At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SAP projects and collaborate with finance and IT teams to drive successful transitions.
- Company: Join First Rail, a leading UK rail operator committed to sustainable transport solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, shopping discounts, and a generous pension contribution.
- Other info: Hybrid working available, with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the rail industry while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in SAP projects and strong communication skills are essential.
Transition Lead 9 Month Fixed Term Contract
Who are we?
First Rail is one of the most experienced rail operators in the UK, with more than 770,000 passenger journeys daily last year across our Department for Transport contracted operations and open access routes. We operate two major UK train operating companies - Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway (GWR), and two open access passenger rail services, Hull Trains and Lumo. We are also 'shadow operator' on the HS2 programme and operate the London Trams service on behalf of Transport for London. Our First Rail head office is home to specialist teams that provide expert support across the Engineering, Finance, Property, Operations, Procurement, IT, and Human Resources functions of the rail division. FirstRail Holdings is part of FirstGroup, the largest rail operator in the UK and second largest bus operator in the UK outside London. FirstGroup operates services throughout the UK and Ireland, with over 30,000 employees providing services that make travel smoother and life easier. FirstGroup works hard to reduce its impact on the environment, introducing cleaner and more environmentally responsible methods of transport.
About the job
The role of the SAP Transition Lead is to work with Finance stakeholders from both IT and Business and transition / carve-out a company onto it’s own SAP client. It involves working with the senior leadership teams, Group IT Team, Operating Divisions (Group and Rail), Train Operating Companies (TOCs) business and their IT Teams to deliver co-ordinated and structured SAP projects. Delivery of all SAP projects should follow standard methodologies and take account of the risks and issues as the projects move forward.
Responsibilities
- Management and delivery of defined SAP projects working in partnership with IT stakeholders
- Maintaining good communications with divisions on cross divisional and Plc projects
- Maintaining and managing effective project risk management processes capable of scrutiny by internal and external audit, escalating risks and issues according to severity
- Compiling quality project reports providing data and details relative to the audience e.g. IT Programme Manager, CIO, Senior business stakeholders, Audit etc.
- Ensuring all projects adhere to strong financial and budgetary controls
- Adhering to project management principles whilst leveraging some Agile methodologies where appropriate
- To develop and manage accurate and effective project documentation
- Engage project stakeholders and maintain strong communications throughout the lifecycle of a project
- Control and report on risks and issues ensuring stakeholders are comfortable with the risks being taken to deliver projects
- Ensure all projects adhere to strong financial and budgetary controls reporting early on any overspend or concerns to relevant stakeholders
- Ensure standard change control processes are adhered to
- Use agreed PMO toolsets to administer plans and RAID logs
- Include testing and implementation plans where appropriate ensuring the relevant business stakeholders approve and accept changes
- Conduct lessons learnt reviews prior to project close
- Management of the programme of work and planning essential technology change
- Maintain good communications with divisions on cross divisional and group projects
- Ensure all projects adhere to strong financial and budgetary controls Deliver projects within target timescales
Minimum Requirements
- Ability to communicate with impact and engage effectively with senior stakeholders both inside and outside of FirstGroup
- Written skills are required in order to present complex and high-profile projects, issues and risks to senior stakeholders
- Can influence and challenge leadership
- Ability to manage long term strategic partnerships
- Strong decision-making skills – ability to balance conflicting interests
- Robust problem-solving and analytical skills
- Strong communication skills both written and oral
- Two end-to-end SAP implementation project delivery
Desirable
- Qualified Prince 2 Practitioner with an understanding of Agile practice
- Experience of managing people
- Significant experience of managing senior level relationships
- Ability to develop, maintain and share demonstrable subject matter expertise
- Commercial risk management
- Proficient in writing business cases and other standard PMO documentation
- Business Planning Skills
Location
Based at The Point, London with Hybrid working included.
Reward
- Minimum of 10% (5% employer and 5% employee) contribution to your Pension (only applicable to members of the company pension scheme)
- 25 days Holiday plus National Bank Holidays
- Travel Offers for Bus and Rail
- Shopping Discounts including discounts and cashback on electrical goods, your weekly shop, holidays, cinema trips, car insurance, upgrading your mobile and lots more
- Buy as You Earn – allows you to buy shares each month. You can vary the amount you save or stop it at any time. You need to participate in the scheme for at least 3 years to receive the matching shares
- Save as You Earn – allows you to use your savings after three years, to buy shares at a discounted price, or take your savings back as cash
- Employee Assistance Helpline – free, confidential employee support service provided by an independent provider
- Payroll Giving – donate directly from your pay to a Charity of your Choice
- After 6 months employment
FirstGroup is a leading private sector provider of public transport. We provide easy and convenient mobility, improving quality of life by connecting people and communities. Our services are a vital part of society – transporting customers for business, education, health, social and leisure purposes. We create solutions that reduce complexity, making travel smoother and life easier, and work hard to reduce our impact on the environment, introducing cleaner and more responsible methods of transport. Our businesses are at the heart of our communities, and the essential services we provide are critical to delivering wider economic, social, and environmental goals.
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Transition Lead employer: First Rail Holdings
First Rail Consultancy is an exceptional employer that prioritises safety and compliance within the railway sector, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, allowing them to grow their expertise in a supportive environment while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance rail operations. Located in a vibrant area, the company also provides unique advantages such as flexible working arrangements and a strong emphasis on work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transition Lead
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like First Rail Holdings. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at First Rail Holdings.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at First Rail Holdings.
We think you need these skills to ace Transition Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at First Rail Holdings and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at First Rail Holdings
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like First Rail Holdings will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to First Rail Holdings.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at First Rail Holdings.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at First Rail Holdings. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
