Application Portfolio Manager - Store Systems at Clicks Group

Introduction

Job purpose


To lead the end-to-end ownership, stability, and continuous optimisation of Store Systems, ensuring highly available, secure, and scalable technology platforms that enable retail store operations and customer experience.
The role is accountable for ensuring that core store applications (including POS, Front Shop and related systems) are reliable, well governed, cost-effective, and aligned to enterprise architecture standards and retail business strategy.


Job Description

Job objectives


Execute the Store Systems strategy and roadmap aligned to Group IT and Retail strategy
Ensure end-to-end stability, availability, performance, and resilience of Store Systems (POS, store services, pharmacy front-end systems, and integrations)
Lead the design, enhancement, and optimisation of store applications and operational platforms to enable scalability and operational efficiency
Accountable for full application lifecycle management (design, build, deploy, operate, enhance, retire)
Ensure strong governance, audit readiness, security, and regulatory compliance across all systems
Manage delivery of system enhancements and releases, ensuring control over scope, timelines, cost, and quality
Lead incident, problem, and change management processes to minimise disruption in live trading environments
Lead and develop technical and functional teams (developers, analysts, and team leads)
Partner with Store Operations, Pharmacy Operations, and Retail leadership to enable business performance and customer experience outcomes
Ensure integration of Store Systems with enterprise platforms (ERP, CRM, Supply Chain, Digital and Reporting systems)
Drive vendor performance, commercial optimisation, and cost efficiency across the application portfolio
Contribute to enterprise architecture standards and ensure design compliance across systems


Job related knowledge


Deep knowledge of Retail Store Systems and POS environments
Strong understanding of end-to-end retail and pharmacy store operations
Enterprise integration architecture (APIs, middleware, data flows)
IT governance, risk, security, audit, and compliance frameworks
Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Agile, DevOps methodologies
ERP systems exposure in retail environments
Cloud-based retail platforms and modern architecture patterns
Data governance and analytics frameworks
Automation (RPA), AI, and digital transformation in retail


Job related skills


Leadership of mission-critical, high-availability systems
Ability to translate business requirements into scalable technology solutions
Strong stakeholder engagement across business and IT
Delivery leadership across BAU and project environments
People leadership of technical teams
Vendor and service provider management
Financial and cost management of IT portfolios
Leadership of mission-critical, high-availability systems
Ability to translate business requirements into scalable technology solutions
Strong stakeholder engagement across business and IT
Delivery leadership across BAU and project environments
People leadership of technical teams
Vendor and service provider management
Financial and cost management of IT portfolios


Minimum requirements

Job experience


10 years' experience in enterprise IT environments
Strong exposure to retail store systems and POS platforms
Experience managing technical and functional teams
Proven delivery of system implementations, upgrades, or transformation programmes in live operational environments
Experience engaging with business and IT executive stakeholders
Retail, pharmacy, or omnichannel systems experience
Exposure to AI governance or emerging technology adoption
Experience modernising legacy retail systems


Qualifications


Relevant tertiary qualification in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field
Project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, Agile/Scrum)


Job related competencies


Leading and Supervising
Working with people
Adhering to Principle and Values
Applying Expertise and Technology
Presenting and Communicating Information
Analysis
Planning and Organising
Delivering Results & Meeting Customer Expectations
Formulating Strategies and Concepts