SAP Program Manager

PURPOSE
To initiate, lead and monitor multiple related projects, ensuring that the overarching goal is met.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

- Manages the programme plan:
- Manages, in cooperation with managements, the programme including constraints, risks, dependencies, priorities, budgets, success and acceptance criteria, ...
- builds a network with the managements to ensure that the follow-up and implementation of the programme receives the necessary attention
- works out a short-, medium- and long-term plan with the various managements and IT that fits within achieving the business objective.

- Programme initiation & planning:
- is responsible for programme planning & programme budget and communicates this to stakeholders and project managers
- monitors the project managers for the projects within the programme, estimates tasks and budget for each of the projects belonging to the programme
- monitors the transfer to support, initially led by the project managers, for the different projects in the programme, taking into account the impact on other projects
- coordinates the programme plan on the basis of the various underlying and dependent projects

- Programme governance:
- Communicates progress of the programme and underlying projects
- manages and monitors risks and issues with the project managers and escalates to the relevant stakeholders in a timely manner
- if necessary, looks for solutions with the project managers and discusses this with management if required
- follows up new change requests and ensures approval, taking into account the relationships between the projects
- according to delegation of authority before execution
- ensures coordination between the project managers
- supports audit activities when necessary
- monitors the programme budget and coordinates budgeting and amendments

- Communication:
- maintains good cooperation with all managements through transparency and support
- keeps the Business Manager (Managing Layer) and Directing layer informed in a transparent and honest manner, on the progress and achievements of the programme and underlying projects
- coordinates with the entire IT and business organisations on a regular basis
- ensures monthly monitoring of actual programme cost, effort, progress, prepares steering committee meetings properly, and is responsible for the preparation and distribution of the report
- builds relationships with stakeholders directly and/or indirectly involved in the programme
- monitors the handover to Operations and Support Teams and ensures that relevant project documentation is part of the project deliverables and that provided training is provided in consultation with all stakeholders

- manages the programme team:
- ensures a professional attitude and working environment within the programme and project teams and ensures an
- efficient and qualitative delivery of the programme, taking into account impact on possible other programmes and/or projects
- resolves conflicts within and between programme-related stakeholders
- monitors the workload of the teams and communicates progress
- anticipates resource needs and problems
- coaches the project managers within the programme, and directs the programme management team to achieve the objectives
- supports the project management office within the more general framework of programme and project management

CRITERIA

Scope of responsibility
- The programme and underlying project governance
- The management of project managers
- Ensuring knowledge management

Knowledge and complexity
- Knowledge level Master or equivalent through experience
- Relevant working experience of 15 years
- Thorough knowledge and handling of programme & project management methodology and techniques
- Affinity with the IT and SAP world
- Thorough knowledge of broader programme objectives
- Experience with people management
- Thorough knowledge of budgeting and resource allocation

Problem solving
- Be able to simultaneously lead and manage multiple related projects and project teams, and maintain an overview of them
- Dealing with conflicts between the various stakeholders
- Prioritising correctly and anticipating this by initiating the necessary actions
- Timely anticipation of resource needs
- Gaining insight into the way processes interact between the different managements
- Monitor project outputs throughout the project lifecycle
- Anticipating various changes within the changing context
- Experience with public tenders and the applicable legislation around them
- Is independent in leading one programme with a number of projects linked to it
- Appeals to the manager for discussion of more strategic aspects and prioritisation

Languages
Thorough knowledge of Dutch, French and English (oral and written)