IT Transformation Programme Manager (Ref: 196623)
4 days ago
Kirkham
Transformation Programme Manager (Ref: 196623) Location: Kirkham, Lancashire, UK – 2/3 days on site Contract: 12–18 Months IR 35 Status: TBC Day Rate: Competitive Division: Foods Reports To: Director of Technology & Innovation Contact: harry.fawsitt@forsythbarnes.com About the Role We are seeking an experienced IT Transformation Programme Manager to lead a major technology transformation programme across our Foods division. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for overseeing a complex portfolio of strategic technology initiatives, including a large-scale Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP implementation delivered in partnership with an external implementation provider. Working closely with senior business stakeholders, IT leadership, PMO teams, and external partners, you will drive programme governance, delivery excellence, and business transformation across multiple manufacturing sites in the UK. Key Responsibilities Programme Leadership & Delivery Lead the end-to-end delivery of a multi-workstream IT transformation programme Oversee the implementation of Microsoft Dynamics 365 alongside a portfolio of business applications and bespoke systems Coordinate internal teams, external implementation partners, and functional workstreams to ensure successful delivery Manage programme plans, budgets, risks, dependencies, milestones, and governance activities Facilitate steering committees, executive updates, and key programme reviews Ensure alignment with PMO standards, methodologies, and change control processes Stakeholder & Partner Management Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across manufacturing and operational sites Act as the primary liaison between business leadership, IT teams, and third-party delivery partners Provide clear and confident programme reporting to executive stakeholders including CIO and senior IT leadership Hold external partners accountable for delivery quality, timelines, and contractual commitments Team Leadership Lead and mentor programme resources including Project Managers and Product Specialists Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture across internal and external teams Support recruitment, onboarding, and performance management activities Business Change & Transformation Drive organisational readiness and user adoption for new technology solutions Partner with business stream leads to manage change impacts across operations Promote continuous improvement and lessons learned throughout the programme lifecycle About You You will bring strong programme leadership experience within complex enterprise environments and a proven track record delivering large-scale IT transformation initiatives. Essential Experience Significant experience managing enterprise IT transformation programmes Strong ERP implementation experience, ideally Microsoft Dynamics 365 Experience managing external implementation partners and third-party suppliers Strong governance, risk management, and stakeholder management capabilities Experience leading cross-functional teams in fast-paced environments Desirable Experience Background in food manufacturing or FMCG environments Familiarity with D365 Finance, Operations, or Supply Chain modules Experience overseeing both COTS and bespoke application portfolios Understanding of Agile, Prince2, MSP, or similar delivery methodologies Qualifications Prince2 Practitioner, MSP, or equivalent programme management qualification preferred Microsoft Dynamics 365 certification advantageous Degree in IT, Business, or related discipline desirable