IT Applications

Please Note:

This position is for our client, Freedom Pet

Located at: 480 Thompson Dr., Cambridge, ON

We are assisting the hiring for this role.

IT Applications & Systems Manager

Location: Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Industry: Consumer Goods Distribution

About the Role

We are looking for an IT Applications & Systems Manager to lead all internal technology operations related to Microsoft Business Central (ERP), Solochain (WMS), and business data across the organization. This is the company's key internal IT role, responsible for ensuring that core business systems run smoothly, support day-to-day operations, and evolve with the needs of a growing distribution business.

You will work closely with finance, operations, and warehouse teams to optimize workflows, improve data quality, build business intelligence capabilities, and support integrations as the company expands. You will also coordinate with the company's external IT partner to align priorities and support overall system reliability and security.

This is an opportunity to shape the company's internal IT function and play a major role in operational efficiency and long-term growth.

About Freedom Pet

Freedom Pet Supplies Inc. is a Canadian wholesale distributor of pet food and supplies serving more than 1,500 pet retailers nationwide. Founded in 2001 by John and Kelly Ayres, the company has grown into a major player in pet distribution, offering a wide range of products for dogs, cats, and other animals.

The company is headquartered in Cambridge, Ontario and is now owned by Novacap Management Inc., a leading private equity firm. With substantial investment behind them and ambitious expansion plans, Freedom Pet continues to scale its operations, strengthen its national footprint, and broaden its product portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

Business Central (ERP)

• Configure, maintain, and optimize Microsoft Business Central to support finance, operations, and warehouse workflows.
• Troubleshoot system issues and coordinate enhancements with external vendors.
• Improve processes, data accuracy, permissions, and reporting within BC.
• Support users across departments, ensuring high adoption and effective use.

Solochain (WMS) & Warehouse Technology

• Manage Solochain configuration, workflows, and integrations.
• Support warehouse technology used with the WMS, including scanners, handhelds, and label printers.
• Coordinate with vendors and the external IT partner when issues involve connectivity or infrastructure.
• Drive improvements in warehouse accuracy and throughput through system enhancements.

Business Intelligence & Reporting

• Build dashboards, KPIs, and reports using Power BI or similar tools.
• Maintain data flows between BC, Solochain, and BI platforms.
• Work with leadership to define metrics and reporting standards.

Coordination With External IT Partner

• Serve as the primary internal contact for IT escalation, issue tracking, and communication.
• Ensure clear definitions of business requirements and priorities.
• Support planning for software licensing, renewals, and business-systems–related hardware.
• Review service quality and help guide improvements.

Integrations & Growth Support

• Support system integrations related to expansion, new facilities, or acquisitions.
• Document workflows and help standardize processes across the organization.
• Assist in onboarding new teams or sites into existing systems.

User Training & Support

• Provide tier-1 and tier-2 support for Business Central, Solochain, and business applications.
• Develop user guides, SOPs, and training resources.
• Train new and existing staff on key systems and best practices.

What This Role Does Not Cover[BK1]

This role is not responsible for hands-on IT infrastructure, cybersecurity operations, networking, backups, or endpoint management. These functions continue to be handled by Freedom Pet's long-standing managed service provider.

You will not perform this technical work yourself, but you will be accountable for these areas at the leadership level. You will take ownership of how they support the business, coordinate priorities with the MSP, and ensure that infrastructure and security align with the company's operational needs.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Systems, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years in a business systems, ERP/WMS, or applications support role.
• Hands-on experience with Microsoft Business Central is required.
• Experience with Solochain WMS or similar warehouse management systems is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with external vendors or technology service partners.

Technical Skills[BK2]

• Solid understanding of ERP and WMS configuration, data structures, and business workflows
• Experience with Power BI or similar BI and reporting tools
• Strong knowledge of system integrations, data flows, and mapping between business applications
• Ability to diagnose and resolve application issues with speed and accuracy
• Broad understanding of IT infrastructure, hardware lifecycle management, networking fundamentals, and cybersecurity best practices
• Ability to oversee and validate the work of the partner MSP, ensuring that infrastructure, security controls, and compliance requirements set by Novacap are implemented correctly and maintained over time

Personal Attributes

• Hands-on, solutions-oriented, and adaptable.
• Strong communicator who can work well with both technical and non-technical teams.
• Highly organized, with strong attention to detail.
• Able to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a growing business.

Why Join

• Take ownership of the company's internal IT function.
• Lead critical business systems that drive daily operations across warehouse, finance, and sales.
• Play a key role in upcoming growth and acquisitions.
• Join a company where your work directly impacts efficiency, scalability, and decision-making.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person