Head of Enterprise Applications

Overview

Drive BAU excellence during major transformation. Shape a growing applications team.

About Our Client

Our client is a large, complex, multi-site organisation operating across Europe with nearly 4,000 internal users. They are undergoing a major enterprise transformation programme, while simultaneously strengthening and maturing their business-as-usual (BAU) applications capability. To support this growth and ensure leadership continuity, we are seeking an experienced Head of Enterprise Applications to lead a large applications function, drive operational excellence and contribute to executive-level governance.

Job Description

As the Head of Enterprise Applications, you will:

• Lead and develop a BAU Applications team of c.20+, including Application Managers and Functional Consultants.
• Oversee application performance, service stability and continuous improvement across a complex, multi-site European estate.
• Provide functional leadership alongside a large-scale ERP transformation programme, backfilling the incumbent who has moved onto the programme team.
• Present at Executive Committee meetings and, when required, step in to run the Steering Committee in the absence of the IT Director.
• Manage relationships with key partners, including strategic ERP service providers.
• Support the transition as BAU activity increases alongside ongoing modernisation and transformation work.
• Travel across UK and Europe (including regular trips to Belgium and Luxembourg) to engage with teams and stakeholders.

This role requires strong people leadership, operational control, and the ability to balance BAU demands with programme activity.

The Successful Applicant

Essential Experience

• Strong enterprise-level ERP leadership experience, in environments using SAP, Oracle, Dynamics or other comparable platforms.
• Background in complex, multi-site industries such as Manufacturing, FMCG, Logistics, Retail, Engineering, Supply Chain, or Life Sciences/Pharma.
• Proven experience managing and developing multi-disciplinary application teams.
• Comfortable running BAU operations while supporting or working alongside large transformation programmes.
• Strong senior stakeholder management and confidence presenting at Executive level.
• Experience navigating shifting operational demands and managing competing priorities across large user bases.

Leadership Qualities

• Empathetic, coaching-driven leadership style.
• Ability to uplift, develop and motivate teams.
• Calm, structured and resilient under pressure.
• Strong communicator with the presence to step into senior governance forums.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary
• 18-month FTC with significant influence and visibility
• Opportunity to lead a major applications function during a pivotal period of change
• Flexible working model: 50% based in Manchester + regular EU travel
• Direct reporting line to the IT Director
• The chance to shape and develop a growing BAU Applications team