Business Systems Implementation Manager

As SOCOTEC continues to grow, we are looking for a hands‑on Business Systems Implementation Manager to lead the delivery and implementation of our core business systems – ERP, CRM and Field Service – across the business. This is a delivery role first and foremost: you will be close to the detail, configuring, project managing and embedding solutions, not overseeing them from a distance.

Reporting to the IT Director, you will act as the conduit between the business divisions and the UK IT Team – understanding divisional strategy, shaping the systems roadmap, and then rolling your sleeves up to scope, configure, deliver and embed the work. You will lead implementations end to end, working with internal and external software development and IT teams, and alongside Business Analysts, to ensure technical delivery aligns with business outcomes across multiple platforms and projects.

Our current core platform is Microsoft Dynamics 365 (including Field Service and CRM), so existing Dynamics 365 experience is valuable. However, this is a platform‑agnostic role: as our estate evolves you may be asked to implement and integrate other ERP, CRM and business systems, and the successful candidate will bring transferable implementation and delivery expertise rather than a single‑product focus.

This role is ideal for an implementation and delivery professional who enjoys staying hands‑on, with a passion for driving continuous improvement. There is genuine scope to grow into a broader delivery or programme leadership position as our systems estate expands.

• Lead the hands‑on implementation of ERP, CRM and Field Service systems across the business – from scoping and configuration through to go‑live and embedding.
• Configure and tailor business systems alongside functional consultants and developers, contributing directly to solution design and building/validating configuration against business requirements.
• Work hands‑on with integration and low‑code/automation tooling (e.g. Power Platform on our current estate) to connect systems and streamline processes.
• Manage application acceptance from development and transition to live, ensuring a successful handover to IT support.
• Facilitate workshops, run user acceptance testing, and deliver training to embed new functionality across the divisions.

• Lead and manage projects from initiation through delivery with appropriate governance, ensuring delivery on time, on budget and to quality.
• Embrace and follow the Project Stage Gate Governance Processes, maintaining appropriate project controls and documentation (Mandate, Business Case, RAID, Plan, etc.).
• Manage project budgets, track actual costs against budget, and coordinate resource allocation across internal teams and vendors.
• Provide regular (weekly/monthly) project reporting on progress, risk, cost and quality.
• Work closely with divisional teams and senior IT leadership to understand requirements, feeding implementation realities and options back into roadmap and planning decisions.
• Help shape the delivery schedule for agreed systems work, managing throughput across internal and external development teams to keep implementations moving.
• Coordinate with business product owners, internal IT and external vendors to deliver implementations, working within the agreed priorities and roadmap (set variously by the IT Director, Head of Software Development, an IT Business Partner where in place, or the Business Systems Implementation Manager).
• Manage stakeholders across the divisions through matrix management and influence, and act as an escalation point for critical service issues (in the extreme), helping identify priorities and risks during major incidents.

• Minimum 5 years' experience in IT project management, systems implementation, delivery, business analysis or similar roles.
• Experience implementing Microsoft Dynamics 365 (Field Service and/or CRM) and familiarity with the Power Platform.
• Demonstrable hands‑on experience implementing business systems (ERP, CRM and/or Field Service) end to end – comfortable configuring and building solutions, not just overseeing them.
• Proven track record in project and programme governance, including matrix management.
• Experience managing relationships with third‑party vendors and external development teams.
• Strong change management capabilities and the ability to engage with and understand business requirements.