At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a major IT transformation programme and oversee Microsoft Dynamics 365 implementation.
- Company: Join a dynamic food manufacturing company focused on innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with strong focus on stakeholder management and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a high-stakes leadership role within a transformative environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in IT transformation and ERP implementations, especially Microsoft Dynamics 365.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
Location: Kirkham, Lancashire, UK – 2/3 days on site
Contract: 12–18 Months
IR 35 Status: TBC
Day Rate: Competitive
Division: Foods
Reports To: Director of Technology & Innovation
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced IT Transformation Programme Manager to lead a major technology transformation programme across our Foods division. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for overseeing a complex portfolio of strategic technology initiatives, including a large-scale Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP implementation delivered in partnership with an external implementation provider.
Working closely with senior business stakeholders, IT leadership, PMO teams, and external partners, you will drive programme governance, delivery excellence and business transformation across multiple manufacturing sites in the UK.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the end-to-end delivery of a multi-workstream IT transformation programme
- Oversee the implementation of Microsoft Dynamics 365 alongside a portfolio of business applications and bespoke systems
- Coordinate internal teams, external implementation partners and functional workstreams to ensure successful delivery
- Manage programme plans, budgets, risks, dependencies, milestones and governance activities
- Facilitate steering committees, executive updates and key programme reviews
- Ensure alignment with PMO standards, methodologies and change control processes
Stakeholder & Partner Management
- Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across manufacturing and operational sites
- Act as the primary liaison between business leadership, IT teams and third‑party delivery partners
- Provide clear and confident programme reporting to executive stakeholders including CIO and senior IT leadership
- Hold external partners accountable for delivery quality, timelines and contractual commitments
- Lead and mentor programme resources including Project Managers and Product Specialists
- Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture across internal and external teams
- Support recruitment, onboarding and performance management activities
Business Change & Transformation
- Drive organisational readiness and user adoption for new technology solutions
- Partner with business stream leads to manage change impacts across operations
- Promote continuous improvement and lessons learned throughout the programme lifecycle
About You
- Strong programme leadership experience within complex enterprise environments and a proven track record delivering large-scale IT transformation initiatives
- Strong ERP implementation experience, ideally Microsoft Dynamics 365
- Experience managing external implementation partners and third‑party suppliers
- Strong governance, risk management and stakeholder management capabilities
- Experience leading cross-functional teams in fast-paced environments
- Background in food manufacturing or FMCG environments
- Familiarity with D365 Finance, Operations or Supply Chain modules
- Experience overseeing both COTS and bespoke application portfolios
- Understanding of Agile, Prince2, MSP or similar delivery methodologies
Qualifications
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 certification advantageous
- Degree in IT, Business or related discipline desirable
IT Transformation Programme Manager (Ref: 196623) in Kirkham employer: Forsyth Barnes
Join a forward-thinking organisation in Kirkham, Lancashire, where we prioritise innovation and collaboration in our IT Transformation Programme Manager role. Our dynamic work culture fosters professional growth through mentorship and continuous improvement, while offering competitive day rates and the opportunity to lead impactful technology initiatives across our Foods division. With a commitment to employee development and a supportive environment, we empower our team to drive meaningful change and achieve excellence together.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Transformation Programme Manager (Ref: 196623) in Kirkham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work in IT transformation or have experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of ERP systems and change management. Be ready to discuss your past experiences leading similar projects and how you tackled challenges. We want to see your leadership skills shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your soft skills! As an IT Transformation Programme Manager, you'll need to build relationships and manage stakeholders. Practice articulating how you've successfully collaborated with teams and managed expectations in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our company.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Transformation Programme Manager (Ref: 196623) in Kirkham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the IT Transformation Programme Manager role. Highlight your experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 and any relevant leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes in IT transformation and stakeholder management. Let us know what excites you about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In your application, emphasise your programme leadership experience and how you've managed cross-functional teams. We’re looking for someone who can drive change and foster collaboration, so make sure to highlight those skills!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own channels!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forsyth Barnes
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in Microsoft Dynamics 365 and its modules. Brush up on your ERP implementation experience, as you'll likely be asked about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your programme leadership experience. Think of situations where you successfully managed cross-functional teams or external partners, and be ready to discuss how you fostered collaboration and drove results.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with the food manufacturing industry and the specific challenges it faces. This will help you connect your technical expertise to the business needs and demonstrate your understanding of the role's impact on operations.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about how you build relationships with senior stakeholders. Have examples ready that illustrate your ability to communicate effectively and manage expectations, especially when it comes to programme reporting and governance.
