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Head of Enterprise Applications

Greater Manchester Interim View Job Description
The Head of Enterprise Applications will leads a 20+ strong Applications team, ensuring stability and optimisation of enterprise systems while supporting a major ERP transformation across a complex, multi‑site European organisation.This is a senior leadership role reporting directly to the IT Director. It requires strong ERP expertise, capable of developing teams, and operating confidently at executive level.
  • 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



Contact
Zoe Glennen
Quote job ref
JN-032026-6968079
Phone number
+44 161 829 0475

Job summary

Job function
Technology
Subsector
Senior IT Management
Sector
FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods)
Location
Greater Manchester
Contract type
Interim
Consultant name
Zoe Glennen
Consultant phone
+44 161 829 0475
Job reference
JN-032026-6968079