Programme Planner/Cutover Manager

ZipRecruiter; Maidenhead; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment platform is seeking a Programme Planner/Cutover Manager for a hybrid role focused on a major CRM implementation in the Thames Valley. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience in large-scale IT transformations and familiarity with MSP methodology. This position requires a commitment of three days onsite per week, crucial for effective collaboration and programme success.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7+ years’ experience in programme or portfolio planning.
• Deep understanding of MSP methodology and programme governance.
• Hands-on experience in ERP/CRM cutover planning ideally D365.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the integrated programme schedule.
• Lead the cutover strategy from planning to execution.
• Provide scenario planning and critical path analysis.

Skills

Programme or portfolio planning

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Scenario planning

Critical path analysis

Education

MSP Practitioner certification

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

Job description

Overview

Programme Planner/Cutover Manager – Major CRM implementation

Hybrid Role (3 days onsite) - Based in Thames Valley - Outside IR35 - Rate TBA

Are you an experienced Programme Planner/Cutover Manager ready to play a pivotal role in one of the UK’s most exciting digital transformation journeys? This fast growing organisation seeks a highly skilled professional to lead programme planning and cutover strategy for a major CRM programme which spans ERP and other key integrated business systems and forms the central part of a wholesale change agenda impacting thousands of people.

This is a critical role where your ability to bring structure, governance, foresight, and clarity will ensure seamless delivery across a complex enterprise landscape.

Responsibilities

What you’ll do

As Programme Planner, you’ll be responsible for developing and maintaining the integrated programme schedule, ensuring alignment to MSP (Managing Successful Programmes) principles. You will:

• Own the master programme plan, consolidating inputs from technical, functional, data, testing, training, and change teams.
• Lead the cutover strategy, from detailed planning and dependency mapping to mock runs, command centre setup, and live weekend execution.
• Provide scenario planning, critical path analysis, and risk management to guide informed decision-making.
• Support governance processes, delivering clear dashboards, reporting packs, and Steering Committee updates.
• Act as a trusted advisor to programme leadership, bringing clarity, foresight, and confidence to stakeholders at every level.

Qualifications

What we’re looking for

We seek someone with a proven track record in large-scale IT transformation, ideally with MS Dynamics CRM and integrated ERP/eCommerce landscapes. You will bring:

• at least 7+ years’ experience in programme or portfolio planning.
• Deep understanding of MSP methodology and programme governance.
• Hands-on experience in ERP/CRM cutover planning (ideally D365).
• Strong expertise with planning tools such as MS Project or Primavera.
• The ability to challenge and influence stakeholders with evidence-based insights.

qualifications include MSP Practitioner certification, exposure to hybrid delivery models, and strong facilitation skills in running integrated planning workshops.

This is a great opportunity to join a large programme at an early stage and have a big influence on its success. Please only respond if you are able to commit to three days a week on site in their Thames Valley office. Collaboration and team dynamic is key to this programme and as such being present for three days is a requirement for any applicant. Rate TBA