Enterprise Applications Consultant (M&A and Integration) at Sword Group, UK, £Contract Rate (Outside IR35)

Sword is a leading provider of business technology solutions within the Energy, Public and Finance Sectors, driving real transformation change within our clients. We use proven technology, specialist teams and domain expertise to build solid technical foundations across platforms, data and business applications. We have a passion for using technology to solve business problems, working in partnership with our clients to help in achieving their goals.

To support significant M&A and Integration projects across a range of domain sectors, this ongoing contract opportunity will shape how organisations integrate and optimise business applications at scale, improving operational efficiency, reducing duplication, and enabling a standardised application landscape.

• tLead the strategy, design, and integration of enterprise applications across a range of complex organisations

• tDrive application rationalisation to reduce complexity, cost, and duplication across the estate.

• tDefine application architecture standards, integration patterns, and governance frameworks.

• tAct as the technical authority across enterprise applications, SaaS platforms, and business systems.

• tAssess and rationalise inherited application landscapes, including CRM, ERP, HR, finance, and operational systems.

• tCollaborate with stakeholders to translate business and operational needs into application roadmaps.

• tEstablish repeatable integration patterns to accelerate onboarding of future acquisitions.

• tLead internal and partner teams delivering application integration and transformation activities.

• tDeliver measurable outcomes including reduced time-to-integration and improved system efficiency. xe2 x83

● Strong experience leading enterprise application strategy and integration across complex environments.

● Experience working with SaaS, cloud-based, and legacy enterprise systems (e.g. ERP, CRM, HR systems).

● Experience in regulated sectors with understanding of compliance, risk, and security considerations.

● Experience supporting M&A or large-scale application integration programmes.

● Ability to influence senior stakeholders and set strategic direction.

● Experience defining governance frameworks, standards, and application roadmaps.

● Strong consultative approach and stakeholder engagement skills.

● Commercial awareness of cost, risk, and business impact of application decisions.

● Comfortable working in ambiguous, fast-paced environments.

This opportunity is offered on a contract basis and can operate Outside IR35 or an a PAYE basis. There will also be the option of a permanent staff role for suitably qualified and experienced candidates.

At Sword, our core values and culture are based on caring about our people, investing in training and career development, and building inclusive teams where we are all encouraged to contribute to achieve success. We offer comprehensive benefits designed to support your professional development and enhance your overall quality of life. In addition to a Competitive Salary, here 's what you can expect as part of our benefits package:

• Personalised Career Development: We create a development plan customised to your goals and aspirations, with a range of learning and development opportunities within a culture that encourages growth.
• Flexible working: Flexible work arrangements to support your work-life balance. We can't promise to always be able to meet every request, however, are keen to discuss your individual preferences to make it work where we can.
• A Fantastic Benefits Package: This includes generous annual leave allowance, enhanced family friendly benefits, pension scheme, access to private health, well-being, and insurance schemes.

At Sword we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, ensuring that all applicants receive fair and equal consideration for employment, regardless of whether they meet every requirement. If you don't tick all the boxes but feel you have some of the relevant skills and experience we're looking for, please do consider applying and highlight your transferable skills and experience. We embrace diversity in all its forms, valuing individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Your perspective and potential are important to us.

If we can do anything to help make the hiring process more accessible, please let our talent acquisition team know when you apply so we can support any adjustments.