Software Implementation Project Manager

Software Implementation Project ManagerAylesford, KentSix-month fixed-term contract£70,000 per annum, pro rataImmediate start preferredPotential extension depending on project requirementsHave you successfully managed the implementation of third-party software within a complex organisation?Are you good at bringing internal teams, Business Analysts and external software providers together?Can you provide structure, momentum and accountability without unnecessary bureaucracy?If so, this could be an excellent opportunity to take ownership of an important business systems rollout already underway.Our client is implementing Acumatica, a cloud-based business management and ERP platform. The finance phase is complete and the next stage will focus on the wider manufacturing and operational rollout.The project is already in progress and has an experienced Business Analyst who has played a central role throughout. The appointed software partner will continue to lead technical delivery. They now need an experienced Software Implementation Project Manager to bring all sides of the project together.You will provide the organisation, coordination and forward planning required to keep the implementation moving, while enabling the Business Analyst to concentrate on requirements, workshops, testing and the functional detail of the solution.This is not a role for somebody who wants to redesign the implementation methodology or take control of the technical solution. It requires a pragmatic and collaborative Project Manager who can engage the right people and ensure actions, decisions and resources are in place at the right time.Your roleYou will act as the central point of coordination between internal teams, the Business Analyst, senior stakeholders and the external Acumatica implementation partner.The implementation partner has an established delivery methodology and will provide guidance around the technical work required. Your responsibility will be to make sure the organisation is ready to meet those requirements.This will involve securing the right resources, following up actions, removing blockers and maintaining a clear view of the delivery plan. You will also ensure areas such as data, reporting, testing, training and business readiness are prepared in sufficient time.Your responsibilities will includeReviewing the current position and what has already been completedMaintaining the overall project plan, milestones and delivery scheduleCoordinating internal teams, the Business Analyst and implementation partnerEnsuring actions have clear owners and realistic completion datesFollowing up actions and removing blockersSecuring resources for workshops, testing, training and implementation activityMaintaining risks, issues, actions, dependencies and decisionsProviding visibility of deadlines and resource requirementsCoordinating data, reporting and operational readinessSupporting testing, training and go-live planningProviding clear updates to the project steering boardEscalating significant risks, delays and decisionsMonitoring project expenditure and supplier timeMaintaining a productive relationship with the implementation partnerWhat we are looking forYou will have strong experience managing software implementation or business systems projects.Previous ERP or Acumatica experience would be useful but is not essential. More important is your ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders, maintain control of project activity and work successfully with an experienced third-party software provider.You should be able to demonstrate:Experience managing third-party software implementation projectsStrong project planning, organisation and coordination skillsExperience maintaining project plans, action trackers, risks and issuesThe ability to take over a project already underwayExperience working with external software vendors or implementation partnersStrong stakeholder engagement skillsExperience coordinating workshops, testing, training and go-live readinessConfidence reporting to senior stakeholders or a steering boardExcellent communication with technical and non-technical stakeholdersConfidence challenging delays or missed commitments constructivelyCommercial understanding of supplier time, project cost and scopeA formal project management qualification is not essential. Practical experience, judgement and the ability to get people working together will be more important.The right approachThe successful person will be structured without being bureaucratic and assertive without being confrontational. You will need to be comfortable working within an established implementation approach, listening to the specialists involved and keeping everybody focused on the shared outcome.The Business Analyst will remain central to the project and will continue to lead much of the requirements, workshop, testing and functional activity. Your role is to take ownership of the wider plan, coordination, actions, reporting and stakeholder engagement.Desirable experienceIt would be advantageous if you have experience of:ERP or wider business management softwareManufacturing, finance or operational systemsData migration and system integration projectsHybrid or waterfall implementation methodologiesOrganisational change and user adoptionRecovering or stabilising a delayed projectWhat success will look likeDuring the six-month contract, you will be expected to establish a reliable project plan, create clear ownership of actions, improve coordination with the implementation partner, ensure internal teams are ready for workshops, testing and training, give the steering board a consistent view of progress and support the successful rollout of the remaining Acumatica functionality.TPBN1_UKTJ