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 a highly experienced Project/Programme Director to lead the Delivery Management Practice. This individual will have extensive expertise in managing large-scale SAP programmes, recovering complex projects, and ensuring the highest standards of quality assurance. They will also play a crucial role in pre-sales and bid management, engaging with executives at the highest levels to drive successful outcomes.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience leading SAP programme delivery within a consulting environment. They will bring a strategic mindset, excellent stakeholder management skills, and the ability to drive successful transformations for our clients.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Client Ownership

• Foster long-term client relationships that drive sustained business growth.
• Operate effectively at executive levels, influencing stakeholders and driving decision-making.
• Provide strategic direction on programme delivery, ensuring alignment with client objectives.
• Offer expert guidance on project and programme leadership, mentoring teams and ensuring best practices.
• Ensure clear contracting and governance, providing clients with transparency while meeting revenue and profitability targets.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities, contributing to the overall growth of the organisation.
• Guide clients through transformation initiatives, offering strategic support and solutions.
• Establish trust and credibility even in complex stakeholder environments.

Project Delivery & Governance

• Define and implement best-in-class project approaches, ensuring alignment with industry standards and methodologies.
• Oversee project scope, timeline, and quality, ensuring successful delivery within budget constraints.
• Drive risk management and quality assurance, proactively identifying and mitigating potential issues.
• Maintain strict change control, ensuring scope adjustments are properly managed and agreed upon with clients.
• Provide regular reporting to the executive team, offering clear insights into project progress, risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Champion and enforce high-quality standards across all aspects of project delivery.
• Support business development efforts by contributing to bids, proposals, and solution design.

People Leadership and Development

• Lead and mentor project teams, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Actively contribute to the development and growth of the Delivery Management Practice.
• Support talent development initiatives, ensuring team members have opportunities to enhance their skills and career progression.
• Play a key role in onboarding and integrating new team members into the practice.

Utilisation and Revenue

• Drive revenue generation, ensuring project teams meet utilisation targets (>80%) and maintain strong gross margins (>25%).
• Manage a portfolio of projects and programmes, optimising resource allocation and financial performance.
• Identify and capitalise on commercial opportunities, ensuring maximum value for both the client and the business.
• Minimise financial risk by ensuring proper contract management and controlling unbilled work.
• Proven experience in managing the financial performance of consulting engagements, including P&L ownership.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• 15+ years of SAP experience, with significant tenure in programme leadership roles.
• Extensive track record of successfully delivering large-scale SAP programmes (3,000+ person-days, £2M+ value).
• Proven ability to recover and turn around complex, high-risk projects.
• Strong pre-sales and bid management experience, with the ability to develop winning proposals.
• Significant experience in SAP consulting, leading project teams, and driving strategic transformation for clients.
• Extensive industry expertise across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, consumer goods, and engineering.
• Strong understanding of project methodologies (Prince2, Agile, Activate) and governance frameworks.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage and influence at the CxO level.
• Expertise in financial and commercial management of large-scale consulting engagements.
• Confident in leading integrated workshops, running executive-level discussions, and presenting to senior stakeholders.
• A trusted leader with the ability to inspire and drive results across multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to travel to client sites across the UK and work away from home when necessary.

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: Flexible working arrangements, subject to operational and project requirements.
• Generous Holiday Allowance: 25 days of paid holiday annually (pro-rated for part-time employees).
• \”Free Fridays\” Initiative: Additional 12 days off per year for personal interests or relaxation (pro-rated for part-time employees).
• Financial Security: Group Life Assurance coverage of four times your base salary.
• Pension Scheme: Employer contributions at a competitive rate of 5%, with flexible employee contributions.
• Income Protection: Group Income Protection plan for unforeseen circumstances.
• Health and Well-being: Comprehensive Private Medical Insurance (currently with Bupa), with additional benefits such as a 24/7 helpline and lifestyle coaching.
• Technology and Tools: A laptop and mobile phone provided for business and personal use.
• Wellness Initiatives: Cycle-to-work scheme promoting active commuting.
• Environmental Responsibility: Electric Car Leasing scheme for eco-friendly transportation.