Programme Director

Linklaters; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international law firm in Greater London is seeking a Senior Programme Manager to lead a global S/4 HANA transformation initiative. The ideal candidate should have over 10 years of extensive experience in managing ERP transformation programmes and demonstrate strong leadership skills across cross-functional teams. This role involves setting a clear roadmap, managing risks, and ensuring effective stakeholder communication. Excellent problem-solving and strategic thinking abilities are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in leading ERP transformation programmes.
• Experience managing and influencing senior stakeholders in global organizations.
• Certifications in programme management are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end delivery of the S/4 HANA transformation programme.
• Manage a high-performing cross-functional programme team.
• Set and communicate a clear programme roadmap.

Skills

Programme/project management certification (MSP, PRINCE2, PMI)

Leading major ERP transformation programmes

Managing cross-functional teams

Influencing senior stakeholders

Understanding of ERP business processes

Knowledge of SAP S/4HANA

Job description

Your role

This is a senior management role within the Business Change function, responsible for mobilising and delivering a global, multi-year S/4 HANA transformation programme. The ideal candidate will bring extensive programme management experience, particularly from large-scale ERP or SAP transformation initiatives, and will be adept at leading global teams to deliver on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with business strategy and desired outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Own end-to-end delivery of the programme, from scoping and mobilisation through to execution, adoption and benefits realisation.
• Mobilise and manage a high-performing, cross-functional programme team of business and technical experts drawn from across the organisation and external partners.
• Set and communicate a clear programme roadmap and plan, managing key milestones, dependencies, risks, and benefits realisation.
• Oversee governance and programme management disciplines, including tracking timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and quality assurance.
• Manage programme risks and issues, acting as the primary escalation point; resolve risks, conflicts, or blockers through a solutions-focused and diplomatic approach.
• Ensure that third party suppliers and systems integrators deliver high-quality, value-driven outputs, setting clear contractual and performance expectations.
• Communicate progress, risks, and key decisions to stakeholders through regular reports, steering groups, and executive briefings.
• Ensure effective change management and user adoption strategies to realise transformation benefits and manage cultural impacts.
• Act as the bridge between SAP S/4HANA technical experts, 3rd parties and business stakeholders, ensuring that the programme will deliver on key requirements.
• Collaborate effectively with interdependent in-flight programmes and projects to ensure that the firm’s strategic transformation objectives are realised.

Your experience

• Professional certification in programme/project management (e.g., MSP, PRINCE2, PMI) strongly preferred.
• Proven track record (typically 10+ years) of leading major ERP transformation programmes in complex, global organisations.
• Demonstrable experience of managing cross-functional teams and third-party suppliers.
• Extensive experience of managing and influencing senior stakeholders up to board level including designing and operating programme governance.
• Deep understanding of ERP enabled business processes and how they enable transformational business outcomes.
• Knowledge and experience of change management methodologies, user adoption ideally gained in global professional services environments.
• Good knowledge of SAP S/4HANA and related SAP modules, able to converse with technical experts.

Key characteristics

• Strategic thinker: Able to translate complex business objectives into actionable programme plans.
• Credible leader: Builds trust quickly with executive sponsors, team members, and partners; confident at board level.
• Excellent communicator: Articulate and persuasive, able to simplify complex messages for varied audiences.
• Influential negotiator: Comfortable managing suppliers, resolving disputes, and driving consensus.
• Decisive problem-solver: Handles ambiguity, quickly assesses issues, and drives timely resolution.
• Collaborative and inclusive: Promotes diversity of perspective and creates an environment of shared ownership.
• Highly resilient: Manages setbacks constructively and maintains momentum in the face of challenges.
• Adaptable: Responds positively to change, embraces innovation, and encourages continuous learning.

Technical Skills

This list of duties and responsibilities above is not exhaustive. It is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for, the performance of this job. As such, the role may also include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.

Application Policy

Applications and CVs (direct or via agency) are only accepted online via the portal. Queries related to this role must be directed to the recruitment team ( [e-mail] ) and not partners, practices or stakeholders.