ERP Implementation Manager
When a business is upgrading, installing, operating, testing or changing its enterprise resource planning software, it’s vital that the whole process is managed from a centralised position to ensure the implementation goes smoothly, is project managed and has the full understanding of the affected parties. The ERP implementation manager (often called an ERP implementation lead) is in charge of overseeing the process, hiring the relevant technical and training resources, and monitoring it once it’s up and running.
Since such systems are inevitably complex, especially over large national or multinational operations, there will be a good deal of delegation of tasks to experts in their specific fields, and reporting problems, progress and results to the senior management in the organisation. The role usually effectively becomes a project management task, although that doesn’t mean that specific project managers can’t be brought in to plan the hour-to-hour implementation milestones – as manager, you’ll just have overall responsibility for the delivery of the implementation to the standard expected from your employer.
The skills required
Most importantly, you’ll need to know ERPs inside out – their capabilities, limitations and differences – and you’ll often find yourself explaining these qualities to those above and below you in the hierarchy. Since there are dozens of providers, from household names like Sage, Microsoft, Oracle and SAP right down to bespoke solutions designed for specific organisations, ERP implementation manager candidates with a wide range of experience are often sought, especially if the company is switching from one system to another.
As with all management roles, communication is key. Here, you’ll be dealing with some very technical understanding of the system, but you’ll also need to get under the skin of the company and its procurement and purchasing structures to fully understand how best to implement their solution. This potentially complex information needs to be absorbed and relayed from and to a diverse range of staff and and management in clear, understandable language.
ERP Implementation Manager Jobs in Lowestoft
On the north-eastern tip of Suffolk, 7 miles (11 km) south of Great Yarmouth and 21 miles (33 km) south east of Norwich, is the port town of Lowestoft. The town has a long history as a fishing and freight port town, and some of the earliest evidence of settlement in the UK has been found here. Unfortunately, the town's location and its harbouring of vessels and materials for the war efforts meant that it was bombed and shelled during both world wars, as was the case with many towns on the east coast.
Lowestoft got its railway link in the 19th century and this helped the town to boom as its trawlers' catches could be taken away to the cities quickly. The railway also stimulated other industry to set up there, as it made imports and exports simple by land and sea. Until the 1990s there were several multinational companies in the town, but they have largely gone now, and tourism plays a vital role – Lowestoft does have very attractive sandy beaches. Another well known industry was Lowestoft porcelain, which was among the finest in the world in its day.
It is not uncommon for ERP Implementation Manager jobs to become available in Lowestoft and the surrounding area as the docks are still active, even if they are not at the same level as they were fifty years ago. There is still a major Birds Eye factory in the town, and the headquarters of Hoseasons Holidays is located there. Much employment comes from the oil and gas industries, too, and recently Lowestoft has become a key site for the manufacture of renewable energy equipment, from solar panels to offshore wind turbines. There is a population of around 65,000 and several ,moderately populated towns along the coast, which can all add up to a reasonably active logistics and supply chain sector.
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ERP implementation manager roles at Cast UK
When implementing or upgrading an ERP solution across a company, nothing can be left to chance – the solution has to work from day one, with staff trained, the technical support and maintenance teams in place and the solution itself firing on all cylinders. Companies need to find the right person to manage this.
If you’re trying to find the perfect ERP implementation lead for your business, you’ve come to the right place. Cast UK has an enviable supply of talent in procurement and purchasing who are looking to fill your vacancy. Call 0333 121 3345 to get the ball rolling.
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