Skills to Look for in an ERP Expert

How to hire an internal ERP expert Part II

ICYMI

This is part 2 of our guide to hiring an ERP expert - part 1 covers the fundamentals of why having the right ERP expert in-house can be a game changed. We also break down the core ERP roles you might need as your business grows, from Systems Administrators who handle daily operations to Systems Directors who guide ERP strategy. As well as explore the pros and cons of internal promotion versus external hiring, helping you weigh which approach fits your needs best.

Skills to Look For

Whether you’re hiring internally or externally, the right ERP expert needs more than just technical knowledge. The complexity of ERP systems like NetSuite means you’ll want to prioritise specific skills that go beyond basic IT proficiency. You’re not just looking for someone who can keep the system running; you need someone who can optimise it, troubleshoot under pressure, and ensure it’s supporting the broader business goals.

The role of an ERP expert goes beyond technical knowledge; it’s about supporting the fast-paced changes in operations and customer expectations. Whether promoting internally or hiring externally, businesses need to consider not just today’s needs but also how the ERP system and the team managing it will evolve with future growth.

- Luke Plane, Founder at Fulfilled Talent

Here are the most critical skills to look for when hiring an ERP expert:

1. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

ERP systems, by nature, are designed to streamline and improve operations. However, no system is perfect, and issues are bound to arise. Whether it’s an automation that’s misfiring, an integration that’s causing delays, or data discrepancies that need resolving, your ERP expert needs to be a thoroughbred problem solver.

This person will often be called upon to fix problems that may not have an obvious solution. They need to think on their feet, dig into the root cause, and come up with fixes that not only solve the immediate issue but also prevent it from recurring. The ability to troubleshoot effectively and independently is one of the most important traits in this role.

The best ERP experts are those who are naturally curious, able to take a step back and assess the system as a whole rather than focusing only on individual problems. This ensures they can optimise processes and make recommendations that improve system performance across departments.

2. Automation and Scripting Skills

One of the main benefits of ERP systems is the ability to automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflows. That means your ERP expert needs to have a strong understanding of automation and scripting. Whether it’s setting up workflows to handle customer orders, automating inventory management, or simplifying financial reporting, these skills are crucial to keeping the system efficient.

Your ERP expert should be comfortable creating and managing scripts and flows, allowing the system to run processes automatically. For example, in NetSuite, scripting allows users to customise the system’s behaviour beyond standard configurations. Automating routine tasks doesn’t just save time—it reduces errors, improves accuracy, and enables your teams to focus on more strategic tasks.

This also means your hire should understand the logic behind workflows, how data moves through the system, and how to optimise these flows to ensure everything runs smoothly.

3. Data Management and Analysis

An ERP system’s strength lies in how it centralises data from across the business—whether it’s sales, inventory, supply chain, or finance. Your ERP expert must be comfortable managing large datasets, ensuring that the data is accurate, and making sure that different departments can access the information they need in real-time.

But more than that, they should be able to analyse the data and make informed decisions based on it. For instance, if there’s a spike in return rates, your ERP expert should be able to identify the root cause by analysing trends in the system’s data. They need to be able to run reports, extract insights, and communicate their findings to other departments in a way that’s actionable.

Data accuracy is crucial in ERP systems—any errors can have a ripple effect across multiple functions of the business. Your ERP expert should have strong attention to detail and experience in handling data from various sources, ensuring that all entries, from inventory levels to financial transactions, are correct.

4. Operators

Technical skills are important, but the best ERP experts are those who also understand how the business operates. The ERP system connects multiple departments, so the person managing it needs to see the bigger picture. They should be able to understand how each department uses the system and how it fits into the overall workflow of the business.

For example, your ERP expert should know how a delay in updating inventory can affect customer service, or how inaccurate financial reporting could impact decision-making at the executive level. This holistic understanding ensures that the ERP system is tailored to the needs of the business and that changes or improvements benefit the organisation as a whole.

Your ERP expert will often act as the bridge between technical and non-technical teams, making it essential that they can communicate complex issues in a way that’s easy to understand. They should be able to collaborate effectively with department heads to ensure everyone is getting the most out of the system.

5. Flexibility and Willingness to Learn

ERP systems are constantly evolving, with updates, new features, and integrations happening regularly. This means your ERP expert needs to be someone who’s adaptable and willing to continuously learn. They should have a mindset focused on improvement—not just of the system but of their own skills.

For example, if NetSuite rolls out a new feature that could enhance automation, your ERP expert should be proactive in learning how to implement it. Similarly, as your business grows and new departments are added, your ERP expert should be able to adjust the system to accommodate these changes.

This is especially important if you’re considering internal hires. While they may not have all the technical skills right away, their willingness to learn and adapt is just as valuable as their existing knowledge of your business operations.

6. Communication and Collaboration

ERP experts often sit at the intersection of different departments—finance, operations, customer service, and beyond. As such, they need to be strong communicators who can collaborate with various teams, understanding their needs and translating those into technical requirements.

When an issue arises, it’s crucial that the ERP expert can clearly explain what went wrong, how they’re going to fix it, and how it might affect other parts of the system. They need to be able to communicate not only with other technical staff but also with non-technical teams who rely on the ERP for their day-to-day tasks.

Strong communication and collaboration skills ensure that the ERP system is working in harmony with the rest of the business and that teams are fully supported in using it.

Getting the Balance Right: Finding Your Ideal ERP Expert

Finding the right ERP expert is about more than just filling a vacancy—it’s about building the backbone of your operations. The person you hire today will influence how efficiently your systems run, how well your teams collaborate, and how smoothly your business can scale. Whether you opt for a systems administrator to handle the daily grind or a systems director to oversee complex, long-term projects, you need someone who not only understands the technical side of ERP but also how your business operates and where it’s heading.

Skills like problem-solving, automation expertise, and data management are non-negotiable in any ERP role. But just as important are the softer skills—communication, flexibility, and a willingness to learn—that will allow your ERP expert to adapt as your business grows and the demands on your systems increase. They need to be able to bridge the gap between technical teams and operational departments, ensuring your ERP system works for everyone, from finance to customer service.

The route you take—whether it’s promoting internally or hiring externally—depends on your specific situation. If you’ve got a strong internal team that understands your business but lacks ERP experience, investing in training could be a cost-effective way to build expertise in-house. On the other hand, if you need someone to hit the ground running, external recruitment might be the best path forward, especially if your ERP system is already deeply integrated or requires advanced customisation.

At Commerce Thinking, we’ve helped businesses in the retail space navigate these decisions time and time again. We not only optimise ERP systems but also guide our clients through the process of finding the right talent—whether that means training existing staff or identifying external candidates who can take your ERP setup to the next level.

If you’re unsure of the best route to take, or if you need help finding or training your next ERP expert, get in touch with us at Commerce Thinking. We’re here to help you future-proof your ERP system and build a team that can grow with your business.