IFS Project Manager

A fantastic opportunity for an IFS Project Manager to join a well‑established company in the manufacturing sector.

The IFS Project Manager will lead the development and optimisation of the IFS ERP system, ensuring the business maximises system functionality while maintaining strong governance across all modules. A key focus of the role is to integrate IFS reporting capabilities with a dedicated business dashboard, providing internal and external stakeholders with real time, accurate operational and financial data.

This role is responsible for ensuring business requirements are clearly defined, system functionality aligns with operational needs, and all IFS related projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget. Acting as the primary liaison between business stakeholders, technical teams, and external IFS partners, the IFS Project Manager will play a central role in shaping the organisation's digital and operational strategy.

As a vital member of the Finance/IT team, the IFS Project Manager will work closely with leaders across the business to establish a clear strategic vision for the system, supporting the company's growth plans and driving continuous improvement.

THE BENEFITS:

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Free on‑site parking
• Generous company pension scheme

THE ROLE:

• Set interim strategic IFS objectives aligned with the board approved roadmap, and work with each division to translate these into actionable operational plans.
• Lead the full lifecycle of IFS initiatives, including implementations, upgrades, module deployments, and system optimisation projects.
• Develop and oversee detailed project plans, timelines, budgets, and resource allocations to ensure successful delivery.
• Coordinate activities across Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, HR, and IT to maintain alignment and drive cross functional collaboration.
• Ensure all project milestones, deliverables, and documentation meet agreed quality and governance standards.
• Serve as the primary liaison between business stakeholders, internal technical teams, and external IFS partners or consultants.
• Facilitate workshops to gather requirements, map current processes, and design future state workflows that support business goals.
• Manage vendor relationships, including contracts, statements of work, and performance monitoring.
• Analyse and refine business processes to align with IFS best practices and improve operational efficiency.
• Oversee system configuration, customisation, testing cycles, and data migration activities.
• Ensure seamless integration between IFS and other enterprise systems, with robust design and execution standards.
• Identify project risks and issues, elevate appropriately, and implement effective mitigation strategies.
• Lead change control processes and communicate impacts clearly to all relevant stakeholders.
• Support organisational change initiatives, including training, adoption planning, and post go live support.
• Oversee the development and execution of user acceptance testing (UAT) strategies.
• Coordinate the creation and delivery of training materials, user guides, and knowledge transfer documentation.
• Manage cutover planning, go live readiness activities, and early life support to ensure smooth transitions.
• Partner with Finance and divisional teams on budget planning, forecasting, and financial governance.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement across the business, underpinned by high quality data and analytics.
• Identify strategic risks and contribute to the development of mitigation plans.
• Coordinate cross company initiatives and projects to support broader organisational objectives.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support collaboration and alignment.

THE CANDIDATE:

• The ideal candidate will bring strong experience from an asset‑based organisation, ideally one with a rental, asset‑pooling, or equipment‑as‑a‑service operating model. They will have 5‑10 years of hands‑on experience delivering ERP implementations or major system upgrades within a comparable environment, with exposure to IFS Cloud implementations considered highly advantageous.
• Possess a bachelor's degree in Information Technology or Business Management.
• Demonstrated experience leading IFS Cloud or IFS Applications implementations, with at least one full project lifecycle preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of key IFS modules, including Finance, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Projects, Maintenance, and HR.
• Solid understanding of ERP configuration principles, system integrations, data migration methodologies, and structured testing approaches.
• Strong understanding of ERP principles and IFS applications, with the ability to ensure system functionality aligns seamlessly with business processes and operational requirements.
• Proven track record in ERP management, including presenting complex data in a clear, credible manner that builds confidence with senior stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and influence teams to deliver high‑quality outcomes.
• Brings a positive, proactive, and solutions‑focused mindset.
• Able to integrate well into a fast‑growing, dynamic organisation and contribute to a strong, collaborative culture.
• Thrives in an environment that offers autonomy and the freedom to make decisions, implement ideas, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Proven ability to deliver complex ERP or technology projects on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Strong project planning skills with solid experience in RAID management, governance frameworks, and structured delivery disciplines.
• Familiarity with agile, waterfall, and hybrid project methodologies, and the ability to apply the right approach for each initiative.
• Excellent stakeholder‑management, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage confidently at all organisational levels.
• Comfortable working across both technical and non‑technical teams, translating requirements and ensuring alignment.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making capabilities, with a structured approach to tackling challenges.
• Able to influence senior leaders, drive change, and build consensus around key decisions.
• Skilled at managing multiple workstreams simultaneously, prioritising effectively, and delivering high‑quality outcomes.
• Quick to learn new concepts and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Brings a collaborative, solutions‑focused mindset and a constructive approach to problem solving.
• Takes pride in producing high‑quality work, with a focus on clarity, usability, and actionable analysis.
• Able to simplify complex issues, identify what truly matters, and communicate priorities clearly.

Personal attributes:

• Brings energy, drive, and a positive outlook, with a genuine passion for delivering outstanding service to both internal and external stakeholders.
• A strong team player who understands the importance of collaboration and avoids a "lone‑wolf" approach.
• Demonstrates natural leadership presence and gravitas, able to command a room and inspire confidence.
• Shows initiative and is willing to challenge established thinking, with the resilience to pursue sound business objectives.
• Possesses the enthusiasm and momentum needed to push projects forward and get things done.
• Approaches issues with a solutions‑oriented mindset, always pairing challenges with practical recommendations.
• Combines dynamism with an appreciation for structured reporting, clear communication, and effective governance.
• Works collaboratively while communicating clearly and driving efficiencies across teams.
• Quickly grasps complex issues and responds flexibly to changing priorities and business needs.
• Exhibits excellent communication and people‑management skills, able to engage effectively at all levels.
• Decisive under pressure, maintaining clarity and composure in fast‑moving situations.

Edwards & Pearce is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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