Role search
Get a NetSuite / SAP / Dynamics / Oracle implementation lead who can own guide ERP platform production go-live.
No postings. No stacks of resumes. No chasing. You choose from a short list of people who have done this before.
No upfront fee. You pay only if you engage someone we present.
Interim Headhunters starts with the work behind this request: This executive manages the technical and operational bridge between your current state and a functioning ERP environment. They own the critical path of the project, focusing on the configuration of workflows and the integrity of the data migration.
This is what we do all day: place interim executives, interim managers and contract professionals.
Need someone now? Call 305-306-4829.
- No upfront fee
- 2 to 3 vetted consultants per assignment
- Matched to your industry
- You choose
- Interim plus permanent search
- NetSuite / SAP / Dynamics / Oracle implementation lead
The judgment call
What this hire really comes down to
This executive manages the technical and operational bridge between your current state and a functioning ERP environment. They own the critical path of the project, focusing on the configuration of workflows and the integrity of the data migration. When technical teams struggle with system integration or data mapping, this lead must decide between custom development or process changes to keep the project on track.
The role requires shifting from project oversight to active problem resolution during the final cutover phase. This hire must decide which functional modules take priority and which legacy data sets require manual cleansing versus automated migration. They possess the authority to hold system integrators to their contractual obligations while ensuring the internal business units remain aligned with the new financial reporting requirements.
What we check
What we check before you see anyone
- We audit their technical history to confirm they successfully guided a specific ERP platform through the production go-live event. We look for evidence of how they managed the cutover schedule and resolved critical failures that occurred during the first thirty days of system usage.
- We verify their approach to data migration by checking how they handled mapping legacy financial structures into the new system. They must demonstrate their method for identifying and excluding bad data before it impacts the production environment, including how they handled reconciliation between historical spreadsheets and the new relational database structures.
- We review their history of managing third-party system integrators to confirm they know how to enforce performance metrics. The candidate must show instances where they forced a vendor to correct poor configurations or missed milestones that threatened the delivery timeline.
- We confirm their ability to redesign financial processes by asking for specific examples of how they changed accounting controls to fit the new system logic. They must explain how they minimized business disruption while moving departments onto the new platform.
Sourcing
Where we find them
We look within organizations currently managing their own large-scale digital transformations. These experts work in complex supply chain environments where ERP failure carries significant operational risk. They remain productive by staying focused on the immediate technical hurdles of their current implementation until the final cutover occurs.
We approach these leaders when they reach the natural end of a major project cycle. Many seek new assignments after a successful go-live, as their expertise focuses on the implementation phase rather than long-term maintenance. They move to new roles to apply their lessons from a previous platform deployment to a different, high-pressure environment.
Where searches go wrong
Mistakes we see
- Hiring a project manager who relies solely on administrative updates rather than deep technical insight. A lead who cannot discuss data mapping logic will fail to identify when a system integrator provides an inferior configuration.
- Expecting the lead to act as a general consultant for all business functions. This individual must specialize in the specific ERP logic of the chosen platform to manage the technical design and configuration requirements.
- Failing to confirm the candidate has experience with a full-cycle rollout. A person who only worked on a partial phase or an upgrade lacks the direct experience needed to handle the stress of a full system production cutover.
The search
How the NetSuite / SAP / Dynamics / Oracle implementation lead search runs
- First, we screen for directors who have completed at least two full ERP implementations on the specific platform you selected. We ignore candidates who have only served in advisory capacities without direct responsibility for the final production deployment. We focus on those who have authored technical specifications or personally overseen the validation of system modules to ensure they understand the difference between project planning and system execution.
- Second, we interview the short list to discuss their specific role in managing data migration and system integrator contracts. We focus on how they resolved technical disagreements between the internal IT staff and the external implementation consultants. We confirm they can identify gaps in vendor logic and explain the trade-offs between customization and standard configuration in a clear, actionable manner that allows you to make informed decisions.
- Third, we provide you with a detailed breakdown of their previous project constraints and how they addressed those issues. You assess their technical approach to your current project challenges to ensure alignment with your internal team and external vendor constraints. We facilitate these discussions, focusing on specific examples of how the candidate handled system performance, data integrity, and stakeholder resistance, providing you with the clarity needed to verify their technical competency.
Questions
How do you distinguish an implementation lead from an ERP project manager?
An implementation lead owns the technical configuration and data integrity decisions. A project manager typically focuses on timelines and budget tracking without engaging in the system architecture details.
What happens if our chosen system integrator is not performing well?
This hire manages the vendor relationship by auditing their deliverables against the project requirements. They identify performance gaps and mandate corrections to ensure the project meets its milestones.
Do I need a lead with experience in my specific industry?
Technical ERP proficiency on your specific platform is the priority. Industry experience helps with financial process redesign but does not replace the need for deep knowledge of the software modules.
No upfront fee. You pay only if you hire.
We operate on a contingency basis for this assignment. Our firm provides all candidate vetting services before you initiate any formal discussions.
What replacement terms apply?
We offer a candidate replacement guarantee on standard search agreements. The applicable period and exact terms are set out in the signed client recruiting agreement.
How are recruiting fees agreed?
No upfront fee. You pay only if you engage someone we present. We scope the assignment before quoting; the fee page explains our model.
How soon can we see options?
Availability depends on the assignment and the people who fit it. We qualify interest and commitments rather than promising a shortlist date before the search is scoped.
What if the scope grows?
Discuss new responsibilities before adding them to the engagement. Agree the priorities and record any change to the brief and terms.
Can we extend an engagement?
Discuss what remains unfinished and whether the same responsibility is still needed. Extensions depend on the person's commitments and the agreed engagement terms.
Can the appointment become permanent?
A permanent move can be discussed if both sides want it. Review the future role and the applicable agreement instead of assuming that temporary coverage automatically converts.
How is a confidential search handled?
Tell us what can be disclosed and whom we must not contact. We agree those boundaries before approaching people; do not send sensitive records with an initial brief.
What are the replacement terms?
We offer a candidate replacement guarantee on standard search agreements. The applicable period and exact terms are set out in the signed client recruiting agreement.
What do you not do?
We do not sell job-board reposting as a search or bill hourly for recruiting work. We do not take a retainer unless expressly agreed, and an introduction does not authorize an engagement.
Tell us the seat
No upfront fee. You pay only if you hire. Share the title, the situation and the timing. A person reads it.
NetSuite / SAP / Dynamics / Oracle implementation lead by industry and related roles
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The Six-Step Search
What do you get at each step of the search?
We agree what the person must own before contacting anyone. You see how the search is scoped and which backgrounds we pursue. We speak with candidates about the work before presenting them. The Six-Step Search gives you useful written notes and support through interviews, rather than a pile of applications.
- 01
Scope call
We talk through the seat, the business and what has to change.
You get: A one-page role brief you approve before we search.
- 02
Market map
We work out where people who have done this job actually sit.
You get: A short note on the pool and how we plan to reach it.
- 03
Direct outreach
We approach people who are not looking at job boards.
You get: Progress updates so you are never chasing us.
- 04
Screening
We interview every candidate on the work, not the resume.
You get: Written notes on fit, availability and terms for each person.
- 05
Shortlist and interviews
You meet a short list. We handle the scheduling.
You get: Several vetted options and a debrief after each interview.
- 06
Offer and start
You choose. We help settle terms and the start date.
You get: Confirmed terms, a start date and check-ins after day one.
Tell us who you need.
No upfront fee. You pay only if you engage someone we present.
Send us the seat. We will take it from there.
No upfront fee. You pay only if you engage someone we present.