Global IT Enterprise Applications Leader (SAP Focused)

Position Summary

We are seeking a senior technology executive to lead the organization’s global enterprise applications and software development functions.

Reporting directly to the CIO, this individual will serve as a key strategic partner responsible for shaping the global applications roadmap, modernizing enterprise platforms, and ensuring that technology investments effectively support business growth and cross-regional operations.

The role covers SAP ERP, enterprise application integration, custom software development, and a primarily Java-based application environment. The successful candidate will combine strong business understanding, application architecture knowledge, and global organizational leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Applications Strategy and CIO Partnership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CIO on enterprise applications, software development, architecture, and technology investment priorities.
• Define and execute the global enterprise applications strategy in alignment with business and technology objectives.
• Develop a long-term roadmap covering SAP ERP, custom applications, system integration, platform modernization, and legacy-system transformation.
• Provide executive-level recommendations regarding application investments, delivery risks, architecture priorities, and organizational capabilities.

Global Applications Leadership

• Lead global application development teams across multiple regions and time zones.
• Establish a consistent global operating model covering team structure, project prioritization, technical standards, delivery practices, and performance management.
• Balance global platform standardization with legitimate regional business and regulatory requirements.
• Build organizational capabilities through talent development, resource planning, and strategic use of external partners.

SAP and Enterprise Application Management

• Lead the planning and delivery of SAP-related initiatives, including module enhancement, process improvement, and integration with surrounding systems.
• Partner with business functions such as Sales, Finance, Supply Chain, and Operations to translate business needs into scalable application solutions.
• Ensure SAP and other enterprise platforms remain stable, secure, maintainable, and aligned with evolving business requirements.
• Oversee integration between ERP, CRM, BI, internally developed applications, and external platforms.

Software Development and Architecture Governance

• Provide governance and strategic direction for a primarily Java-based enterprise application environment.
• Establish standards for application architecture, system design, code quality, testing, version control, deployment, and technology selection.
• Drive the modernization and consolidation of legacy applications and fragmented regional systems.
• Ensure internally developed and externally delivered solutions follow consistent security, quality, and maintainability standards.

AI-Enabled Development Transformation

• Define and promote the adoption of AI tools throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Introduce AI-assisted coding, testing, documentation, quality assurance, and development automation to improve productivity and delivery quality.
• Establish appropriate governance to ensure the secure and responsible use of AI development tools.
• Identify opportunities to apply AI capabilities within enterprise applications and business processes.

Business Partnership and Delivery Governance

• Work closely with business leaders to prioritize application initiatives based on business impact, urgency, risk, and investment value.
• Establish an application governance framework covering requirements, change management, testing, release readiness, and post-implementation support.
• Improve delivery visibility through appropriate portfolio management, performance metrics, and executive reporting.
• Translate complex technical matters into business impact, investment considerations, and actionable recommendations for senior stakeholders.

Budget and Vendor Management

• Own application budgets, resource allocation, workforce planning, and investment prioritization.
• Manage system integrators, SAP consultants, software vendors, and external development partners.
• Monitor vendor performance, delivery quality, commercial terms, and contractual commitments.
• Determine the appropriate balance between internal development, outsourcing, and strategic partnerships.

Required Qualifications

• At least 15 years of progressive experience in enterprise applications or software development, including a minimum of five years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience leading global or regional application development teams across different cultures and time zones.
• Demonstrated experience serving as a strategic partner to a CIO or other C-level executives.
• Strong understanding of SAP ERP concepts and core business processes, preferably across modules such as SD, MM, and FI.
• Experience leading SAP enhancement, integration, transformation, or enterprise application modernization initiatives.
• Strong understanding of Java-based enterprise application architecture, with the ability to guide technical teams and evaluate major technology decisions.
• Proven experience delivering large-scale application development, system integration, or platform-consolidation programs.
• Strong business-partnering skills, particularly when working with Finance, Sales, Supply Chain, and Operations stakeholders.
• Experience managing application budgets, strategic vendors, system integrators, and external development partners.
• Professional proficiency in both Mandarin Chinese and English for executive communication, written correspondence, and cross-regional meetings.
• Strong executive presence and the ability to translate technology topics into business value, cost, implementation priorities, and enterprise risk.

Preferred Qualifications

• Applications leadership experience within a complex multinational, technology-driven, manufacturing, supply-chain, distribution, or multi-site environment.
• Experience leading global application consolidation, legacy modernization, or architecture transformation programs.
• Practical experience introducing AI-assisted development tools or automated testing into the software development lifecycle.
• Familiarity with Agile or Scrum operating models.
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