Center of Excellence Manager – Business application Team

Securitas GroupStrongly united by the purpose “We help make your world a safer place”, Securitas successfully integrates technology, people, and knowledge to offer protective services to clients all over the world. Securitas offers security services by combining expertise in on-site, mobile and remote guarding with electronic security and experience in fire and safety. The group has 336,000 employees in 44 markets worldwide.Securitas vision is to become the Intelligent Protective Services Partner through being client centric, data driven, and people focused. Our protective services help make your world a safer place.To achieve this vision, Securitas Europe has launched a business transformation Program: NorthStarPresentation of North Star Common Core ProgramNorth Star is the Europe Division’s Transformation Program at Securitas. The objective of this Program is to transform our organization and processes across all European countries through a new common platform enabler. Launched 4 years ago, the Program is now entering a new phase focused on the roll out in the different countries, with several already live.To support the Program and countries already live, we are strengthening our team part of the IT European Organization and recruiting a Senior Project Manager. In this role, you will report to the Program Director.Overview:In Europe, we launched a transformation program four years ago to leverage and centralize applications at the European level. To support this strategy, the Business Application IT team operates as a product‑oriented IT organization. Delivery is structured around:Product Domains, accountable for product development and functional valueRoll-out Projects, responsible for large-scale, multi-country deployments and product implementationThe Center of Excellence (CoE) team acts as a support function for both Product Domains and Roll-out Projects by providing quality assurance capabilities, architecture expertise, and standards and processes to manage releases and ensure run stability, including CAB management and AMS oversight. The team is a key structural pillar between Product and Project activities.We are seeking a skilled and experienced Center of Excellence Manager who can operate effectively in a complex, multicultural environment. In this role, you will be responsible for:IT Architecture (functional, application, and technical)Testing & Quality AssuranceChange Governance (CAB)AMS contract managementContributing to the definition and implementation of IT standards, frameworks, and best practices across the Business Application teamTools administrative support ADOYou will manage a team of 10 people.Key Responsibilities:Secure changes and releases through strong governance:Improve and chair the Change Advisory BoardAssess and approve major IT changesBalance speed of delivery and system stabilitySecure changes and releases through strong governanceEnsure robust application run via the AMS modelOwn the AMS contract at European levelMonitor SLAs and KPIsManage vendor performance and continuous improvementEnsure a coherent and controlled target IT architectureLead the IT Architecture teamDefine and enforce European target architecture and principlesValidate major product and platform design decisionsManage deviations and technical debtGuarantee a consistent level of quality across all productsLead the Test & Quality TeamImprove quality and testing strategyHarmonize testing practices across products and projectsEnsure release quality before deployment, either product enhancements or project roll-outsProvide clear interfaces and support to Product Domains and Roll-out ProjectsParticipate in the improvement of standards, frameworks, and best practices across teamsDefine and monitor system stability and quality KPIsQualifications:Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience10–15 years of IT experienceStrong background in architecture, governance, and run managementExperience in multi-country, product-oriented environmentsProven experience leading and managing small teams, including mentoring and performance managementStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detailExcellent communication skills, able to collaborate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholdersAbility to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic project environmentsSolid understanding of business needs, objectives, and processes, with the ability to leverage technology for business improvementExperience working in matrix organizations and with virtual teamsStrong interpersonal skills, with the ability to make informed decisions and execute effectivelyStrong people management and leadership skillsFluent in EnglishWhat we offer:At Securitas, we are committed to doing the right thing—and doing it well—for both our customers and our employees. Our employees come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a wide range of talents, perspectives, and experiences. We strive for inclusive representation across the company and are committed to equal pay, safe working conditions, gender balance, and an inclusive environment that fosters growth, skill development, and career opportunities.If this resonates with you, don’t wait - apply today!