Project Director

National Grid; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

National Grid is recruiting a Project Director to lead the ERP/Core Finance Systems Replacement programme, providing end-to-end accountability for business case, governance, solution selection, data migration, processes and controls design, and business readiness.

The role requires strong finance transformation experience, excellent stakeholder management and the ability to operate in a highly regulated, asset-intensive environment while coordinating across Finance, IT, Procurement and external

Job description

About us

National Grid is investing around £70bn over five years to expand and strengthen its UK and US networks. In Electricity Distribution (NGED), we are recruiting a Project Director - ERP / Core Finance Systems Replacement to lead a major transformation of our core finance systems.

Job purpose

The Project Director will shape and lead the programme from mobilisation through implementation, stabilisation and benefits realisation. The role has end-to-end accountability for the business case, governance, solution selection, delivery, data migration, process and controls design, organisational change and business readiness.

Working across Finance, IT, Procurement, Regulation, Operations and external partners, the postholder will deliver the agreed scope, outcomes, cost, quality and timeline, while providing clear assurance to executive and board-level stakeholders.

Key accountabilities

• Lead the programme end to end, establishing the integrated plan, governance, resources, decision routes and delivery discipline needed for success
• Own and maintain the business case, ensuring scope, costs, benefits, risks and strategic outcomes remain clear and achievable
• Lead solution selection and procurement, ensuring the chosen solution meets finance, regulatory, reporting, control, security and compliance requirements
• Oversee process and operating model design, data migration, testing, cutover, stabilisation and benefits realisation
• Drive organisational change, communications, training and business readiness across all impacted teams
• Manage implementation partners and technology suppliers, holding them to account for performance, quality and value for money
• Build and lead a high-performing cross-functional team, managing dependencies, risks and issues with pace and transparency
• Engage senior stakeholders and provide clear, concise assurance and recommendations to programme governance, executive sponsors and the Board as required

Candidate profile

We are looking for an experienced programme leader who has successfully delivered a large-scale ERP, finance systems or enterprise technology transformation from mobilisation through go-live and stabilisation.

You will bring strong finance and transformation insight, commercial judgement and the credibility to lead in a complex, highly regulated or similarly asset-intensive environment. Experience in a large listed organisation would be advantageous.

You will also demonstrate:

• A strong understanding of end-to-end finance processes, reporting, controls, audit, data governance and system security
• Proven programme governance, risk management, delivery assurance and benefits realisation capability
• Experience leading internal teams, implementation partners and software vendors through complex delivery
• The ability to translate business needs into clear priorities, decisions and technology outcomes
• Strong commercial and supplier management experience, including negotiation and value-for-money delivery
• Excellent stakeholder leadership and communication, with the ability to influence at executive and board level
• Strong change leadership, judgement and resilience, with the ability to maintain momentum in a complex matrix environment

A relevant degree or equivalent professional experience is expected. A professional accounting qualification and recognised programme or project management qualification would be advantageous.

More Information

Location: the base location is flexible across our network of sites in the West Midlands, the East Midlands, the South-West, and South Wales. We would expect the person to spend around 2-3 days per week on-site on average, with a willingness to travel across the area.

Salary: competitive base salary plus commensurate benefits.

The role will close for applications on Wednesday 28th October at 23:59 GMT.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates - we make appointments purely on merit, assessed against objective selection criteria. We support flexible working and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process should you have any physical or mental impairment which may affect your ability to participate in the process.

Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.