ERP Change Manager

Position: ERP Change Manager
Employment Type: Contract, Full time
Start: 2nd January 2024
Duration: 7 Months
Location: Southwest England, UK | Hybrid - 3 days per week onsite
Languages: English

Focus on SAP is specialist SAP and ERP Recruitment organisation offering both permanent and contract staffing solutions on a global scale. 
 
Client – Partnered with a leading high-tech organisation in the UK.
 
Role – We are seeking a skilled and proactive ERP Change Manager to drive successful adoption of multiple ERP platforms as part of a large-scale ERP implementation programme. This role requires a well-spoken and strategic leader who can influence and manage stakeholders, particularly those who are resistant to change. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in change management, with demonstrated experience in guiding organisations through complex system transformations, while ensuring alignment with business objectives and minimising disruption.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive change management strategy for the ERP programme, ensuring smooth transitions to the new systems across all business units.
• Create and implement change management plans that address the organizational, process, and cultural impacts of the ERP transformation.
• Define the key success metrics for change adoption and monitor progress throughout the project lifecycle.
• Identify, engage, and manage key stakeholders across the organisation, focusing on those who may be resistant or adverse to change.
• Develop targeted strategies to influence and engage stakeholders, ensuring buy-in and alignment with the ERP programme objectives.
• Facilitate regular communication with stakeholders to address concerns, provide updates, and gather feedback on change initiatives.
• Conduct detailed change impact assessments to identify the areas of the business most affected by the ERP implementation.
• Collaborate with business leaders and SMEs to understand pain points, assess readiness for change, and design interventions to mitigate disruption.
• Develop strategies to manage resistance to change, leveraging change champions and other tactics to facilitate smooth transitions.
• Develop and deliver clear, consistent, and compelling communications that articulate the rationale for change and the benefits of the ERP implementation.
• Design and coordinate training programmes to ensure that users are adequately prepared for new systems, processes, and ways of working.
• Ensure communication and training plans are tailored to different stakeholder groups, addressing specific concerns and knowledge gaps.
• Establish a governance structure for change management, ensuring adherence to programme standards and tracking progress against change adoption metrics.
• Provide regular reports to the Programme Director and senior leadership on the status of change initiatives, including risks, issues, and stakeholder feedback.
• Identify and escalate any significant barriers to change, proposing solutions and adjustments to the strategy where necessary.
• Develop and implement specific strategies to manage resistance to change, focusing on areas where resistance is most likely to occur.
• Work closely with project teams, HR, and business leaders to address concerns, communicate the benefits of change, and demonstrate how the ERP platforms will improve business operations.
• Create and empower change champions across the organisation to promote positive attitudes towards the ERP implementation.
• Monitor the adoption of the new ERP systems post-implementation, ensuring users have the necessary support and guidance.
• Conduct post-implementation reviews to assess the effectiveness of change management initiatives and make recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Maintain an ongoing dialogue with stakeholders to ensure the change is embedded within the organisation.

Key Skills:

• Proven experience as a Change Manager on large-scale ERP or IT transformation programmes (desire for IFS ERP and/or SAP related project experience).
• Strong understanding of change management methodologies (e.g., Prosci, ADKAR) and tools, with a track record of managing change in complex environments.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and influencing stakeholders who are resistant or adverse to change.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts and engage a variety of audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to build relationships and drive collaboration across teams and business units.
• Experience in conducting change impact assessments, developing communication strategies, and delivering training programmes.
• A well-spoken, confident communicator who can engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to handle resistance and overcome obstacles in the change process.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A proactive and empathetic leader, passionate about driving successful change within an organisation.

Salary – up to £750 per day (DOE, Outside IR35)
 
Location – Southwest England, UK | Hybrid - 3 days per week on site

Keywords – #hiring #erp #changemanager #sap #ifs