ERP Functional Lead

ERP Functional Lead
Cambridge (Hybrid 3 days onsite/2 days remote)
6 months initially
£negotiable Inside IR35

We are seeking an experienced Interim ERP Functional Lead (IFS) to deliver a focused ERP optimisation and integration programme within a manufacturing and assembly environment operating in a regulated/defence-aligned sector.

This is a delivery-critical assignment requiring a strong functional expert with deep end-to-end ERP process knowledge across supply chain, manufacturing, warehousing, finance, projects, assembly, and HRIS. The successful candidate will rapidly take ownership of cross-module alignment, stabilise and optimise core processes, and deliver measurable operational and financial improvements within a defined timeframe.

The role demands a hands-on, outcome-driven professional who can work directly with operational stakeholders while embedding governance, compliance, auditability, and data integrity controls appropriate to a regulated environment.

Responsibilities:
? Achieve full cross-functional alignment across supply chain, manufacturing, warehousing, finance, projects, assembly, and HR modules.
? Optimise MRP parameters, BOM structures, production orders, and inventory control processes.
? Improve procurement and supplier workflow configuration aligned to operational demand.
? Ensure finance and project accounting integration supports accurate WIP, cost allocation, revenue recognition, and reporting.
? Strengthen auditability, traceability, governance, and data integrity controls.
? Support HRIS integration principles including payroll alignment, governance controls, and parallel validation where required.
? Deliver clearly defined milestones within the agreed six-month programme plan.
? Increase ERP adoption, process discipline, and system confidence across operational teams.

Tasks:
Rapid ERP Assessment & Gap Analysis
? Conduct structured gap analysis between business requirements and current ERP capabilities.
? Perform an initial diagnostic of configuration, process flows, and integration weaknesses.
? Establish a prioritised delivery roadmap aligned to measurable milestones.
? Act as functional SME for assigned modules (eg, Finance, HR, Procurement, Supply Chain).

End-to-End Implementation & Optimisation
? Support the full ERP life cycle: design, configuration, build, test, deploy, and stabilisation.
? Participate in data migration, validation, and reconciliation activities.
? Develop detailed test scripts and support SIT and UAT cycles.
? Troubleshoot functional issues and coordinate with technical teams for resolution.
? Provide structured post-go-live support and continuous improvement recommendations.

Manufacturing & MRP Optimisation
? Review and optimise BOM structures and MRP configuration.
? Improve material planning accuracy and production order workflows.
? Strengthen inventory control and stock integrity.
? Work directly with shop floor and warehouse teams to ensure practical adoption.

Supply Chain & Procurement Configuration
? Refine sourcing, purchasing, goods receipt, and stock management processes.
? Align supplier management workflows with manufacturing and project demand.
? Improve traceability and materials governance within the supply chain.

Finance, Project Accounting & HRIS Integration
? Ensure robust integration between operational modules and finance.
? Strengthen WIP tracking, cost allocation, project costing, revenue recognition, and reporting.
? Support HRIS implementation principles including payroll integration, governance, risk management, UAT, and parallel running where required.
? Enhance audit readiness and financial reporting integrity.

Governance & Compliance
? Embed appropriate controls for regulated/defence-aligned environments.
? Strengthen auditability, traceability, and data governance frameworks.
? Ensure documentation standards meet compliance expectations.

Experience:
? Proven track record delivering ERP implementations or optimisation programmes using IFS within manufacturing or assembly environments.
? Experience delivering full life cycle ERP and/or HRIS implementations.
? Deep functional expertise across:
? Manufacturing process flows
? MRP configuration and planning
? BOM structures
? Inventory control
? Production order management
? Procurement and supplier workflows
? Finance and project accounting integration
? Strong understanding of cost allocation, WIP, project costing, and financial reporting integration.
? Experience operating within regulated, defence, or compliance-driven sectors.
? Demonstrated ability to deliver within fixed six-month timelines and milestone-driven programmes.
? Strong analytical capability with excellent documentation and process-mapping skills.