivate, guide and manage your team.
  • You have experience in setting out a vision, build a roadmap and make strategic decisions on application level.
  • You have experience with change management and know how to guide a team/organization through transformations.
  • As a leader you are able to act both strategically and on an operational level.
  • You can realistically estimate what is urgent and/or important and you are decisive. You communicate in a smooth and open manner.
  • You have a good conceptual knowledge of important IT market trends, technologies, solutions and can critically evaluate or pro-actively propose new opportunities.
  • You have a high degree of energy and motivation and can translate this in a positive way to the team and organization.
  • Language skills: English is a must; Dutch and French are an asset.
  • You are willing to travel for short trips within Europe.

We offer

We offer you the opportunity to be part of an authentic and sustainable international company, with real growth opportunities and the freedom to actively participate in shaping the business and the opportunity to develop professionally. You will receive a full remuneration package in line with the level of this position. We care for our people and create family-friendly surroundings by offering you the flexibility to work 2 days/week from home.


Dagmar De Craemer

Your contact person

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Why work for Ardo?

Global Impact, Local Touch

With 17 units across 8 countries, a turnover of 1.4 billion, and products exported to over 100 countries, your work at Ardo impacts people worldwide. Be a part of an international team that retains a close-knit, local feel.

Career Growth in a Thriving Industry

In our team of around 4000 employees, every individual matters. We offer various opportunities for career growth and skill enhancement in a robust and thriving industry, ensuring you evolve as we grow.

Diverse and Inclusive

Embrace the opportunity to work with diverse teams from around the globe. At Ardo, we celebrate different cultures, ideas, and innovations brought in by our international family of employees.