IT Transformation Solution Lead in Woking

We are seeking an experienced, forward‑thinking IT Transformation Solutions Lead to drive the end‑to‑end design and delivery of integrated supply chain technology solutions supporting Cencora's 3PL strategy. This is not a traditional solutions architecture role – you will be a change agent who leverages AI, intelligent automation, and accelerant technologies to compress delivery timelines, enhance solution quality, and unlock new capabilities. You will operate at the intersection of technology strategy, business process design, and programme delivery, working in a highly matrixed environment across multiple stakeholders, geographies, and functional teams. Your ability to build strong relationships, influence without authority, and navigate complex matrix structures will be as critical as your technical expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• AI & Accelerant Technology Deployment
  • Champion the use of AI, generative AI (LLMs, AI assistants), and intelligent automation tools across the entire solutions lifecycle — from requirements gathering and design through to testing, deployment, and monitoring.
  • Identify and evaluate emerging accelerant technologies (AI‑assisted code generation, automated testing frameworks, process mining, digital twins, AIOps) and drive their adoption within delivery teams to compress timelines and improve quality.
  • Define and implement AI‑augmented design patterns that leverage machine learning for demand forecasting, anomaly detection, intelligent routing, and predictive maintenance within ERP/WMS ecosystems.
  • Lead proof‑of‑concept (PoC) initiatives to validate new AI and automation technologies against real business challenges, building business cases with clear ROI and benefits realisation frameworks.
  • Drive adoption of low‑code/no‑code platforms (e.g., Power Apps, Power Automate, Mendix) to empower business teams with self‑service capabilities and accelerate solution delivery.
  • Establish and maintain an innovation pipeline of AI and accelerant technology opportunities, prioritised by strategic value, feasibility, and speed to impact.
  • Embed AI‑driven efficiency practices into governance and delivery methodologies — ensuring AI is not a bolt‑on but a core part of how the team operates.
• Integrated Solutions Design & Architecture
  • Lead end‑to‑end integrated solutions design, working in partnership with Business Process Leads, IT Business Analysts, and the Solutions Director to define a comprehensive technology stack supporting Cencora's 3PL strategy.
  • Define application design patterns that support current and future commercial requirements, including integration architecture, data flows, API strategy, and non‑functional requirements (performance, scalability, security, resilience).
  • Ensure full alignment and conformance with Cencora corporate technology standards, ISO policies, and technology approval processes.
  • Work with Cencora EIC teams to drive Cloud/SaaS adoption, defining migration strategies and cloud‑native design principles.
  • Collaborate with Cencora ISO teams to complete vulnerability mitigation strategies and ensure cybersecurity best practice is embedded in all solution designs.
  • Bring industry‑leading thinking on ERP, WMS, and supply chain technology platforms to solution design, ensuring Cencora remains at the forefront of capability.
• Matrix Working & Stakeholder Relationship Management
  • Operate effectively within a complex, matrixed organisational structure — influencing and aligning stakeholders across IT, operations, commercial, compliance, and external partners without direct authority.
  • Build and sustain strong, trust‑based relationships with stakeholders at all levels, from operational teams through to senior leadership and C‑suite sponsors across multiple geographies.
  • Act as the primary solutions liaison between business process owners, IT delivery teams, corporate architecture, information security, and third‑party vendors.
  • Navigate competing priorities, divergent requirements, and political complexity with diplomacy and commercial awareness, ensuring consensus‑driven outcomes.
  • Lead cross‑functional workshops, design reviews, steering committees, and governance forums, ensuring all voices are heard and decisions are well‑documented.
  • Proactively manage stakeholder expectations through transparent communication, regular status updates, and early escalation of risks and issues.
• Delivery & Governance
  • Lead execution delivery through robust governance structures, Agile working methodologies, and the central use of AI technology to create efficiencies.
  • Drive a business‑focused deployment, release management, and production readiness strategy aligned with client and commercial requirements.
  • Support vendor assessments and selection decisions in collaboration with VMO teams, ensuring comprehensive TPRM assessments are completed.
  • Deliver high‑quality engineering practices including code reviews, testing strategy, environment management, and CI/CD pipeline design.
  • Monitor and report on project and programme progress in conjunction with relevant portfolio and project managers, ensuring risks and issues are properly raised and mitigated.
• Data, Analytics & Continuous Improvement
  • Define data strategies and integration approaches that enable AI/ML model development, real‑time analytics, and operational intelligence across 3PL platforms.
  • Champion a data‑driven culture, ensuring decisions are supported by evidence and insight, not assumption.
  • Bring industry trends, best practices, and latest strategic thinking related to ERP, WMS, AI, and supply chain technologies to ongoing programmes of work.
  • Continuously evaluate and improve delivery practices, tooling, and methodologies to increase velocity and quality.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years' experience as a Solutions Lead, Solutions Architect, or equivalent role, with substantial experience in integrated supply chain technology solutions.
• Demonstrable, hands‑on experience deploying or championing AI, intelligent automation, generative AI, or other accelerant technologies within solution design and delivery — not just awareness, but practical application with measurable outcomes.
• Proven track record of operating in complex, matrixed organisations, delivering integrated solutions across multiple stakeholders, functions, and geographies.
• Deep expertise in ERP and/or WMS platforms (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Manhattan, Blue Yonder) with experience in integration architecture and data flows.
• Strong experience with Cloud/SaaS adoption strategies, API‑first design, and modern application architecture patterns.
• Demonstrable ability to build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships at all levels, influencing without authority in politically complex environments.
• Experience with Agile delivery methodologies (Scrum, SAFe, Kanban) and modern delivery tooling (JIRA, Azure DevOps, Confluence).
• Excellent communication skills — ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business language for senior stakeholders.
• Experience working across multiple geographies or diverse, culturally varied stakeholder bases.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).

