ERP Change Manager in Southampton

Position: ERP Change Manager

Employment Type: Contract, Full time

Start: ASAP

Duration: 3 Months

Location: Hampshire, UK | Hybrid - 2 days per week onsite

Languages: English

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/Oracle 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.

If you are interested or would like to know more, please email with your CV and availability to speak. Applicants must be a UK resident and hold a valid right to work status.