Businesses of all sizes looking to improve efficiency and decision-making should seriously be thinking about adopting Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.

These systems simply make things easier, but they require careful implementation, which in turn requires expert consulting.

ERP consulting has emerged as an in-demand field for those with the right combination of business, technical, and communication skills.

ERP consultants help companies select, implement, and optimize complex ERP software like SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft Dynamics.

The ERP consulting sphere requires professionals with diverse expertise given the wide scope these systems impact.

Consultants may focus on a particular ERP module, industry, or implementation role.

Specializing allows them to provide targeted guidance based on extensive experience. Furthermore, salaries can vary significantly based on the specific ERP consulting occupation.

Types & Specializations of ERP Consulting Jobs

Some common specializations for ERP consultants include:

Technical Consultants

They have strong programming and installation skills to handle the software deployment and integration aspects of ERP implementation.

Business Analysts

They assess organizational processes and requirements and determine how to best configure the ERP system to support operations.

Project Managers

They oversee the entire implementation timeline, resources, budget, and communication for ERP rollouts and IT infrastructure.

Functional Consultants

They have expertise in specific ERP modules like financials, inventory, HR, CRM, etc., and help customize them for the client.

Industry Consultants

They focus on ERP implementations in a specific industry like manufacturing, healthcare, retail, etc., and tailor solutions for those verticals.

Business Process Reengineering (BPR) Consultants

They redesign workflows and processes to better align with the capabilities of the ERP platform being implemented.

Change Management Consultants

They ensure employees are ready for and embrace the changes brought on by the new ERP system through training and communications.

Salaries for ERP Consulting Jobs

Salaries for ERP consultants can vary substantially based on several key factors:

• Specialization: There is a wide range of salaries between entry-level functional consultants and senior project managers. Specializations that require more niche technical skills also tend to pay more.
• Years of Experience: Unsurprisingly, the more years spent specializing in ERP consulting firms, the higher the compensation. Junior consultants usually start between $60K-$80K, mid-level between $80K-$120K, and seniors $120K+.
• Certifications: Earning certifications in specific ERP solutions like SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics can increase salaries significantly. Some certs add $10K-$20K+ in earning potential.
• Geographical Location: Major metro areas and tech hubs like NYC, San Francisco, and Chicago pay ERP consultants the highest base salaries and rates.
• Firm Size & Reputation: Working for a prestigious global consulting firm often results in higher compensation compared to smaller niche players.
• Travel Requirements: Consultants willing and able to travel extensively can earn higher salaries and billable hourly rates.
• Industry Focus: Experience in hot, highly regulated industries like Banking and Healthcare is very lucrative.

The most experienced ERP consultants with specialized expertise in high-demand industries or hot skills like analytics/BI can earn well over $150,000. Some typical average salary ranges based on role:

• Technical Consultants: $80K to $120K for junior roles, up to $150K+ for senior architects and leads.
• Business Analysts: $75K to $105K for entry-level, $120K+ for senior Bas.
• Project Managers: $90K to $140K for mid-size projects, $150K+ for large enterprise programs.
• Functional Consultants: $85K to $125K, with top SAP Finance/HR experts earning $140K+.
• Industry Consultants: $95K to $135K, with senior bankers or healthcare consultants earning $165K+.
• BPR Consultants: $90K to $130K, with senior process re-engineering gurus earning $160K+.
• Change Management Consultants: $80K to $115K, with experienced senior CMs earning up to $140K.

Where to Find ERP Consulting Jobs?

There are a few primary channels to find openings for ERP consultants:

• ERP Vendor Partners: SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, and more have extensive partner networks of consulting firms that provide implementation services for their solutions.
• Large Management & IT Consultancies: Major firms like Denarjes, Accenture, IBM, and Capgemini hire ERP consultants of all backgrounds and specializations.
• ERP-Focused Consulting Firms: Niche firms like Panorama Consulting, Syntax, and Besant Technologies specialize in ERP consulting services.
• Recruiters/Staffing Agencies: They can match ERP consultants to contract roles or full-time positions at client companies.
• Job Boards: Major sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, Dice, etc. routinely have listings for ERP consulting roles.

ERP Consulting Jobs: Minimium Requirements  

Landing a job in the competitive ERP consulting field requires an impressive mix of education, hard skills, and soft skills. Some of the key requirements include:

Bachelor’s degree

A bachelor’s degree in a technical field like computer science, information systems, or engineering is the standard educational requirement. Degrees in business administration, supply chain, accounting, analytics, and other business fields are also valuable.

Technical Expertise 

Having hands-on skills in areas like programming, database management, data warehousing, networking, operating systems, and integration is essential for any technical consulting role. Knowing ERP-related technologies like SAP NetWeaver, Oracle Database, and Power BI is a major plus.

Domain Experience

Relevant industry experience is one of the top prerequisites ERP consulting firms look for. Having worked in a client-facing role in manufacturing, healthcare, banking, retail, or other major verticals gives leg up.

ERP Certifications

While experience is valued most, having badges like SAP Certified Application Associate, Oracle ERP Cloud Consultant, or Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant can help land that first ERP consulting job.

Soft Skills

Strong written and verbal communication, relationship building, presentation delivery, and people management skills are absolute must-haves to succeed in the highly collaborative ERP consulting domain.

Analytical Skills

Excellent problem-solving abilities, data analysis, process mapping, workshop facilitation, and solution design are core consultant competencies required for ERP projects.

Project Management Skills 

For PM-specific roles, proven success managing complex IT deployments, budgets, resources, and executive-stakeholder relationships is mandatory. PMP certification is desirable.

Travel Availability

Given most projects require being onsite 4+ days a week, flexibility, and willingness to travel extensively is key.

Final Thought

The complexity of modern ERP systems creates a high demand for consultants that can ensure their successful adoption and will probably create more ERP consulting jobs.

Specializing in a particular module, industry, or implementation role can allow ERP consultants to provide the targeted guidance companies need. Salaries also rise significantly based on the niche a professional fills within the ERP ecosystem.

However, securing one of these lucrative roles requires the right mix of an educational background, domain experience, ERP expertise, and soft skills.

Professionals who invest in training and credentials for in-demand ERP consulting specializations will find it a rewarding long-term career path.

Denarjes is a leading player in the field of ERP consultation arena. We hire and deploy new ERP talent regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions