Head of ERP Platforms

Head of ERP Platforms (Grade 8)

About The University of Manchester

The University of Manchester has a rich heritage of discovery, social change and a pioneering spirit, which has been at the heart of what we do since 1824. When you join our University, you become part of a truly diverse and global community of staff, students and alumni all focused on ensuring that we are recognised for the excellence of our people, research, learning and innovation, and for the benefits we bring to society.

The University is a world-leading research and teaching institution with a wide range of IT systems and platforms serving more than 75,000 stakeholders worldwide.

About the role

The IT Services at the University is pivotal in propelling the institution into the future, facilitating groundbreaking research, enriching teaching and learning experiences, and streamlining administrative functions. The University will soon start a journey towards unified, cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems that marks a significant milestone in optimising operations and fostering innovation.

The Head of ERP Platforms in ITS is at the forefront of this transformative journey, championing the migration to a cohesive cloud ERP platform. This role is instrumental in redefining how technology empowers the academic and administrative pillars of the university, ensuring a seamless, secure, and sustainable IT ecosystem.  With a strategic focus on the consolidation of disparate software packages into an integrated cloud ERP solution, the role will drive the evolution of the IT operating model to enhance support across all facets of the University.

Responsible for key areas of the University's software portfolio, this position entails the strategic planning, development, and orchestration of IT platforms that align with key business capabilities—including Finance, HR, Estates and Facilities, Research Management, and IT Service Management.  This role is committed to elevating user experience, meeting intricate business needs, and fostering an environment of security, reliability, and innovation.

This position will be responsible for:

• ERP Leadership and Strategy: Act as the University expert on the transition to unified cloud ERP systems, guiding the strategic consolidation and integration of IT applications and platforms to support core university functions. Lead the development of a roadmap for ERP evolution, ensuring alignment with the University's strategic objectives and business capabilities.
• Agile and Adaptive Transformation: Drive the adoption of Agile methodologies and an adaptive IT framework that supports rapid evolution and integration of cloud-based solutions. Build and mentor cross-functional teams to foster collaboration and co-creation of solutions with business stakeholders.
• Technology Modernisation and Cloud Adoption: Advise and lead the shift towards cloud-based ERP and SaaS solutions, prioritising scalability, efficiency, and sustainability. Address legacy technology debt with a strategic focus on improving reliability and reducing costs, while navigating the complexities of digital transformation.
• Enhanced User Experience: Elevate the user interfaces and experiences of IT platforms, leveraging stakeholder feedback to ensure inclusivity and accessibility. Emphasize user-centric design and development practices to meet the evolving needs of the University community.
• Collaboration and Strategic Partnerships: Strengthen internal and external relationships to foster a shared vision for IT platform evolution. Act as credible partner with vendors and industry experts to anticipate future trends and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, enhancing the University's competitive edge.
• Proactive Security and Compliance Engineering: Guide a 'security-first' approach by embedding robust security practices and standards into the early stages of IT development and decision-making processes. Lead the establishment and enforcement of engineering standards that ensure all IT platforms not only meet but exceed security, regulatory, and legal requirements.

Person specification

• Extensive experience in IT leadership, preferably in an academic or large enterprise setting.
• Proven track record of managing agile product development teams.
• Proven track record of building ERP support teams to adopt and manage SaaS platforms
• Strong understanding of cloud technologies, SaaS, and modern IT architectures.
• Exceptional leadership and team-building abilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic thinking with a focus on innovation and problem-solving.
• Deep understanding of IT service management and user experience design.
• Knowledge of current trends in IT and higher education
• Desirable qualifications: Agile certification; ITIL Certification to an advanced level

Salary / Package

This is a senior leadership position (grade 8) offering a competitive salary (depending on experience), along with 29 days annual leave (plus 4 closure days over Christmas and 8 bank holidays), flexible working (office based at least two days a week) and an attractive pension scheme (up to 21% employer contributions).

The closing date for applications is on 30/10/2024.

Hays Technology have been retained by The University of Manchester to manage the recruitment of this role. For all enquiries, please contact Mark Hamilton at Hays Technology.