ERP implementation delays aren’t just inconvenient – they can be costly. Industry research suggests that even a 20-day overrun could add more than a quarter to your original project spend.
This is something one European retail business experienced first-hand. Their Oracle NetSuite system was intended to be the backbone of their ambitious growth and expansion plans. But while the technology was in place, the right expertise to keep the project moving wasn’t.
Without a dedicated NetSuite Product Owner, momentum slowed. Key modules - particularly finance - weren’t being fully utilised, and onboarding for subsidiaries across multiple European sites was falling behind.
For nearly three months, the role had been advertised internally without success. In that time, costs mounted, deadlines slipped, and pressure grew on the existing team. The business reached a critical point: they needed the right hire to steady the project and deliver results.
A Clearer Picture of What Was Needed
When the hiring manager reached out, the first step was understanding the situation in full. Two main priorities emerged:
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Budget constraints – Previous recruitment efforts and delays had already eaten into the available funds, so efficiency was vital.
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Candidate scope – The role could be fully remote, but the candidate had to be fluent in English and have proven NetSuite implementation experience, ideally with a strong finance background.
Expanding the search beyond Germany to the wider European market instantly opened up more possibilities.
Finding the Right Fit
Within 48 hours, four well-matched candidates were shortlisted. First-round interviews took place within the week, followed by second rounds and an offer inside two weeks.
The successful candidate – based outside Germany – was a NetSuite specialist with five years’ ERP experience, a track record in multi-subsidiary implementations, and a strong finance background.
Back on Track
With the new Product Owner in place, the Oracle NetSuite project regained pace. Onboarding resumed across all subsidiaries, and the business could return its focus to growth and expansion.
Why This Matters in 2025
In today’s market, ERP specialists are in high demand and not always easy to find. The ability to look beyond local talent pools – and act quickly when the right person is identified – can be the difference between a stalled project and one that delivers on its promise.
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