First Rail is one of the most experienced rail operators in the UK, with more than 770,000 passenger journeys daily last year across our Department for Transport contracted operations and open access routes.

We operate two major UK train operating companies - Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway (GWR), and two open access passenger rail services, Hull Trains and Lumo. We are also 'shadow operator' on the HS2 programme and operate the London Trams service on behalf of Transport for London.

Our First Rail head office is home to specialist teams that provide expert support across the Engineering, Finance, Property, Operations, Procurement, IT, and Human Resources functions of the rail division. First Rail Holdings is part of FirstGroup, the largest rail operator in the UK and second largest bus operator in the UK outside London.  FirstGroup operates services throughout the UK and Ireland, with over 30,000 employees providing services that make travel smoother and life easier.  FirstGroup works hard to reduce its impact on the environment, introducing cleaner and more environmentally responsible methods of transport.

About the job

The role of the SAP Transition Lead is to work with Finance stakeholders from both IT and Business and transition / carve-out a company onto it’s own SAP client. It involves working with the senior leadership teams, Group IT Team, Operating Divisions (Group and Rail), Train Operating Companies (TOCs) business and their IT Teams to deliver co-ordinated and structured SAP projects.  Delivery of all SAP projects should follow standard methodologies and take account of the risks and issues as the projects move forward.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Management and delivery of defined SAP projects working in partnership with IT stakeholders

• Maintaining good communications with divisions on cross divisional and Plc projects

• Maintaining and managing effective project risk management processes capable of scrutiny by internal and external audit, escalating risks and issues according to severity

• Compiling quality project reports providing data and details relative to the audience e.g. IT Programme Manager, CIO, Senior business stakeholders, Audit etc.

• Ensuring all projects adhere to strong financial and budgetary controls

• Adhering to project management principles whilst leveraging some Agile methodologies where appropriate

• To develop and manage accurate and effective project documentation

• Engage project stakeholders and maintain strong communications throughout the lifecycle of a project

• Control and report on risks and issues ensuring stakeholders are comfortable with the risks being taken to deliver projects

• Ensure all projects adhere to strong financial and budgetary controls reporting early on any overspend or concerns to relevant stakeholders   

• Ensure standard change control processes are adhered to

• Use agreed PMO toolsets to administer plans and RAID logs

• Include testing and implementation plans where appropriate ensuring the relevant business stakeholders approve and accept changes

• Conduct lessons learnt reviews prior to project close

• Management of the programme of work and planning essential technology change

• Maintain good communications with divisions on cross divisional and group projects

• Ensure all projects adhere to strong financial and budgetary controls

• Deliver projects within target timescales

As a minimum, you will need to have:

• Ability to communicate with impact and engage effectively with senior stakeholders both inside and outside of FirstGroup

• Written skills are required in order to present complex and high-profile projects, issues and risks to senior stakeholders

• Can influence and challenge leadership

• Ability to manage long term strategic partnerships

• Strong decision-making skills – ability to balance conflicting interests

• Robust problem-solving and analytical skills

• Strong communication skills both written and oral

• Two end-to-end SAP implementation project delivery

Desirable

• Qualified Prince 2 Practitioner with an understanding of Agile practice

• Experience of managing people

• Significant experience of managing senior level relationships

• Ability to develop, maintain and share demonstrable subject matter expertise

• Commercial risk management

• Proficient in writing business cases and other standard PMO documentation

• Business Planning Skills

About the location

Based at The Point, London with Hybrid working included.

The Reward

• Minimum of 10% (5% employer and 5% employee) contribution to your Pension (only applicable to members of the company pension scheme)

• 25 days Holiday plus National Bank Holidays

• Travel Offers for Bus and Rail *

• Shopping Discounts including discounts and cashback on electrical goods, your weekly shop, holidays, cinema trips, car insurance, upgrading your mobile and lots more

• Buy as You Earn – allows you to buy shares each month. You can vary the amount you save or stop it at any time. You need to participate in the scheme for at least 3 years to receive the matching shares *

• Save as You Earn – allows you to use your savings after three years, to buy shares at a discounted price, or take your savings back as cash *

• Employee Assistance Helpline – free, confidential employee support service provided by an independent provider

• Payroll Giving – donate directly from your pay to a Charity of your Choice

* After 6 months employment