Regional IT Application Manager

We're looking for motivated, engaged people to help make everyone's journeys better in Spain. TheRegional IT Application Managerposition is responsible for managing and optimizing regional business applications to ensure they effectively support operational and strategic objectives. The role acts as the key interface between regional business functions, IT teams, and vendors—ensuring that applications are reliable, compliant, and aligned with global IT architecture and governance standards. This position focuses on delivering robust application lifecycle management, driving continuous improvement, and enabling business efficiency through technology across the region. Main Duties and Responsibilities -Application Lifecycle Management Oversee the complete lifecycle of regional applications — from planning and implementation to maintenance and decommissioning. Collaborate with the IT Enterprise Architecture team and business stakeholders to ensure solutions align with global standards while addressing regional needs. Coordinate with IT teams and external vendors to ensure operational readiness, reliability, and business value delivery. Regional System Architecture Oversight Design, develop, and maintain the architecture of regional applications supporting local business capabilities. Ensure seamless integration with the global gategroup IT landscape, including alignment of data flows, interfaces, and infrastructure components. System Optimization and Performance Monitor system performance and user satisfaction, identifying opportunities for optimization. Recommend and lead application enhancements, upgrades, or replacements to improve functionality, efficiency, and user experience. Vendor and SLA Management Serve as the primary liaison with software vendors and service providers for regional applications. Oversee SLA adherence, ensure service quality, and support contract negotiations in collaboration with Global IT and Procurement teams. Budget and Financial Management Manage the budget for regional applications, including cost planning, monitoring, and reporting. Contribute to annual IT budgeting processes by providing financial insights and forecasts related to regional software and licensing. User Support and Training Ensure effective user support for regional applications by coordinating with the Service Desk and Desk-Side Support teams. Develop and maintain user documentation, knowledge base articles, and training materials. Act as the first escalation point for complex regional application issues. Governance, Compliance, and Alignment Ensure that all regional applications comply with gategroup's IT governance, cybersecurity, and data protection standards. Work closely with Business Engagement Managers (BEMs) to ensure regional application strategies align with business objectives and global IT policies. Project and Change Management Lead or coordinate regional application projects, ensuring timely delivery within scope and budget. Collaborate with Business Engagement Managers to define requirements and with technical implementation teams for deployment and transition into operations. Manage change processes to ensure minimal disruption to business operations. Core Competencies and Requirements Education Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field A Master's degree or MBA with a focus on Information Systems or Technology Management is an advantage Relevant certifications (e.g., ITIL, TOGAF, PMP, Prince2, COBIT) are desirable and demonstrate added value. Work Experience Minimum 5 years of professional experience in IT application management or related areas Proven experience in managing regional or business-unit-level applications Experience in application lifecycle management, including design, implementation, support, and retirement Demonstrated ability to coordinate with cross-functional teams, vendors, and business stakeholders Strong experience in project management — planning, execution, and delivery within budget and timelines. Background in vendor management and SLA oversight, including managing third-party software and support providers Experience working in multinational environments and supporting multiple countries or business units is a plus Technical Skills & Certifications Good Understanding of application architecture, integration concepts, and system design Hands on experience with application performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimization Familiarity with enterprise software solutions such as ERP, CRM, etc. Understanding of IT governance, security, and compliance frameworks (e.g., GDPR, internal IT policies) Working knowledge of ITSM tools such as ServiceNow or Jira. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate business needs into technical requirements. Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities. Fluent in English (written and spoken); additional regional languages are an asset. Core Competencies Required Collaboration:Builds strong relationships across teams and communicates effectively with business and IT stakeholders. Accountability:Takes ownership of results and ensures timely, high-quality delivery. Analytical Thinking:Solves problems systematically and implements practical, lasting solutions. Adaptability:Works effectively in a changing, multicultural environment. Business Focus:Understands business needs and aligns technology solutions accordingly. Continuous Improvement:Seeks efficiency and drives enhancements in systems and processes. Communication:Conveys information clearly and influences constructively across all levels. If you want to be part of a team that helps make travel and culinary memories, join us