Senior Manager, Business & Enterprise Applications

About Otto Aviation
OTTO is developing the world’s first fifth-generation business jet, designed for sustainability through the innovative use of advanced super-laminar aerodynamics and high-precision, net-shaped composites. Flight tests of our technology demonstrator validate a dramatic reduction in fuel burn and allow a sizeable improvement in cabin comfort. Otto Aviation is designing world-class aircraft from first principles physics and delivering ground-breaking aircraft and economic performance.

Role Overview

An experienced Sr Manager, Business & Enterprise Applications Manager is needed to lead the development, optimization, and management of enterprise applications that drive innovation and operational efficiency in the aerospace engineering industry. This role will oversee a diverse portfolio of applications, including ERP systems, PLM, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and collaboration tools such as Jira and Microsoft 365, ensuring they meet the dynamic needs of aerospace engineering operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, leadership skills, and the ability to align enterprise systems with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

This position also involves supervising a team of application specialists, fostering a culture of excellence in application support and management, and contributing to the strategic vision of the organization’s enterprise application landscape.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Application Management

· Define and execute a comprehensive strategy for the management and optimization of enterprise applications across aerospace engineering operations.

· Ensure that applications support critical functions such as engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, finance, and program management.

· Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for process improvements and automation through enterprise applications.

2. System Integration and Enhancement

· Lead the implementation and integration of enterprise systems, ensuring seamless data flow and interoperability between ERP, MES, and other applications.

· Manage system enhancements, upgrades, and new deployments to meet evolving organizational needs.

· Identify and evaluate new technologies to enhance enterprise application functionality and user experience.

3. Application Support and Troubleshooting

· Oversee the support and maintenance of all enterprise applications, ensuring high availability, performance, and reliability.

· Establish and maintain robust issue resolution and ticketing systems to address user needs effectively.

· Develop user guides, training programs, and documentation to ensure effective application adoption and usage.

4. Data Governance and Security

· Ensure enterprise applications comply with industry-specific regulations, including ITAR, FAA, and other aerospace compliance standards.

· Work with the IT security team to implement and maintain robust security protocols across all applications.

· Promote best practices for data governance, ensuring data integrity, consistency, and accessibility.

5. Vendor and Stakeholder Management

· Manage relationships with application vendors, service providers, and consultants to ensure optimal service delivery.

· Negotiate contracts and service-level agreements (SLAs) for enterprise systems and software.

· Serve as a liaison between stakeholders and technical teams to translate business needs into application requirements.

6. Leadership and Team Development

· Lead and mentor a team of application specialists responsible for system implementation, support, and management.

· Foster a collaborative and innovative team culture focused on continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.

· Set clear performance goals and provide regular feedback to team members.

7. Operational Efficiency and Reporting

· Implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the efficiency and effectiveness of enterprise applications.

· Regularly report on application performance, issues, and improvements to senior leadership.

· Drive cost optimization initiatives, identifying opportunities to streamline processes and reduce operational expenses.

8. Industry Alignment and Innovation

· Stay informed of trends and advancements in aerospace engineering and enterprise technology.

· Identify and adopt innovative tools and systems to maintain competitive advantage in the aerospace industry.

· Ensure enterprise systems support program timelines, engineering workflows, and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

Education

· Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

Experience

· 10+ years of experience in managing enterprise applications, including ERP and MES systems, with a focus on aerospace or manufacturing industries.

· Proven experience in implementing and optimizing enterprise systems for engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain operations.

· Strong familiarity with collaboration platforms such as Jira, Microsoft 365, or equivalent tools.

Technical Skills

· Expertise in ERP (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or Infor), PLM, and MES systems.

· Proficiency in system integration, data management, and process automation.

· Understanding of application security and compliance standards in aerospace or regulated industries.

· Experience with cloud-based solutions and DevOps practices.

Soft Skills

· Strong leadership skills with experience managing technical teams and driving cross-functional collaboration.

· Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities to address complex application challenges.

· Effective communication and interpersonal skills to influence stakeholders and align application strategies with organizational goals.

· Ability to manage multiple projects and deliver results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Required Skills

· Strategic Leadership: Expertise in developing and executing digital transformation roadmaps.

· Data Analytics: Proficiency in leveraging AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics to derive actionable insights.

· Digital Twin Development: Strong understanding of simulation technologies and digital twin implementation strategies.

· Technology Integration: Experience with IoT, AR/VR, blockchain, and other emerging technologies.

· Project Management: Exceptional skills in planning, prioritization, and resource management.

· Communication: Ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

· Change Management: Skilled in driving organizational change and fostering a culture of innovation.

Preferred Skills

· Familiarity with enterprise platforms such as ERP, PLM, or MES systems.

· Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and compliance frameworks in regulated environments.

Interpersonal Skills 

• Active Listening: Practice to gain insight and truly understand all project stakeholders. 

• Critical Thinking: Make prompt, informed and value-based decisions for the project. 

• Organization: Focus on agenda, schedules, frameworks, and methodologies, as well as communicating tasks, updates, progress, and blockers. 

• Problem Solving: Assess issues from different vantage points and formulate the best solution in addressing specific challenges. 

• Self-Motivation: Exude highest level of commitment and motivation to see tasks/projects from start to finish. 

• Teamwork and Team Building: Establish a collaborative culture that facilitates people with unique personalities and skills, happily working together to accomplish a shared goal. 

• Strong Business Communication: Use thoughtful language, tone and storytelling techniques when communicating, describing, or explaining issues over email, chat, reports, presentations and other forms and channels of communication. 

Physical Requirements 

• Must be able to stand on feet and walk around for extended periods of time. 
• Must be able to sit at desk for prolonged periods of time and work on computer. 
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds. 

 

Otto Aviation is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.”