SAP Programme Director

About NTT DATA Business Solutions:

NTT DATA Business Solutions Group is part of the NTT DATA Corporate Group a top 10 global IT services provider, headquartered in Tokyo, operating in more than 50 countries. We combine a global reach with local intimacy to provide premier professional SAP services from deep industry expertise consulting to applied innovations in digital, cloud, automation, and system development to business IT outsourcing.

As a global SAP Platinum Partner, NTT DATA Business Solutions Group leverages its global expertise to deliver quality outcomes whether you are a multi-national or operate in a single country. With over 15,000 SAP experts across 31 countries, we have the capability and reach to help you solve real problems and seize the next opportunity for growth around your SAP strategy and operations.

Our global award-winning SAP practice, differentiated by innovation is the undisputed leader in SAP S/4HANA. With about 500 SAP HANA clients and more than 300 SAP S/4HANA clients.

Our clients trust our deep experience and proven approaches – all around the world.

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Programme Director to lead the successful delivery of large-scale SAP transformation programmes. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in delivering complex SAP initiatives end-to-end — from mobilisation to go-live — ensuring quality, governance, and client satisfaction throughout the lifecycle.

This role focuses exclusively on programme delivery, you will work directly with clients and delivery teams to ensure that programmes are executed to the highest standards, within scope, schedule, and budget.

Key Responsibilities:

Client Engagement & Programme Leadership

• Serve as the primary delivery lead and escalation point for major SAP programmes.
• Operate confidently at executive and CxO levels, ensuring alignment between business objectives and delivery outcomes.
• Provide strategic delivery oversight and assurance, guiding clients through complex transformation journeys.
• Build trust and credibility through consistent, transparent communication and effective stakeholder management.
• Manage client expectations around scope, timeline, and quality to ensure successful outcomes.

Programme Delivery & Governance

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of SAP programmes, ensuring adherence to contractual commitments, timelines, and budgets.
• Define and enforce governance structures, delivery frameworks, and reporting mechanisms across all workstreams.
• Ensure rigorous risk, issue, and change management processes are followed throughout programme execution.
• Drive delivery quality, proactively identifying and resolving issues before they impact milestones or benefits realisation.
• Maintain clear oversight of dependencies, integration points, and resource allocation across delivery teams.
• Provide regular executive-level reporting, highlighting progress, challenges, and mitigation strategies.

Quality Assurance & Risk Management

• Ensure programmes are delivered to best-in-class standards, following established methodologies (SAP Activate, Prince2, Agile).
• Conduct regular delivery reviews, ensuring compliance with contractual and quality standards.
• Lead programme recovery and turnaround activities where required.
• Drive continuous improvement in delivery efficiency and client satisfaction.

Commercial Delivery & Financial Performance

• Maintain accountability for programme financial performance, including margin, cost, and revenue forecasting.
• Ensure strong commercial governance, including contract adherence and change control discipline.
• Support business development and pre-sales activities by contributing to solution design, delivery planning, and estimation.
• Provide input into bid and proposal development, ensuring delivery feasibility and risk transparency.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 15+ years of SAP delivery experience, with significant experience in programme leadership roles.
• Proven record of delivering large, complex SAP transformation programmes (3,000+ person-days, £2M+ value).
• Demonstrated success in recovering and stabilising challenged or high-risk programmes.
• Deep understanding of SAP delivery methodologies (Activate, Agile, Prince2) and governance frameworks.
• Exceptional client and stakeholder management skills, including CxO-level engagement.
• Strong commercial acumen with hands-on experience in managing programme financials (budget, margin, and change control).
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Experience across multiple industries such as pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, consumer goods, and engineering.
• Willingness to travel across the UK as required.

Benefits:

Join our award-winning team at NTT DATA Business Solutions Group and be part of a thriving, innovative culture. With recognition such as the 2024 SAP® Pinnacle Awards and the Top Employer Award 2024, we offer you the chance to make a significant impact while growing your career. Here, you’ll work alongside industry experts on cutting-edge projects, contributing to transformative solutions for our clients. Interested in shaping the future with us? We’d love to hear from you.

We offer a range of benefits designed to support your well-being, career growth, and work-life balance:

• Home-Based Contract: Enjoy the flexibility of a working from home contract subject to operational and project requirements, allowing you to manage your work environment effectively.

• Generous Holiday Allowance: Benefit from 25 days of paid holiday annually (pro-rated for part time employees), providing ample time for relaxation and rejuvenation.

• \”Free Fridays\” Initiative: Experience the unique perk of \”Free Fridays,\” granting you an additional 12 days off each year. With one Free Friday granted per month, you\’ll have more time to pursue personal interests, spend quality time with loved ones, or simply recharge. (pro-rated for part time employees)

• Financial Security: Rest assured with our Group Life Assurance offering, providing coverage of 4 times your base salary, ensuring financial protection for you and your loved ones.

• Pension Scheme: Secure your future with our employer pension contribution at a competitive rate of 5%. You have the flexibility to contribute a minimum of 4%, with the option to increase your contribution for added retirement benefits.

• Income Protection: Gain peace of mind with our Group Income Protection plan, safeguarding your income in the event of unexpected circumstances.

• Health and Well-being: Priorities your health with our comprehensive Private Medical Insurance plan, currently provided by Bupa. This coverage extends to you, with favorable rates available for family members at the L3 level and above. Additional benefits provided include: 24/7 helpline, 1-2-1 Lifestyle coaching, financial and legal support etc.

• Technology and Tools: Receive essential tools for success, including a laptop and mobile phone for both business and personal use, ensuring seamless connectivity and productivity.

• Wellness Initiatives: Take advantage of our cycle to work scheme, promoting active commuting and supporting your well-being with sustainable transportation options.

• Environmental Responsibility: Embrace sustainability with the option to join our Electric Car Leasing scheme, contributing to a greener future while enjoying the benefits of eco-friendly transportation.