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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic applications team and drive operational excellence during a major transformation.
- Company: Join a large, multi-site organisation with a strong presence across Europe.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working model, and significant influence in a pivotal role.
- Why this job: Shape the future of enterprise applications while making a real impact on transformation.
- Qualifications: Strong ERP leadership experience and ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams.
- Other info: Opportunity for travel across the UK and Europe, enhancing your professional network.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Drive BAU excellence during major transformation. Shape a growing applications team.
About Our Client
Our client is a large, complex, multi-site organisation operating across Europe with nearly 4,000 internal users. They are undergoing a major enterprise transformation programme, while simultaneously strengthening and maturing their business-as-usual (BAU) applications capability. To support this growth and ensure leadership continuity, we are seeking an experienced Head of Enterprise Applications to lead a large applications function, drive operational excellence and contribute to executive-level governance.
Job Description
As the Head of Enterprise Applications, you will:
- Lead and develop a BAU Applications team of c.20+, including Application Managers and Functional Consultants.
- Oversee application performance, service stability and continuous improvement across a complex, multi-site European estate.
- Provide functional leadership alongside a large-scale ERP transformation programme, backfilling the incumbent who has moved onto the programme team.
- Present at Executive Committee meetings and, when required, step in to run the Steering Committee in the absence of the IT Director.
- Manage relationships with key partners, including strategic ERP service providers.
- Support the transition as BAU activity increases alongside ongoing modernisation and transformation work.
- Travel across UK and Europe (including regular trips to Belgium and Luxembourg) to engage with teams and stakeholders.
This role requires strong people leadership, operational control, and the ability to balance BAU demands with programme activity.
The Successful Applicant
Essential Experience
- Strong enterprise-level ERP leadership experience, in environments using SAP, Oracle, Dynamics or other comparable platforms.
- Background in complex, multi-site industries such as Manufacturing, FMCG, Logistics, Retail, Engineering, Supply Chain, or Life Sciences/Pharma.
- Proven experience managing and developing multi-disciplinary application teams.
- Comfortable running BAU operations while supporting or working alongside large transformation programmes.
- Strong senior stakeholder management and confidence presenting at Executive level.
- Experience navigating shifting operational demands and managing competing priorities across large user bases.
Leadership Qualities
- Empathetic, coaching-driven leadership style.
- Ability to uplift, develop and motivate teams.
- Calm, structured and resilient under pressure.
- Strong communicator with the presence to step into senior governance forums.
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary
- 18-month FTC with significant influence and visibility
- Opportunity to lead a major applications function during a pivotal period of change
- Flexible working model: 50% based in Manchester + regular EU travel
- Direct reporting line to the IT Director
- The chance to shape and develop a growing BAU Applications team
Head of Enterprise Applications employer: Page Executive
Contact Detail:
Page Executive Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Enterprise Applications
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might know someone at the company you're eyeing. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and challenges. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in their transformation journey.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! Since you'll be presenting at executive meetings, being able to communicate your ideas clearly and confidently is key. Consider doing mock presentations with friends or mentors.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Enterprise Applications
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience with ERP systems like SAP or Oracle, and showcase your leadership skills in managing application teams. We want to see how you can drive BAU excellence!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Enterprise Applications role. Share specific examples of your past successes in similar environments and how you can contribute to our transformation journey.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We’re looking for someone with an empathetic, coaching-driven leadership style. In your application, give us a glimpse of how you uplift and motivate teams, especially in high-pressure situations. This will help us see if you’re the right fit for our culture!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Page Executive
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in enterprise-level ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, or Dynamics. Brush up on your knowledge of how these platforms operate within complex, multi-site environments, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your empathetic and coaching-driven leadership style. Think of examples where you've uplifted and motivated teams, especially in high-pressure situations. This will demonstrate that you can lead a large applications function effectively.
✨Master Stakeholder Management
Be ready to talk about your experience managing senior stakeholders and presenting at executive levels. Have specific examples in mind that highlight your ability to navigate shifting operational demands and manage competing priorities.
✨Engage with the Transformation Narrative
Since the company is undergoing a major transformation, show your understanding of how BAU operations can coexist with transformation efforts. Discuss your experience in balancing these demands and how you can contribute to both areas.