IT Program Manager

Role Summary 

The IT Program Manager, EMEA & APAC leads IT program and project delivery across the EMEA and APAC regions and supports the stability of the core enterprise applications (ERP, CRM, BI) used by our regional business units. The role ensures regional strategic initiatives are translated into well-governed programs and dependable, value-driven platforms that support business processes and growth. 

The position leads and coordinates IT projects by collaborating with application owners and supporters in the region, and acts as a key interface between IT, regional business leadership, and strategic vendors to drive prioritization, execution excellence, and benefits realization. The role works in close alignment with Global IT so regional delivery stays consistent with the global IT roadmap and governance standards. 

Responsibilities 

Owns the end-to-end governance, execution, and value realization of the EMEA and APAC IT program portfolio, ensuring strategic alignment, operational stability, and measurable business impact. 

• Own and manage the regional IT roadmap, backlog, and investment portfolio, aligned to the global IT roadmap 

• Validate project charters and project briefs to ensure strategic alignment, scope clarity, and value definition 

• Establish and run project and program governance frameworks consistent with Global IT standards 

• Oversee project and program execution across EMEA and APAC countries, time zones, and business units 

• Define and monitor KPIs, using structured performance and control methods (e.g. DMAIC) 

• Track and report on benefits realization and value delivery to regional and global stakeholders 

• Serve as regional system owner or lead in some cases for core applications (ERP, CRM, BI), partnering with global application owners 

• Support and collaborate with business process owners across both regions 

• Lead regional portfolio prioritization and IT investment planning 

• Identify, manage, and mitigate cross-program dependencies and risks, including those that span regions 

• Drive change management and stakeholder alignment across initiatives, adapting to local languages, cultures, and ways of working 

• Coordinate releases across applications and programs, accounting for regional time zones and local operating calendars 

• Maintain business capability mapping and alignment to systems and initiatives 

• Manage vendor delivery, performance, and contractual obligations, including regional and local vendors 

• Define and govern data ownership, application integration, and interfaces, and support compliance with regional data protection and data residency requirements 

Requirements 

• Proven experience leading complex IT programs and portfolios in a global organization 

• Strong background in enterprise applications (ERP, CRM, BI) and business process support 

• Demonstrated experience with project and program governance frameworks 

• Solid understanding of portfolio management, prioritization, and investment planning 

• Experience managing cross-functional teams and external vendors 

• Strong analytical skills with experience in KPI tracking, benefits realization, and reporting 

• Ability to translate business strategy into executable IT roadmaps and initiatives 

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills at senior leadership level 

• Experience working in multi-regional, multi-cultural environments, ideally across EMEA and APAC 

• Ability to work across time zones, with flexibility for early or late meetings to support both regions 

• Fluency in English; additional regional language skills are an advantage 

Expectations 

• Provide clear ownership, structure, and predictability across the regional IT program portfolio 

• Ensure regional core applications are stable, scalable, and aligned with business needs 

• Deliver initiatives on time, within scope, and with measurable business value 

• Enable transparency on priorities, risks, dependencies, and benefits realization 

• Act as a trusted partner to regional business leadership and process owners 

• Drive continuous improvement in execution discipline, governance, and delivery quality 

• Strengthen alignment between IT strategy, business capabilities, and technology platforms across EMEA and APAC