Data and Analytics Senior Lead

Mars, Incorporated; Slough; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global company in the UK is seeking a Senior Data and Analytics Lead to oversee the delivery of SAP Datasphere within its SAP S/4HANA transformation programme. The role requires expertise in data governance, analytics leadership, and effective stakeholder management. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in large transformation programmes and a proven ability to manage delivery risks and maintain data quality. This role is pivotal in shaping the data landscape within the organization.

Qualifications

• Strong experience leading data analytics in large SAP S/4HANA transformation programmes.
• Proven ability to manage and govern systems integrators.
• Strong understanding of data integration patterns and data governance.

Responsibilities

• Ensure effective delivery of SAP Datasphere implementation within the programme.
• Manage delivery risks and quality issues related to data ingestion and governance.
• Collaborate effectively within a diverse team fostering an inclusive culture.

Skills

Data and analytics leadership

SAP S/4HANA transformation

Stakeholder management

Data governance

Data modelling

Analytical skills

Job description

Job Description:

As we work to transform and optimise Mars, a new program has been mobilised by the Mars leadership team. The program is focused on the design and implementation of SAP S/4HANA in Mars across Segments (Petcare, Corporate, Snacking & Food). Much more than a simple “Lift and Shift,” this program will undertake a major process simplification and harmonisation scope as we digitally transform our business.

The program focuses primarily on eight mega process areas: Finance, Source to Pay (procurement and vendor mgmt.), Plan to Fulfil (manufacturing and distribution), Lead to Cash (sales order processing and payment), Governance, Engage to Consume (marketing), Idea to Market (R&D), and Recruit to Retire (HR). This transformation requires thought leadership, quality decision making, deep technical know-how, and an ability to navigate complex business challenges while applying a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach to each of these mega processes.

As part of the program, a new role has been created to provide expertise and support to the SAP data and analytics capabilities being introduced as part of the SAP Digital Core ERP transformation.

The role is responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of the SAP Datasphere implementation within the programme, along with providing expertise to explore further utilisation of the broader SAP analytic platform’s capabilities and increase the impact within Mars.

Key Responsibilities

• Demonstrate and exemplify the Five Principles of Mars, personally and within the team.
• Provide strong governance of delivery, including:
• Reviewing and assuring solution design, architecture, and data models.
• Challenging assumptions, delivery approaches, and technical decisions where required.
• Ensuring adherence to SAP best practices and agreed enterprise architecture standards.
• Manage delivery risks, dependencies, and quality issues related to data ingestion, modelling, performance, security, and data governance.
• Identify opportunities to extend Datasphere beyond initial reporting use cases into advanced analytics, self‑service, and cross‑domain insight, considering the potential to increase the footprint of SAP analytics through further usage of the SAP BDC platform.
• Support business stakeholders in understanding and adopting Datasphere and BDC capabilities.
• Support cutover and go‑live activities as required.
• Collaborate effectively within a diverse team that fosters an inclusive culture, ensuring all contributions are valued and recognised.

Context and Scope

SAP S/4HANA programmes are increasingly defined not only by the successful transition of core transactional processes, but by the ability to deliver trusted, scalable data and analytics. As part of this S/4HANA transformation programme, we require a senior data and analytics lead with deep expertise in SAP Datasphere to oversee the delivery of the in‑scope analytics solution and to shape the future data and analytics landscape.

Job Specifications / Qualifications

Knowledge and Experience

• Strong experience of leading in data and analytics within large SAP S/4HANA transformation programmes.
• Functional understanding of S4 process areas e.g. Source to Pay, Record to Report, Plan to Fulfil, Lead to Cash.
• Proven experience managing and governing Systems Integrators in complex delivery environments.
• Strong understanding of:
• Data modelling (analytical and semantic)
• Data integration patterns
• Security, authorisations, and data governance
• Demonstrated ability to work with business SMEs and functional consultants to understand requirements and communicate solutions.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and reporting skills with senior project leadership.
• Ability to manage distributed teams, including offshore resources and third‑party vendors.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to data quality, traceability, and repeatable processes.
• Highly organised with proven experience in setting and managing deadlines across diverse stakeholder groups while ensuring clear ownership and accountability for all activities.
• Demonstrates a strong team player mindset with a drive to develop new professional skills combined with proactive, growth‑oriented and goal‑focused approach to work.