ERP Programme Director

About Us

Connect2Dorset is a managed service agency owned by Dorset Council, providing temporary, contract and interim opportunities within Dorset Council. Our service is built on our values of being ethical, trustworthy and caring, with profits returned to our Local Authority shareholders.

Interim Contract

18 months

Full Time (6 weeks) - then 2/3 days per week

Hybrid - Be able to commute 2 days a week for the first 6 weeks and be available for onsite meetings then after.

Inside IR35

Jan 26 start

Programme Director - ERP Transformation

We are seeking an accomplished senior leader with a proven track record of delivery to take responsibility for a critical ERP transformation programme that will underpin the council's future operating model. This is a unique opportunity to lead the implementation of Oracle Fusion, delivering across Finance, HR, Payroll, and Procurement. We are committed to a 'fit to standard' approach - adopting the solution as designed to maximise value and efficiency - while ensuring the new system fully supports our organisational delegations and all aspects of financial management, embedding robust controls and assurance throughout. The successful candidate will drive an extensive change effort, accelerating our digital journey by replacing a legacy ERP and embedding product management methodologies to ensure the solution is adopted and sustained across the organisation.

This role is central to integrating the new ERP platform with the redesign of enabling services and the adoption of modern, efficient ways of working. The Programme Director will provide authoritative governance and strategic leadership, working across organisational boundaries to deliver a programme that strengthens financial management, HR, and procurement processes, and drives sustainable service improvement.

As a senior board-level role, this position demands vision, influence, and delivery excellence. The postholder will act as a catalyst for organisational change, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities and future structures. You will set direction, build and mobilise a high-performing team, and maintain momentum to deliver at pace. Success will require exceptional stakeholder engagement in a complex organisational environment, strong leadership with major technology and implementation partners, and rigorous financial control to ensure delivery on time and within budget while safeguarding service continuity and public confidence.

This role is part of a wider redesign of our technology service and will join a new leadership team driving modern methods and technologies throughout the organisation.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in business, IT, finance, or related field essential
• Professional programme management qualification (e.g., MSP, PRINCE2, APM) desirable
• Relevant ERP or Oracle Fusion implementation experience and or certifications essential
• Programme director experience in leading large-scale transformation aligned with GDS (Government Digital Service) standards and principles, including service design, agile delivery, and user-centred approaches

Experience

• Significant experience leading strategic ERP-enabled transformation, ideally with Oracle Fusion Cloud (Finance/Procurement/HR/Payroll)
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex, multi-year technology change programmes (£10m+) within large organisations
• Experience of operating at senior leadership or board level, providing governance and assurance in politically sensitive environments
• Strong record of influencing and engaging senior executives, elected Members, trade unions, finance officers and service directors
• Demonstrable experience in organisational redesign and business change to enable digital ways of working and future operating models
• Expertise in managing systems integrators, software vendors and multi-disciplinary delivery teams, ensuring accountability and value for money
• Evidence of financial stewardship, including budget control, benefits realisation and risk management

Skills & Knowledge

• Expert understanding of ERP platforms, data migration, integration architectures and cloud solutions
• Ability to translate ERP capabilities into organisational transformation outcomes, aligning technology with service redesign and workforce planning
• Strong financial literacy, including business case development, cost control and delivery assurance
• Exceptional stakeholder and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels and navigate complex political landscapes
• Strong strategic and organisational understanding, with a strong focus on how enabling services can redefine the delivery of priorities and workforce experience
• High-level analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on risk management and governance
• Knowledge of statutory requirements relevant to Finance, HR, Procurement and Payroll in local authorities
• Product management approaches, including iterative delivery, prioritisation frameworks and value-based planning to ensure solutions meet organisational needs
• People change and adoption skills, including change impact assessment, capability building and engagement strategies to embed new ways of working.

Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.