ERP Portfolio Lead

BAE Systems.; Carnforth; Hybrid; GBP 78,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in the United Kingdom is looking for an ERP Portfolio Lead to manage a complex ERP program. You will coordinate multiple delivery streams, ensure robust project governance, and lead a diverse team. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in digital transformation projects and in-depth knowledge of ERP systems. This role is essential for driving operational efficiency and supporting critical business functions within a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share plans

Flexible health and lifestyle benefits

Private health plans

Shopping discounts

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in delivering large-scale digital or technical programmes.
• Proficient in managing complex, high-profile projects critical to enterprise operations.
• In-depth knowledge of ERP systems and implementation frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex ERP programme to align with business goals.
• Lead the integrated ERP programme across sectors.
• Develop and maintain the ERP roadmap.
• Establish governance structures for project management.
• Chair the ERP Steering Board for stakeholder alignment.

Skills

Leading large-scale digital or technical programmes

Project management qualification from APM, PMI, SFIA

Delivering complex projects

Knowledge of ERP systems

Understanding of project governance

Knowledge of Defence or Manufacturing sector

Setting strategic direction for ERP

Job description

ERP Portfolio Lead

Location: Warton - we offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements - please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.

Salary: £92,700, based on experience and qualifications, with executive benefits including bonus and car allowance

What you’ll be doing:

• Manage this strategically important and complex programme to deliver on business goals and customer requirements, balancing technical, financial, and change priorities
• Lead the integrated ERP programme across Air sectors, coordinating multiple delivery streams within a unified technology platform
• Maintain and evolve the ERP roadmap in partnership with Business Design and Digital Solutions teams, ensuring it reflects agreed and funded deployment plans
• Establish and lead governance structures that support cohesive project management, business readiness, and go-live planning
• Chair the ERP Steering Board to resolve cross-functional issues and align stakeholders to a single, sustainable roadmap
• Oversee PMO activities including budget control, benefits tracking, risk management, and acting as Control Account Manager
• Integrate business change initiatives across functions, managing conflicting demands and shared resources
• Lead on commercial strategy and contracts with vendors and technical suppliers supporting ERP delivery
• Coordinate investment planning (IBP), ensuring demand/supply alignment for skills and managing financial and resource forecasts

Your skills and experiences:

• Extensive expertise in leading large-scale digital or technical programmes, with a strong grasp of risks, challenges, and successful delivery practices
• Project management qualification from APM, PMI, SFIA, or an equivalent recognised professional body
• Proven experience delivering complex, high-profile projects that are critical to enterprise operations
• In-depth knowledge of ERP systems, including processes, toolsets, and implementation frameworks
• Strong understanding of project and programme governance, assurance, and audit standards
• Knowledge of the Defence or Manufacturing sector, with insight into broader industry trends
• Skilled in setting and communicating strategic direction for ERP capability and roadmap planning
• Experience working within complex IT programme environments (desirable)

Benefits

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts - you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

The team

You will be joining a high-performing, strategically focused team at the forefront of digital transformation across the Air sector. Our mission is to deliver a unified ERP capability that drives operational efficiency, supports critical business functions, and enables future growth. We work collaboratively across functions, engaging with stakeholders from engineering to finance, and from technology to programme delivery. The team combines deep expertise in programme management, ERP systems, and change leadership to deliver complex, high-value initiatives that have lasting impact.

This is a fast-paced, delivery-driven environment where innovation, structured thinking, and stakeholder alignment are key. You will be part of a supportive team culture that values integrity, continuous improvement, and strong professional development.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you'll be able to make a real difference. You'll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you'll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 5th January 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.