Project Manager

Title: Finance Systems Project Manager Location: Hybrid, Manchester (2-3 days on-site) Salary: £48,226 - £50,269 Type: 3-year Fixed Term Contract Introduction An exciting opportunity for an experienced Finance Systems Project Manager to join a local authority at a key stage of its digital transformation journey, leading the replacement of its existing SAP Finance platform as it approaches end of life. The future solution is expected to focus on Finance and Procurement, with the scope and solution still being shaped. This gives the successful Finance Systems Project Manager the opportunity to influence the requirements, support the procurement process and ultimately lead the implementation of the new platform. Role Overview As the Finance Systems Project Manager, you'll take ownership of the project from requirements and planning through to implementation, working closely with senior stakeholders, Finance and Procurement teams, technical specialists and an external implementation partner. You'll be responsible for ensuring the project is delivered effectively across scope, budget, timelines, governance, risk and stakeholder engagement, whilst helping shape a solution that meets the organisation's future needs. Key Responsibilities * Lead the end-to-end delivery of the Finance and Procurement systems replacement project. * Work with stakeholders to define requirements, scope and project priorities. * Develop and manage project plans, budgets, risks, dependencies and governance. * Support the assessment and procurement of the future system and implementation partner. * Manage relationships with internal stakeholders and external implementation partners. * Oversee requirements, integrations, data migration, testing and implementation activity. * Lead and coordinate internal project resources, including through a matrix structure. * Provide clear project reporting and ensure delivery against agreed time, cost, quality and benefits. Essential Skills & Experience * Proven experience delivering corporate-scale Finance, Procurement or ERP projects * At least 3 years' experience delivering ERP or Finance systems projects through to completion * Experience of ERP implementation, replacement, upgrade or migration projects * Strong understanding of project governance, risk, budgets, planning and change control * Experience managing technical requirements, integrations and/or data migration * Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and business teams * Experience leading project teams and working collaboratively with technical and business SMEs * Excellent communication, organisation and problem-solving skills * Understanding of working within a complex public-sector/local government environment Desirable Skills & Experience * Previous local government or wider public-sector experience. * Experience delivering SAP replacement or migration projects. * Experience procuring Finance, Procurement or ERP systems. * Experience selecting and managing external implementation partners. * PRINCE2 and/or Agile Project Management certification. If you're an experienced ERP or Finance Systems Project Manager looking for the opportunity to lead a significant systems replacement programme from an early stage, we'd be keen to hear from you