ERP Manager
Enterprise resource planning software is at the heart of many businesses’ procurement and purchasing operations. It influences, monitors and analyses all aspects of revenue and spending. But an ERP is never a case of install and forget – they need constant upgrading, troubleshooting, staff training, compliance testing and interconnectivity with other departments’ solutions. That’s why the ERP manager is a key player in the company.
ERP manager jobs often involve plenty of time meeting with upper management and other stakeholders in a business, as costing and planning proposals are thrashed out. Decisions made in the boardroom will then have to be implemented in the ERP, a task that might be hands-on or delegated, depending on the size and structure of the organisation. ERP managers can also be involved in recruitment for ERP-related positions.
The skills required
The primary skill for the ERP manager will be a complete understanding of how ERPs work and how to perform integrations and safe updates, not just a working knowledge of the software. Since there is a diverse range of ERP solutions on the market, specialism in one particular solution might be an advantage for some roles (or a limiting factor in others). Some organisations also run their own bespoke ERP solutions, or heavily personalised versions of popular ones, so flexibility and core understanding are key here.
Since the job is all about overseeing the ERP specialists, external ERP contractors and the various stakeholders of the business, you must be a great communicator, able to justify actions to the board and educate users on operation, or delegate such tasks to others.
ERP Manager Jobs in Widnes
At the north-eastern edge of Cheshire lies Widnes, a town of around 60,000 population built on heavy industry, particularly chemicals, where ICI had a huge presence for decades before fragmenting in the 1990s. The chemical industry chose Widnes partly for the plentiful supply of water, just like Runcorn, to which it is joined by a railway and road bridge over the Mersey.
The centre of Liverpool is 11 miles (17 km) to the west, with Liverpool John Lennon Airport just 4 miles (7km) form the centre of Widnes. Although not actually in Widnes, the Jaguar Land rover car production plant is just outside the town in Halewood, and it has been a large employer of people from Widnes. For decades the plant was owned by Ford, and the locals still cal the main boulevard that passes it “The Ford Road”. Under the new management, the factory is doing extremely well, helped by a local enthusiastic workforce.
Widnes has two musical claims to fame, one certain, one apocryphal. First was the Stone Roses’ Spike Island gig, the pinnacle of the Madchester scene in 1990. The second claim is that Paul Simon wrote “Homeward Bound” at Widnes Station, although Simon isn’t 100% sure himself!
Widnes has retained many of its industrial plants, although they are no longer owned by the giant ICI, and have been taken over by a multitude of companies. The well-connected town is handy for Liverpool, Warrington, St Helens and Runcorn, and has the M62 at its northern point. All this makes it a good place to locate any logistics operations, and indeed, ERP Manager jobs or similar positions have been through our system in Widnes.
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At Cast UK, we find the best qualified candidates and put them in touch with the most respected companies in the world. We can promise this because we know the purchasing and procurement business, and have staff dedicated to the roles.
If you’re looking to fill an ERP management role in your business, please call 0333 121 3345 so we can start matching you up with qualified people from our large database.
If you are an ERP manager yourself and are looking for new challenges or a step up the career ladder, register with Cast UK so we can start finding employers who value your expertise.
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