DIRECTOR OF ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING MODERNIZATION - 71048

Executive Service

Background Check:

This position requires CJIS & FTI fingerprints. This position also requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history to be considered for this position.

Who we are and what we do:

The State of Tennessee is launching a landmark initiative to modernize its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, transforming how the state manages finance, human resources, procurement, budgeting, and more. We are seeking a highly experienced, forward-thinking ERP Director to lead the ERP Modernization Program through a multi-year transformation effort, from platform and systems integrator selection to implementation and long-term operational management. This executive will spearhead one of the most significant technology investments in the state's history. The role requires a proven leader with deep ERP domain knowledge, strong change leadership skills, and the ability to drive outcomes using modern, agile, and iterative delivery methods. The successful candidate will also be responsible for shaping the state's approach to the role of AI in ERP and ensuring the platform is future-ready.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Program Leadership:

1. Lead the statewide ERP modernization effort from planning through implementation and into post-go-live operations.

2. Define program strategy, roadmap, and governance in collaboration with executive sponsors and key stakeholders.

3. Champion an agile and iterative delivery approach, balancing risk with flexibility and continuous feedback.

4. Own and manage the multi-year program budget, ensuring fiscal accountability, cost optimization, and transparent reporting of ROI.

Platform & Systems Integrator Selection:

1. Lead the evaluation and selection of a modern ERP platform aligned with the needs of a large, complex enterprise.

2. Oversee the procurement and contracting process for a systems integrator and other vendor partners.

3. Establish a foundation for long-term success through thoughtful contract management and performance metrics.

Implementation Oversight:

1. Direct the design, build, and deployment of the ERP system, ensuring alignment with Tennessee's business processes and objectives.

2. Provide executive oversight of implementation partners, project teams, budgets, and timelines.

3. Ensure delivery of core financial and HR modules with high functionality, quality, and user satisfaction.

Change Leadership & Organizational Readiness:

1. Serve as the primary change agent for the ERP transformation, developing and leading change management strategies across diverse agencies.

2. Foster a culture of transparency, engagement, and accountability among program stakeholders and users.

3. Lead communications and training initiatives to ensure statewide adoption and sustained success.

AI and Future-Ready ERP Planning:

1. Evaluate and incorporate the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the next generation of ERP capabilities.

2. Guide the organization in designing business processes and technical architecture that is responsive to emerging AI tools and trends.

3. Promote innovation and forward-looking design thinking throughout the program lifecycle.

Post-Implementation Operations:

1.Stand up and manage the ongoing operations of the ERP platform, including support models, enhancements, and vendor oversight.

2. Ensure operational excellence, continuous improvement, and strong end-user satisfaction in the post-go-live environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in large-scale ERP implementations or modernization programs.

2. Demonstrated expertise in financial and human capital management (HCM) ERP modules, learning management systems and supplier procurement portals.

3. Deep understanding of enterprise ERP platforms and proven success delivering enterprise-wide transformation (public or private sector).

4. Experience applying agile or hybrid delivery models to large-scale programs.

5. Strong change leadership experience with a focus on cross-organizational adoption and stakeholder engagement.

6. Familiarity with AI and its evolving role in ERP system design, automation, and analytics.

7. Proven ability to manage complex vendor relationships and contracts, including systems integrators and software providers. 8. Bachelors degree in business, IT, or related field (Masters preferred) or equivalent IT related experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience in state or local government ERP modernization efforts.

2. Certifications in project or change management (e.g., PMP, Prosci, Agile/Scrum certifications).

3. Experience with ERP systems such as Oracle Cloud, Workday, or SAP S/4HANA.

4. Experience managing multi-vendor contracts and negotiating SLAs in cloud/SaaS environments.

Key Leadership Attributes:

1. Strategic thinker with the ability to lead through complexity and ambiguity.

2. Visionary change leader who can inspire action across technical and non-technical teams.

3. Skilled communicator able to build consensus across departments and leadership levels.

4. Technologically fluent, with a mindset geared toward modernization, innovation, and outcomes.

5. Ability to represent the program to external stakeholders, including legislators, commissioners, and oversight committees ensuring transparency and accountability.

Pursuant to the State of Tennessee's Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy, the State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State's policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person's race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.