IT Business Systems Lead

Description

SUMMARY

The IT Business Systems Lead is responsible for aligning Buck Knives’ technology capabilities with business objectives. This role focuses on business applications, data, and systems strategy rather than traditional IT infrastructure, which is managed through a third-party Managed Services Provider (MSP).

This individual will serve as the primary liaison between business functions and technology resources, ensuring that systems support operational efficiency, financial performance, and long-term scalability. 

Buck Knives is currently in the ERP selection phase. As such, this role supports (rather than sets) ERP readiness efforts, including process documentation, data structure alignment, and gap identification, working alongside third-party advisory resources who will inform overall IT and ERP strategy. Once a platform is selected, this role will step into an internal IT project lead capacity for implementation, over the following 24–36 months.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

The essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following-

Business Systems Leadership

• Act as the primary owner of Buck’s business systems architecture, including ERP, data, reporting, and supporting applications.

• Manage and lead day-to-day business application support within the IT function — including issue resolution, enhancement requests, and system administration — scaled appropriately given that core infrastructure, helpdesk, and security are handled by the MSP.

• Directly manage the business systems support team member(s), including, setting priorities, reviewing work, and supporting their development.

• Translate business needs into system solutions that improve efficiency, visibility, and decision-making.

• Partner with Finance, Operations, Sales, and Marketing to identify and prioritize system improvements.

ERP Readiness & Selection Support

• Support (not lead) ERP readiness efforts, including process documentation, data structure alignment, and gap identification.

• Once a platform is selected, serve as the internal IT project lead for implementation, coordinating with external implementation partners and internal stakeholders.

• Note: overall ERP and IT strategy will be sourced from third-party resources as needed; this role is focused on execution and internal coordination rather than setting strategic direction.

Team & IT Department Leadership

• Provide day-to-day management and leadership for the business-application-support side of the IT department; this is intentionally a scaled-down department leadership scope given that infrastructure, helpdesk, and security are owned by the MSP.

• Manage one or more direct reports, setting expectations, reviewing performance, and prioritizing their workload.

• Operate as a working leader — balancing hands-on execution with oversight and delegation — rather than a purely administrative manager.

• Direct and coordinate additional internal or contract technical resources (e.g., developers) as needed on specific projects

Data & Reporting

• Oversee development and maintenance of reporting and data structures to support business performance.

• Ensure data integrity and consistency across systems.

• Drive practical, decision-useful reporting (not overly complex or theoretical analytics).

Work Prioritization & Execution

• Own the intake, prioritization, and execution of all systems-related work.

• Lead and manage the efforts of deploying solutions and tracking their impact.

• Establish and manage a clear backlog of projects and requests aligned to company priorities.

• Manage project priorities across concurrent initiatives, adjusting sequencing as business needs shift.

Vendor & MSP Coordination

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the Managed Services Provider.

• Ensure MSP performance aligns with service expectations (helpdesk, infrastructure, security).

• Coordinate external vendors supporting ERP, data, or other applications.

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and reduce manual processes through system improvements.

• Support cross-functional initiatives to improve operational efficiency and margin performance.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Minimum of a 4-year degree in related IT field or equivalent work experience

• 10–15+ years of experience in business systems, ERP, or application-focused IT roles.

• Strong understanding of ERP systems (implementation experience preferred).

• Prior experience directly managing at least one employee, including setting priorities and conducting performance reviews.

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional work through influence, not just formal authority.

• Experience managing a project backlog or portfolio of competing priorities.

• Ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions.

• Experience working cross-functionally with Finance and Operations teams.

• Strong project management and organizational skills.

• Comfortable operating in a lean environment with limited direct reports.

• Experience managing third-party vendors or service providers preferred.

Key Attributes for Success

• Business-minded, not infrastructure-focused.

• Comfortable being both a hands-on contributor and a people leader — this role blends management with direct execution.

• Practical problem solver who prioritizes impact over complexity.

• Strong communicator who can bridge technical and non-technical teams.

• Self-directed and comfortable building structure in an evolving environment.

• Able to set clear priorities and hold both internal team members and vendors accountable to deadlines.

• Focused on execution and results.

Scope of Role

• Limited (not zero) direct infrastructure or helpdesk responsibility — core infrastructure remains managed by the MSP.

• Manages and leads the business-application-support function within IT, including one direct report; scaled-down in scope given the MSP relationship.

• High-visibility role with direct impact on operational performance and future ERP success.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment will include office areas, manufacturing areas and warehouse/shipping areas. This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.