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 the South West
A region that encompasses Bristol, Gloucester, Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire, as well as the Isles of Scilly, the South West is a diverse area that offers a broad range of opportunities for those seeking ERP Implementation Manager positions.
As demonstrated by the ancient monuments like Stonehenge and the Roman ruins in Bath, the South West has been settled for thousands of years. In fact, the oldest complete human skeleton ever found in the UK was discovered in Cheddar Gorge and dates back to around 7150 BC.
Prior to the Industrial Revolution, much of the South West relied on fishing and shipping, particularly in Bristol, a city which harboured vessels that traded with Ireland, Iceland and the Americas. Later, it became known for coal mining, as well as heavy industry.
Today, aeronautics is an important part of the South West economy, and a number of companies have facilities in the region - such as Airbus UK, BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce. There's also Defence Equipment and Support - the MoD's procurement and logistics agency.
Cheese, clotted cream and other dairy products are made in the region, with companies including Dairy Crest, which makes Cathedral City and Davidstow. Other food and beverage manufacturers include Ginsters, Ryvita, Kraft Foods UK and Beverage Brands, makers of WKD vodka. Meanwhile GSK manufactures Lucozade and Ribena in Coleford.
In addition, Princess Yachts, Siemens Traffic Controls, Merlin Entertainments, Endsleigh Insurance, Westland Helicopters and Wincanton plc are all based in the region.
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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.
Are you a qualified and experienced ERP implementation manager? Employers are looking for your talents now – please register so we can connect.
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