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 Stockport
Only six miles south of Manchester, Stockport is situated on the confluence of the rivers Goyt, Tame and Mersey. It's a town that has long been associated with manufacturing and is a good location for those seeking ERP Implementation Manager opportunities.
Contrary to what you would expect by looking at the town's name, Stockport was never much of a port town since the Mersey is a fairly narrow and shallow waterway in this region. Rather, the name simply combines the Old English words for 'marketplace' and 'hamlet'.
Indeed, Stockport has been a hub of commerce for hundreds of years, mainly as a source for textiles and hats, producing as many as six million pieces of headwear a year at the industry's peak.
Silk weaving and cotton spinning expanded during the 18th century with mills that were first powered by water, then steam. Other related industries included block making, trimming manufacture and leather ware.
Hat making in Stockport finally came to an end in the 1990s and the textile industry has also declined significantly. However, the town has moved with the times and its economy is now mainly based in the service sector.
The financial industry employs a large portion of Stockport's population, with companies like the Co-Op Bank and Swinton Insurance having facilities in the area.
In addition, manufacturing plays a part in the local economy. For example, BAE Systems, United Biscuits, PZ Cussons and NXP Semiconductors have factories in Stockport. What's more, Robinsons is a regional brewery that produces around 35,000 barrels of beer a year.
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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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