From Consultant to Leader: Career Journeys in the ERP World
Every ERP leader started somewhere — often as a functional consultant, technical developer, or project analyst. The path from consultant to program director isn’t easy, but it’s possible. By examining career journeys across ERP, we can understand what it takes to move from a specialist role into positions of leadership and influence.
1. Starting in the Trenches
Most ERP professionals begin in specialist roles — configuring systems, running workshops, or supporting go-lives. These early experiences build technical credibility and a deep understanding of how ERP impacts business processes.
2. The Turning Point: From Delivery to Leadership
At some stage, consultants step into leadership responsibilities — whether managing a team, coordinating work-streams, or leading a full project. The shift is less about technical detail and more about:
- Stakeholder management
- Strategic vision
- Decision-making under pressure
3. Skills That Define ERP Leaders
Through interviews and reflections, common traits emerge in successful ERP leaders:
- Empathy: Understanding the challenges teams face.
- Adaptability: Navigating shifting timelines and priorities.
- Communication: Explaining complex ideas in business terms.
- Credibility: Drawing on past delivery experience to earn trust.
4. Why This Journey Matters
The ERP world needs leaders who have been consultants — people who’ve seen the detail, lived the challenges, and can guide organizations with both strategy and empathy. These career journeys are proof that ERP leadership is built, not born.
Conclusion
From the trenches of delivery to the boardroom of decision-making, ERP professionals who rise to leadership demonstrate that the true value of ERP careers lies in growth, adaptability, and impact.
