Senior Manager - IT

Job Description

• Manage servers, storage, virtualisation, data centre/cloud, backup and disaster recovery for all locations.
• Ensure high availability of LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, VPN, internet and inter-site connectivity between Head Office and plants (including plant-floor network coverage).
• Oversee end-user computing: laptops, desktops, printers, email, collaboration tools, mobile devices and helpdesk support with defined SLAs.
• Plan capacity, lifecycle refresh and AMC for all hardware and network assets.
• Maintain IT asset register and software licence compliance.
• Own the SAP landscape (ECC / S/4HANA) covering modules such as MM, SD, PP, QM, PM, FICO, HCM and EHS as applicable.
• Manage SAP Basis, security and authorisations, transport management, patching, upgrades and performance.
• Lead change requests, enhancements, new rollouts and end-user training in coordination with functional heads.
• Manage SAP AMS partners, implementation partners and ensure delivery against SLAs and timelines.
• Oversee other applications such as HRMS, payroll, document management, LIMS, plant maintenance, procurement portals and reporting/BI tools.
• Drive integration between SAP and plant systems (DCS/SCADA, weighbridge, LIMS, MES, warehouse and dispatch systems).
• Lead digitalisation and automation initiatives such as workflow approvals (PR/PO), paperless processes and dashboards.
• Implement and monitor information security policies, access control, endpoint protection, firewall, email security and patch management.
• Strengthen OT/IT security at plant level in coordination with the Engineering and Instrumentation teams.
• Conduct periodic audits, vulnerability assessments and DR drills; close audit observations (internal, statutory and customer).
• Ensure data privacy, backup integrity and business continuity planning.
• Support compliance with applicable standards and frameworks such as ISO 27001 and ITGC controls.
• Prepare and manage the annual IT budget (CAPEX and OPEX) and track utilisation.
• Evaluate, negotiate and manage vendor contracts, AMCs and service-level agreements.
• Define IT policies, SOPs and a technology roadmap aligned with business strategy.
• Provide regular MIS and dashboards on system uptime, incidents, projects and costs to senior management.
• Lead, mentor and develop a team of IT executives, SAP functional/technical staff and support engineers across locations.
• Work closely with Production, Supply Chain, Purchase, Finance, HR, Quality and EHS to understand needs and deliver solutions.
• Ensure timely incident, problem and change management with clear escalation.

Qualifications

• B.E./B.Tech in IT / Computer Science / Electronics, or MCA. MBA (IT/Systems) preferred.
• Certifications preferred: SAP (Basis/functional), ITIL, PMP, CISA/CISM, CCNA/CCNP or equivalent.

Experience

• 1215 years of overall IT experience, with at least 5 years in a managerial role leading infrastructure and applications.
• Hands-on experience managing SAP in a manufacturing environment; chemical, pharma, process or similar industry experience strongly preferred.
• Experience handling multi-location operations (corporate office plus plants) and SAP implementation, upgrade or S/4HANA migration projects.

Technical Skills

• SAP ERP (ECC/S/4HANA), Basis administration, roles and authorisations, SAP-integration with third-party systems.
• Networking, firewalls, Windows/Linux servers, virtualisation, cloud (Azure/AWS), backup and DR solutions.
• Cybersecurity tools and practices; ITGC and audit readiness.
• Project and vendor management; budgeting and MIS reporting.