IT Transformation Programme Manager (Ref: 196623)
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