ERP Testing Manager

Join the ERP Programme Team on an exciting transformational journey.

We are inviting expressions of interest from anyone experienced and enthusiastic in leading the overall Testing approach / system verification of a new ERP solution, to play a pivotal role in the implementation plan for our new Enterprise Resource Planning Solution (ERP)

This is a unique opportunity to shape a joined-up Finance, HR and Payroll system that helps ensure the tools we use every day truly work for us and end users across the authority. It’s also a chance for you to develop your strategic thinking and experience of change management within a supportive project team.

We are recruiting to this vacancy for a fixed term contract of an initial 14/15 month period and are looking for individuals who can bring their knowledge and experience to develop, manage and oversee the ERP Testing Strategy and Plans.

You will:

• Support the delivery of the replacement Finance and HR & Payroll systems Project and achieve its objectives through the development and implementation of effective testing strategy and plans.
• Take a lead role in planning and managing comprehensive and reliable testing of the new solution including its many interfaces. They will:
• Develop, maintain, control and deliver an appropriate Test strategy, and test plans to ensure the system is tested effectively, aligned with project timescales and satisfies the requirements of the project.
• Matrix manage staff from the service who join the programme team to share their specialised skills and knowledge, and change champions/end users, to ensure they have clear testing plans, resources and that the testing is delivered effectively and within the project timescales
• Design, manage and report on the defect management process to support solution and business readiness activity
• Oversee all phases of testing including unit, system integration, user acceptance, regression and cutover verification.
• Assist with developing, maintaining, controlling and delivering design and configuration strategies and plans to ensure the testing plans are designed effectively and meet the requirements of the project.
• Work with Workstream Leads, 3rd party suppliers and technical teams to define test Scenarios and obtain sign-off for each testing phase.
• Ensure effective communication channels and business relationships are established and maintained as part of the project team.

You will have:

• Experience of leading testing in a system implementation project
• Experience of leading on testing strategies and plans
• Experience of managing teams directly and through matrix management
• The ability to apply project methodologies, planning processes and techniques.
• Experience of change management in a complex organisation.
• Knowledge of Finance and HR practices and Finance and HR & Payroll systems
• Be great at leading and facilitating structured workshops, meetings and other similar gatherings of staff and project partners.
• Highly developed communication, people management and interpersonal skills,
• Negotiation, influencing and diplomacy skills.
• Enhanced planning, monitoring, data analysis and reporting skills.
• Confidence in identifying, managing and prioritising risk.

There will be a requirement for a significant amount of office based working to support configuration and training throughout the project. This will be at our main offices in Stafford which is well served by rail and road links.

Application Form: When applying you will complete an application form containing a supporting statement evidencing how you meet the above requirements. Please can we also ask that you fill out your work history and education sections within your candidate profile.

Interviews will be held during the week starting 20th April 2026

You will be required to start in May/June 2026

Don’t feel you meet all the requirements? We value transferable skills, experiences, and qualifications so consider applying anyway or for an informal chat about the role please contact Debbie Haines, Head of People Solutions or Bronya Jeffryes, Accounting Services Manager at deborah.haines@staffordshire.gov.uk or bronya.jeffryes@staffordshire.gov.uk

Our Recruitment Process: We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you’ll bring to the role.

We are no ordinary county council:

Our Values:

The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively.

Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy:

We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future.

We look forward and race ahead - that goes for your career too.

Our benefits:

We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance.

In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to Our rewards and benefits - Careers at Staffordshire

Our recruitment process:

As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all background and communities

As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the minimum criteria for the post.