Driving a global ERP transformation: Appointing an Interim IT director & specialist team

A global ERP programme to deliver across three countries, thin in-house capability to draw on, and no room for hires who needed time to get up to speed.

The business was undertaking a complex global ERP implementation across the UK, India and Australia, with limited in-house capability and a constrained budget.

For Interim IT Director Ben Spalding, the challenge was not simply finding people with ERP experience. The programme needed specialists who had delivered complex implementations in practice and could contribute immediately. There was little time for lengthy onboarding or for new team members to learn on the job.

Ben had already spoken with several recruitment agencies, but many of the candidates presented had strong theoretical knowledge without the hands-on delivery experience the programme required.

Setting the bar at proven delivery, and reading the market for people who had solved the same problem in practice.

The immediate requirement was for experienced Interim capability to support the ERP programme. But technical knowledge alone wasn’t enough: each person needed a track record of practical implementation and the ability to make an immediate contribution.

Mapping the market

Essenta looked beyond keyword and CV matching, focusing on professionals whose experience demonstrated that they had solved comparable delivery challenges in practice.

The relationship itself had begun in the same way: Ben was introduced to us following a recommendation from someone they had worked with successfully for several years.

Assessing for success

Candidates were considered not only against the technical requirements, but against what success would look like in the programme: hands-on delivery experience, the ability to integrate quickly and fit with the wider business environment.

The engagement began with Essenta placing a leader, and it grew from there.

Our relationship with Ben began when he was approaching the end of an Interim assignment. We contacted him following a recommendation from someone he had worked with successfully over several years.

That introduction led to Ben’s appointment as Interim IT Director, responsible for leading the global ERP implementation.

Once established in the role, Ben moved from candidate to client. As he built the team required to deliver the programme, he returned to us to recruit specialist Interim professionals across testing, data, technical delivery and other areas.

Because we understood both the programme and what Ben expected from each appointment, the focus remained on practical delivery experience rather than credentials alone. Throughout the process, Ben had direct communication, transparent feedback and an open view of the market, including constructive challenge where it could lead to a better hiring decision.