IT Enterprise Applications Lead; W} Security Clearance

Position: IT Enterprise Applications Lead {W} with Security Clearance
ARKA Group L.P. ("ARKA") is an advanced technologies company serving the U.S. military, intelligence community, and commercial space industry delivering next-generation solutions to support the national security space enterprise. Built on more than six decades of excellence, ARKA brings modern approaches and a culture of innovation to the challenges of today. Join the ARKA team to learn how Beyond Begins Here.

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Position Overview:

We are seeking a visionary and hands-on leader to drive our Enterprise Application Services function. This role is pivotal in ensuring the reliability, scalability, and strategic alignment of our business-critical applications-including SAP, engineering tools, collaboration platforms, and integrated systems. The ideal candidate will blend deep technical expertise with strategic foresight, guiding application lifecycle management while fostering cross-functional collaboration and vendor partnerships.

We offer generous relocation benefits for eligible candidates. Responsibilities:
Application Operations & Support
* Oversee end-to-end support for business applications, including ERP (SAP), engineering tools, and collaboration platforms (e.g., M365, Teams)

* Lead incident management, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives across the application portfolio

* Ensure high availability, performance, and user satisfaction through proactive monitoring and support
Integration & Architecture
* Design and manage application integrations across enterprise systems, ensuring data integrity and seamless workflows

* Collaborate with infrastructure and security teams to maintain robust, compliant, and scalable architectures
Database & Platform Management
* Supervise database administration activities, including performance tuning, backup/recovery, and lifecycle upgrades

* Partner with platform owners to optimize cloud/on-prem hosting strategies
Strategy & Road mapping
* Develop and execute multi-year application roadmaps aligned with business and IT strategy.

* Create and manage an inventory of all enterprise applications, including SaaS systems, for support, license, and compliance efficiencies

* Lead application consolidation efforts to reduce complexity, cost, and technical debt

* Champion modernization initiatives, including upgrades, cloud migration, and process automation
Vendor & License Management
* Manage relationships with software vendors, negotiating contracts, renewals, and service levels

* Oversee license compliance, usage optimization, and cost control across the application landscape
Leadership & Collaboration
* Build and mentor a high-performing team of application analysts, engineers, and administrators, from scratch

* Serve as a strategic partner to business units, translating needs into scalable technology solutions

* Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning

Required Qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree in information systems, computer science or related subject or equivalent experience; master's preferred

* 5+ years of experience in enterprise applications, including ERP, collaboration tools, and application integration

* Proven leadership in managing a large application landscape, consolidation efforts, and vendor management

* Strong understanding of ERP (prefer SAP) architecture and support models

* Experience with M365 and engineering tool ecosystems (e.g., PLM, CAD platforms)

* Knowledge of database technologies (SQL Server, Oracle, etc.) and integration frameworks (e.g., APIs, middleware)

* Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and project management skills
Preferred:
* Experience in manufacturing, engineering, or regulated industries

* Familiarity with ITIL, Agile, and Dev Ops methodologies

* Working knowledge of compliance frameworks such as CMMC, NIST, or SOX, and their impact on enterprise applications

* Experience operationalizing process discipline through ITIL-aligned service delivery, change management, and audit readiness

Location:

Danbury, CT Located in beautiful Fairfield County, Danbury offers a diverse economy, wonderful parks, cultural attractions, an impressive mix of private and public educational institutions and a vibrant arts scene. Our facility is nestled among a remarkable selection of communities to call home all with varying price points to fit many different budgets. We're close to New York City, Boston, and other major cities - great for day trips and weekend getaways.

Our lovely seasons along with award-winning institutions, colleges, cultural events, and a genuine sense of community brings a diverse population to the beautiful state of Connecticut!

What We Offer:

* Comprehensive medical/vision/dental insurance packages

* Company contributions to qualified HSA accounts

* 401k retirement plan with industry leading company contributions

* 3 weeks of vacation accrual per year plus time off for sick leave and unscheduled life events

* 13 paid holidays

* Upfront tuition assistance for…