HCM Technical Program Manager

Job Description: Position Overview/Primary Purpose:

Effectively establish and lead a cross-functional HR/IT program for transitioning from an end-of-life SAP HCM system to a replacement solution. The job entails a rigorous focus on project scoping, solution exploration, solution definition, and vendor selection. This role demands a comprehensive assessment of the existing HCM functionalities to identify gaps and prioritize new system features aligning with strategic business goals. Reporting to the VP Global IT and supported by a cross-functional steering committee, the Technical Program Director will collaborate closely with HR, IT, Supply Chain, and other key stakeholders to meticulously define the project's scope, including deliverables and timelines, while emphasizing the selection of optimal solutions and vendors. Co-facilitate the RFP to identify our external partner and manage the relationship and outcomes. Subject to successful scoping and approval, the role is responsible for the successful delivery and implementation of the program. This role is pivotal in ensuring a smooth transition without impacting employee payments and HR processes across various regions.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Scope Definition: Collaborate with business stakeholders to define the comprehensive scope of the HCM transition project, including technology requirements for internal systems and deliverables that align with business goals.

RFP Development and Vendor Management: Lead the creation of a detailed RFP to solicit proposals from vendors, ensuring all technical and functional requirements are clearly outlined. Manage vendor relationships to mitigate bottlenecks and ensure timely project progress.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Serve as an internal consultant, engaging with stakeholders across HR, IT, Supply Chain, and other business functions to align project goals with business objectives. Ensure clear and consistent communication of project goals, scope, status, adjustments, and strategic decisions.

Cross-functional Team Leadership: Reporting to a cross-functional steering committee, provide leadership and direction to the project team, fostering collaboration and innovation. Oversee the project lifecycle from planning to implementation, ensuring milestones are met and deliverables are achieved in line with the strategic vision.

Project Planning and Resource Allocation: Subject to full scoping and approval of the program, develop detailed project plans, including timelines, funding limitations, and staffing requirements. Allocate resources effectively across project phases, ensuring optimal team composition for development and testing.

Program Delivery and Implementation: Subject to full scoping and approval of the program, ensure successful delivery and implementation of the HCM transition program, coordinating all aspects from technical development to change management, ensuring the project meets defined milestones, budget, and quality standards, and achieves the desired business transformation and value.

Required Qualifications:

• Level of Education and Discipline: Bachelor's Degree, may consider 10 years of relevant experience in lieu of degree in Information Technology, Business, or related field.
• Certifications and/or Licenses: PMP Certification.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years' experience in executing complex projects across diverse technologies and functions. Minimum 10 years of experience with HR/IT Technology solutions, including in-depth knowledge of SAP HCM and functional expertise in Payroll, Benefits, and Time & Attendance. More than 10 years of comprehensive project management experience, including managing large-scale cross-functional and global initiatives. Strong understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of project management. Proven track record of working with customers to develop solutions for complex, global business challenges. Required ability to travel internationally for business purposes. Must have experience working with diverse cultures; fluency in additional languages is highly desirable. Previous leadership experience in managing diverse, global, cross-functional, and cross-cultural teams is essential. Ability to set strategic direction and drive teams toward achieving goals and objectives. In-depth knowledge of the consumer packaged goods and industrial food manufacturing sectors across various global functional areas.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work with cross-functional and cross-regional teams. Demonstrated ability to apply independent judgment to solve complex problems; inspires loyalty and trust; handles oneself ethically, ability to motivate, ability to lead without formal authority; ability to influence outcomes; ability to get things done through others. Advanced negotiation skills with external service providers and internal business partners. Regularly communicates with Steering committees and function heads. Presents to executive levels of management. Coordinates global resources.
• Other Skills & Competencies: Demonstrated leadership skills, presentation, negotiation, and communication skills. Ability to effectively relate and communicate with all levels of management and employees.

Dimensions: This role requires the ability to oversee a comprehensive business case for a critical time-sensitive project, defining success metrics, and closely monitoring project economics, including costs and risk factors. With strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, the manager must navigate complex challenges, often beyond direct control, that significantly affect project quality, timeline, and cost. This position demands effective collaboration and influence to foster business relationships essential for project success. The position will lead and scope a large intricate project spanning multiple business functions and regions, directly influencing the organization's ability to handle employee data and pay employees. The position must understand and comply with legal and regulatory standards and drive new capabilities and innovations. The accountability extends to managing scope, resources, risks, and quality of deliverables, where errors or inefficiencies can lead to substantial rework and business disruptions, adversely affecting profits. The role impacts a wide array of stakeholder groups and necessitates significant changes to processes and potentially organizational structure, underscoring the high level of responsibility and the broad impact of this position.

Non-Negotiable Requirements:

• Minimum of 10 years executing complex projects across diverse technologies and functions.
• Minimum of 10 years with HR/IT Technology solutions, including in-depth knowledge of SAP HCM.
• More than 10 years of comprehensive project management experience, managing large-scale cross-functional and global initiatives.

Nice-to-Have Skills:

• Experience working with diverse cultures; international business travel.
• Previous leadership experience in managing diverse, global, cross-functional, and cross-cultural teams.
• Experience in the consumer packaged goods and industrial food manufacturing sectors.
• International Business Acumen
• Additional Languages
• Consumer Goods/Industrial Food Sector Knowledge
• Innovative Thinking
• Problem-Solving
• Change Management