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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the cutover planning and execution for a complex Workday migration programme.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on transforming back-office systems to Workday.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of a major transformation, collaborating with diverse teams and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in large-scale Workday implementations and strong project management skills required.
- Other info: This is a 12-month full-time role based in Coventry or Manchester.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
Cutover Programme Manager
Initial 12 Month FTC
Coventry/Manchester
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Cutover Programme Manager to lead the end-to-end cutover planning and execution for a complex Workday migration programme. This role will oversee the transition from legacy back-office systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP, PeopleSoft, etc.) to Workday, ensuring business continuity, risk mitigation, and minimal disruption during go-live.
You will work cross-functionally with Workday implementation partners, business teams (HR, Finance, IT), system integrators, and technical teams to coordinate the readiness, execution, and stabilization phases of cutover.
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Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and own the overall cutover strategy and integrated cutover plan across workstreams.
- Lead the cutover planning process, including defining scope, key milestones, Go/No-Go criteria, and critical path.
- Coordinate the sequencing of data migration, configuration, testing, training, and go-live support activities.
- Act as a single point of accountability for cutover execution across business and technical teams.
- Identify, assess, and manage cutover-related risks, dependencies, and issues.
- Chair daily/weekly cutover readiness meetings and Go/No-Go checkpoints.
- Align with business leads and operational owners to ensure business readiness.
- Work closely with Workday partners and internal stakeholders to ensure all systems, interfaces, and processes are ready for transition.
- Define and manage dry run cycles, mock cutovers, and rollback strategies.
- Ensure that post go-live hypercare and early life support plans are robust and resourced appropriately.
- Produce cutover status reports and stakeholder updates at executive and programme level.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Proven experience as a Cutover Manager on at least one large-scale Workday implementation or migration, ideally across multiple functional areas (HR, Finance, Payroll).
- Strong background in ERP or SaaS system cutovers, with understanding of back-office systems and integrations.
- Expertise in cutover methodologies, including mock runs, blackout periods, and contingency planning.
- Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, including ability to influence senior executives.
- Experience in coordinating cross-functional teams across business and IT.
- Strong project and programme management skills – planning, execution, governance, and risk control.
- Familiarity with data migration concepts and tools.
- Ability to work under pressure in fast-paced transformation environments.
Key Deliverables:
Cutover Strategy & Plan
Integrated Cutover Schedule
Go/No-Go Criteria
Mock Cutover Execution Reports
Cutover Risk & Issue Logs
Hypercare Plan & Handover Documents
Cutover Programme Manager employer: Lorien
Contact Detail:
Lorien Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cutover Programme Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals who have experience in Workday migrations. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn from their experiences. This can give you insights into the role and help you make valuable connections.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific cutover methodologies used in Workday implementations. Understanding these processes will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences managing cross-functional teams. Highlight specific examples where you successfully coordinated between different departments, as this is crucial for the Cutover Programme Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends and challenges in ERP and SaaS systems. Being knowledgeable about current issues can help you engage in meaningful conversations with interviewers and show that you're proactive in your field.
We think you need these skills to ace Cutover Programme Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as a Cutover Manager, particularly with Workday implementations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in managing cutover strategies and cross-functional teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are the perfect fit for this role. Mention your proven track record in ERP or SaaS system cutovers and how your skills align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Key Skills: Emphasise your stakeholder management and communication skills, as well as your ability to work under pressure. These are crucial for the role, so provide examples of how you've successfully influenced senior executives in past projects.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential for a Cutover Programme Manager.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lorien
✨Understand the Cutover Process
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the cutover process, especially in relation to Workday migrations. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences with cutover planning and execution, highlighting any specific methodologies you've used.
✨Showcase Stakeholder Management Skills
Since this role requires exceptional stakeholder management, think of examples where you've successfully influenced senior executives or coordinated cross-functional teams. Be ready to explain how you navigated challenges in these situations.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare to discuss how you would handle potential risks or issues during a cutover, including your approach to contingency planning and rollback strategies.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, as you'll need to convey complex information to various stakeholders. Consider preparing a brief presentation on a past project to showcase your communication style.