Core Competencies

• Strategic Thinking & Innovation — Connects emerging technology to business value; sees beyond the immediate to shape the future technology landscape.
• AI & Accelerant Mindset — Instinctively seeks to apply AI and automation to compress timelines, improve quality, and unlock new capabilities.
• Matrix Leadership & Influence — Navigates complex organisational structures with ease; builds consensus and drives outcomes through influence, not authority.
• Communication & Stakeholder Management — Articulates complex technical concepts clearly; builds trusted relationships across functions, levels, and geographies.
• Analytical Rigour & Problem‑Solving — Data‑driven, structured, and methodical in approach to complex challenges.
• Adaptability & Resilience — Thrives in ambiguity, embraces change, and iterates rapidly in high‑pressure environments.
• Results Orientation — Focused on delivering measurable business outcomes with pace and quality.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience in pharmaceutical, healthcare, or other regulated supply chain environments (desirable but not essential — strong supply chain/3PL technology experience in other sectors will be valued).
• Experience with AI‑assisted development tools (GitHub Copilot, Amazon CodeWhisperer, Azure AI), automated testing frameworks, or AIOps platforms.
• Familiarity with process mining tools (Celonis, UiPath Process Mining) and digital twin modelling.
• Experience with RPA tools (UiPath, Automation Anywhere, Power Automate) in logistics or supply chain workflows.
• Knowledge of serialisation, track‑and‑trace, cold‑chain logistics, or controlled substance handling.
• TOGAF, AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Solutions Architect, or equivalent architecture certification.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or above).
• Experience with data visualisation platforms (Power BI, Tableau) and data engineering concepts (ETL, data modelling).
• Understanding of GDP, GxP, DSCSA, or similar regulatory frameworks.

What We Offer

• A high‑profile, strategically critical role in one of the world's leading pharmaceutical solutions organisations.
• The opportunity to shape the future of 3PL technology through cutting‑edge AI and digital innovation.
• A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity, ownership, and impact.
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and career development opportunities.
• London/Woking based preferred. UK or European location considered. Hybrid working – 50% in office and 50% remote. Successful candidate will need to have proximity to attend a Cencora office location. Occasional travel to the EU for stakeholder engagement and programme delivery.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Cencora is committed to providing equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or membership in any other class protected by federal, state or local law. The company’s continued success depends on the full and effective utilization of qualified individuals. Therefore, harassment is prohibited and all matters related to recruiting, training, compensation, benefits, promotions and transfers comply with equal opportunity principles and are non‑discriminatory. Cencora is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the employment process which are consistent with legal requirements. If you wish to request an accommodation while seeking employment, please call 888.692.2272 or email hrsc@cencora.com. We will make accommodation determinations on a request‑by‑request basis. Messages and emails regarding anything other than accommodation requests will not be returned.