SAP Program Manager

SAP Program & Transformation Manager

OBJECTIVE

To initiate, lead, and monitor multiple interrelated projects, ensuring that the overarching goal is achieved.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

Manages the program plan:

• Manages, in collaboration with railway directorates, the program including constraints, risks, dependencies, priorities, budgets, success and acceptance criteria, etc.
• Builds a network with railway directorates to ensure the program’s follow-up and execution receive the necessary attention.
• Works with various railway directorates and IT to develop short-, medium-, and long-term plans that align with achieving the business objective.

Program initiation & planning:

• Responsible for program planning and budgeting, and communicates this to stakeholders and project managers.
• Monitors the project managers for projects within the program, estimating tasks and budgets for each of the projects in the program.
• Oversees the handover to support, initially led by project managers, for the various projects within the program, taking into account the impact on other projects.
• Coordinates the program plan based on the different underlying and dependent projects.

Program governance:

• Regularly communicates in a structured manner about the progress of the program and its underlying projects.
• Manages and monitors risks and issues with the project managers and escalates in a timely manner to relevant stakeholders if necessary, seeks solutions with project managers, and discusses them with railway directorates when needed.
• Monitors new change requests and ensures approval, considering inter-project relationships according to delegated authority before execution.
• Ensures coordination between project managers.
• Supports audit activities when required.
• Monitors the program’s budget and coordinates budgeting and amendments.

Communication:

• Maintains good cooperation with all railway directorates through transparency and support.
• Keeps the Business Manager (Managing Layer) and Directing Layer transparently and honestly informed about the progress and achievements of the program and underlying projects.
• Aligns regularly with the entire IT and business organization.
• Ensures monthly monitoring of the actual program cost, effort, and progress, prepares steering committee meetings thoroughly, and is responsible for drafting and distributing the meeting minutes.
• Builds relationships with stakeholders directly and/or indirectly involved in the program.

Program closure:

• Oversees the handover to Operations and Support Teams, ensuring relevant project documentation is part of the project deliverables and that planned training is provided in consultation with all stakeholders.

Leads the program team:

• Ensures a professional attitude and work environment within the program and project teams, guaranteeing efficient and high-quality program delivery while considering the impact on other programs and/or projects.
• Resolves conflicts within and between program-related stakeholders.
• Monitors team workload and communicates progress.
• Anticipates resource needs and issues.
• Coaches project managers within the program and leads the program management team to achieve set objectives.
• Supports the project management office within the broader railway program and project management framework.

CRITERIA

Scope of responsibility

• Program and underlying project governance.
• Managing project managers.
• Safeguarding knowledge management.

Knowledge and complexity

• Master’s level or equivalent through experience.
• 15 years of relevant work experience.
• Thorough knowledge and application of program & project management methodologies and techniques.
• Affinity with the IT and SAP domain.
• Solid understanding of broader program objectives.
• Experience in people management.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting and resource allocation.

Problem-solving

• Ability to lead and manage multiple related projects and project teams simultaneously while maintaining oversight.
• Ability to handle conflicts between different stakeholders.
• Setting correct priorities and proactively taking necessary actions.
• Anticipating resource requirements in a timely manner.
• Gaining insight into how processes interact between different railway directorates.
• Monitoring project outputs throughout the project lifecycle.
• Anticipating various changes in an evolving context.
• Experience with public procurement and relevant legislation.
• Works independently in managing a program with multiple linked projects.
• Consults with leadership for discussion of more strategic aspects and prioritization.

Communication

Internal contacts

• Daily contact with Project Managers and their teams, PMO, IT, and the program delivery organization and partners, in the context of project management.
• Weekly to monthly contact with railway directorates to provide project updates.
• Targeted contacts with B-IT/Ypto management concerning actions, issues, etc.

External contacts

• Daily to weekly contact with the Program Owner regarding program follow-up.
• Monthly contact at CxO level regarding program follow-up.
• Targeted contact with clients regarding program actions, issues, etc.
• Targeted contact with suppliers regarding follow-up of (sub)projects.

Languages

Excellent command of Dutch, French, and English (spoken and written).

Critical Capabilities:

· At least 15 years’ experience as full lifecycle ERP Program/Transformation Manager, reporting at CxO level, in at least 4 major SAP implementation programs in a medium or large enterprise with an overall process scope covering at least Financials, Customer Service, Asset Management, Maintenance Operations, HR, Procurement and Supply Chain processes;

· At least 15 years hands on experience in major change management (using change methodology like ADKAR) and transformation programs in large companies and public sector;

· At least 10 years’ experience in defining, staffing and running a SAP PMO that can support a major SAP program with +20 multi-year projects;

· Able to proof from past experience to build strong project teams that deliver according to schedule with great quality and within budget, and with proven track record of successful SAP implementations (references to be provided and will be checked);

· At least 15 years’ experience with executing RFPs in a public organization and having worked with several SIs in the past on one or more projects;

· Fluent in Dutch, French and English; (trilingual)

· Most of the time on site (Brussels near Midi Station, or in one of the railway locations throughout Belgium), especially when requested by the program stakeholders - and willing/able to work overtime and in weekends when needed;