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 Stoke-on-Trent
Often simply referred to as Stoke, Stoke-on-Trent is a city in Staffordshire. It is also affectionately known as The Potteries, a name that date backs to the 1800s when the region became a leader in the production of ceramics, particularly decorative tiles, figurines and dishes.
The area around Stoke had long been recognised as an excellent source of clay, salt, lead and coal and many of the companies that started manufacturing ceramic goods on an industrial scale during the 17th century are still around today - such as Royal Doulton, Spode, Wedgwood and Dudson, which was founded in 1800 and is the oldest tableware manufacturer in the UK.
In addition, the 1842 Pottery Riots that which were sparked by unannounced pay reductions have been said to be some of the first examples of trade unionism in the country.
Of course, other industries have also helped shape the region. Coal mining was a large part of the local economy until the last pit closed in the mid 1990s. Meanwhile, the steel industry was a booming business throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
These days, Stoke-on-Trent is a thriving community and a great location for anyone seeking ERP Implementation Manager vacancies.
As well as the ceramics companies that call the city home, a number of other businesses have offices in the region, including bet365, Phones4U and the Michelin tyre company. Other companies, like Sainsbury's and the Co-operative Pharmacy, maintain large warehousing facilities in Stoke, while Premier Foods manufactures some well-known sweet treats.
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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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