ERP Programme Change Lead

Are you ready to lead one of the most transformative programmes in Thames Water’s history? We’re looking for a Change Lead for our ERP Programme, to lead and drive the change management strategy and implementation for our SAP ERP Programme – a game-changing initiative that will modernise how we work across People, Finance, Procurement, and beyond. This is a senior position requiring strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and expertise in change frameworks to ensure smooth adoption across multiple directorates. You’ll work closely with programme leads to design and execute change plans, manage impacts, and communicate effectively to diverse audiences. This is your chance to make a real impact, shaping how thousands of colleagues embrace new ways of working and ensuring our organisation is ready for the future.

What you’ll be doing as ERP Programme Change Lead:

• Develop and deliver change, readiness, training, and communications strategies for SAP ERP projects and programmes.
• Lead change management for large-scale ERP programmes, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement and adoption.
• Apply SAP Activate methodology to structure and guide the implementation lifecycle.
• Design, develop, implement, and manage key change deliverables, including change impact analysis, training, and communications.
• Collaborate with Business Change Analysts, Change Champions, and functional leads to validate and refine impact assessments, building a strong internal network for change.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external and internal teams to ensure alignment on goals.
• Manage Change Analysts, providing coaching and development to ensure effective delivery.
• Manage change to scope, time, and budget within agreed tolerances or elevate changes accordingly.
• Monitor and report on change readiness and adoption metrics.
• Ensure transparent, engaging, and well-communicated change strategies tailored to different directorates and audiences.

Location: Hybrid / Reading, with travel to other Thames Water sites as needed

Working pattern or hours: 36 hours per week (Monday to Friday)

What you should bring to the role:

• Proven experience at a senior level implementing ERP systems (e.g., SuccessFactors, Ariba, Fieldglass, S / 4HANA); experience with multiple solutions is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of change management frameworks, including change impact assessments, mapping, planning, and integration with other programmes.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, able to influence and adapt communication for different directorates and audiences.
• Ideally, experience in the utilities sector or similar large-scale operational environments.
• Demonstrated success in leading change for large-scale programmes, ideally within SAP ERP environments.
• Skilled in creating transparent, engaging, and well-communicated change strategies.
• Comfortable working with senior stakeholders and integrating plans across HR, commercial and finance teams, as well as all the other directorates within the company.
• Hold a recognised change management qualification, such as Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP), Prosci Change Management Certification or equivalent.
• Project management credentials (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP) are highly valued.
• In-depth knowledge of SAP Activate methodology and programme mobilisation, or equivalent frameworks.
• Proven expertise in delivering change impact analysis, engaging training, and impactful communications.
• Well-versed in organisational change models, such as ADKAR, to support effective transitions.
• Skilled in leading cross-functional teams and collaborating with third-party delivery partners for optimal outcomes.
• Strong understanding of benefits tracking, executive-level reporting, and governance best practices.
• Willingness to travel to multiple Thames Water sites as required.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary from £85,000 - £95,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays).
• Car Allowance.
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Private Medical Health Care.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Who are we? We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Working at Thames Water: Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits. If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet. Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family.

Why choose us? We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else, just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.