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- Tasks: Lead a major SAP transformation, driving innovation in defence operations.
- Company: Join Leonardo UK, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team shaping the future of technology.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cutting-edge technology in a mission-critical environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in SAP upgrades and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Join Leonardo UK as an SAP Transformation Lead and play a pivotal role in reshaping the digital backbone of a leading defence organisation. This is a rare opportunity to lead a complex, enterprise-wide SAP transformation—driving innovation across engineering, manufacturing, and operations while ensuring the highest standards of security, performance, and compliance in a mission-critical environment.
You will take ownership of a major SAP upgrade programme, guiding the organisation from a legacy landscape to a future-ready platform aligned with long-term strategic goals. Working at the intersection of technology and business, you will define the transformation roadmap, lead solution design and integration across SAP, PLM, and MES systems, and enable a seamless digital thread that enhances visibility, efficiency, and decision-making across the enterprise.
In this role you will:
- Own and drive the end-to-end upgrade of the legacy SAP system (including all functions).
- Define and manage the upgrade strategy, including scope, deployment approach, risk mitigation, and resource planning.
- Lead technical assessment, solution design, data migration strategy, and cutover planning.
- Ensure all processes, custom code, and integrations are mapped, rationalised, or redesigned to meet future business needs.
- Develop and maintain a multi-year SAP technology roadmap aligned with business objectives and defence-industry compliance requirements.
- Identify opportunities for standardisation, process harmonisation, automation, and adoption of new SAP capabilities.
- Define governance frameworks for enhancement requests, prioritisation, and change control.
- Serve as the primary SAP interface with PLM and MES programme teams.
- Design and own the integration strategy between SAP, PLM, and MES to ensure seamless engineering, manufacturing, and supply-chain workflows.
- Ensure data alignment, Bill of Materials (BOM) synchronisation, configuration management, and traceability across systems.
- Champion end-to-end digital thread capability.
- Collaborate with Future Factory, Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, IT Security, and Programme Leadership to define requirements and ensure solution alignment.
- Manage external partners and system integrators, ensuring delivery quality and adherence to standards.
- Communicate progress, relevant KPI’s, risks, and decisions to senior leadership.
- Ensure all SAP solutions comply with defence-sector regulations, cybersecurity standards, export controls, and audit requirements.
- Establish high-quality documentation, system standards, and configuration controls.
Qualifications
- Proven experience leading major SAP upgrade or S/4HANA transformation programmes.
- Expert knowledge of core SAP modules (e.g., PP, MM, QM, SD, FI/CO) and integration technologies (BAPIs, IDocs, APIs).
- Strong background in SAP integration with PLM and MES environments.
- Experience working in highly regulated or defence/aerospace industries.
- Exceptional stakeholder management, communication, and leadership skills.
- Strong understanding of cybersecurity, configuration control, and compliance frameworks.
- Experience with SAP EWM, IBP, or SAP Cloud products.
- Knowledge of digital thread, model-based engineering, and Industry 4.0 principles.
- Project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, Agile).
- Experience with classified system environments.
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply.
Why join us
- Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
- Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
- All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
- Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
- Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
- Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
- Flexible hours with hybrid working options.
Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Our employees are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety. At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace.
Location & Details
Primary Location: GB - Edinburgh
Additional Locations: GB - Basildon, GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300, GB - Southampton
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
SAP Transformation Lead in Southampton employer: Leonardo
Contact Detail:
Leonardo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SAP Transformation Lead in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at Leonardo or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into SAP transformation projects. Brush up on your knowledge of core SAP modules and integration technologies. We want to see you shine with your expertise!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've managed teams and projects in the past. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to drive change and inspire others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities right there.
We think you need these skills to ace SAP Transformation Lead in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with SAP transformations. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the SAP Transformation Lead role.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you’ve led major SAP upgrades or transformations in the past. This will help us see the impact you've made.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This makes it easier for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application is processed efficiently and allows us to keep track of all candidates easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo
✨Know Your SAP Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of core SAP modules like PP, MM, and FI/CO. Be ready to discuss how you've led major SAP upgrade programmes in the past, as this will show your expertise and confidence in handling complex transformations.
✨Understand the Defence Sector
Familiarise yourself with the specific compliance and cybersecurity standards relevant to the defence industry. This will not only demonstrate your commitment but also your ability to navigate the unique challenges that come with working in a highly regulated environment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills. Think about times when you've successfully led teams or projects, especially in cross-functional settings, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Have a Vision for the Future
Be ready to discuss your ideas for a multi-year SAP technology roadmap. Show how you can align it with long-term strategic goals and identify opportunities for standardisation and automation, which are key to driving innovation in the organisation.