ERP Programme Change Lead

Thames Water; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A major water utility in Reading is looking for a Senior Change Manager to lead change management for SAP ERP projects. The role involves designing and implementing change strategies, engaging stakeholders, and managing deliverables. The ideal candidate will have proven experience with ERP systems, knowledge of change management frameworks, and strong stakeholder engagement skills. Offering a competitive salary of £85,000 to £95,000, along with generous benefits including a car allowance, health care, and a pension scheme.

Benefits

26 days holiday plus bank holidays

Car Allowance

Pension Scheme

Private Medical Health Care

Access to health and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Proven experience implementing ERP systems at a senior level.
• Strong knowledge of change management frameworks.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead change management for large-scale ERP programmes.
• Design, develop and implement change deliverables.
• Build relationships with internal and external teams.

Skills

Change management frameworks

Stakeholder engagement

SAP Activate methodology

ERP system implementation

Project management

Education

Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP)

PRINCE2 or PMP

Tools

SAP ERP systems

Job description

What you’ll be doing

• 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) or 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.