Gartner says enterprise resource planning (ERP), is growing in importance but incredibly poorly managed. According to the 2016 CIO Survey, ERP ranks fourth on the priority list of average CIOs. Gartner found that ERPs are often poorly managed in a separate study. It states,
We estimate that between 20% and 25% of ERP projects are late or overbudget, fail to deliver expected benefits, end up abandoned, and that 20% to 25% of ERP projects are abandoned. Another 50% to 60% of ERP projects are considered compromised by organizations. This is usually due to the erosion or failure to define expected benefits.
Gartner isn’t talking about ERP as an all-in-one ERP system. Instead, ERP the postmodern system refers to the process of implementing the right software at the right time for the right processes. The goal of a postmodern ERP strategy, in other words, is to use the best software available in each area and ensure that they are integrated with each other as necessary.
As you can see, the demand for ERP project managers who are competent is growing.
There is only one problem.
Where can you find these qualified, niche candidates?
We’ve got your back, as always. Continue reading to find out more about ERP project managers, their job descriptions, and the skills they require.
What is ERP Project Manager?
Companies often find themselves in need of ERP project managers. These companies often have to manage inventory, capabilities, budgets, and resources while forecasting business outcomes, risks, as well as key scenarios.
These business processes begin to look a lot like the following:
As businesses go through this cycle, an ERP project manager is responsible for coordinating maintenance and enhancement efforts to boost the existing flow of business. This is done largely by having a good understanding of the business’s resources, knowledge, and best practices.
This position requires technical skills. Project managers who want to get into this field need to be familiar with enterprise project management software as well as project portfolio management software. Microsoft Project and Primavera are two of the most popular software for this role. Macola is also available for smaller businesses.
ERP project managers work closely with the business’s leadership, which includes CIOs, CEOs and CTOs. They also serve as experts on ERP projects. This is a high-ranking position that is usually reserved for people with extensive project management experience.
What are the primary responsibilities of ERP Project Managers?
These descriptors should be considered when creating a job post for an ERP project manager:
In terms of structure ERP project managers report directly to the line of business managers that are affected by the project, IT associates, managers, stakeholders, and the ERP steering committee.
What Experience Should ERP Project Managers Have
The ideal ERP project manager should possess:
What skills and knowledge should ERP project managers have?
It’s not enough that you use this template when interviewing for ERP project manager position. No matter how big or small your company is, you should prioritize interpersonal and communication skills and emotional intelligence. You don’t want someone who doesn’t enjoy working with you.
The project manager should also be able to:
What about Pay?
Salaries for project managers vary depending on the industry and job requirements. Salary.com reports that the lowest 10% of ERP project managers make less than $100,653, while the top 10% earn over $153,267 annually. After adjusting for the average bonus, the median salary is $127,221, but it jumps to $138.944.
Anything else?
This job overview is not specific and does not include whether travel would be required or whether telecommuting would also be an option. Yo