Senior Director – Digital Core ERP Transformation

Job Description

Job Description:

Pet Nutrition (PN) is the most vibrant category in the FMCG sector. As we work to transform this exciting category , a new program, Digital First, has been mobilized by the Mars PN leadership team. Digital First places pet parents at the centre of all we do, while digitalizing a wide range of business process areas to achieve ambitious targets in top line growth, earnings, and user centricity.

Digitising at scale across Supply & Demand is one of these key focus areas. The agenda requires thought leadership, quality decision making, deep technical know-how, and an ability to navigate complex business challenges while applying a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach.

As part of Digital First, a new role has been created to lead an ERP implementation for the division: the ERP Sr Technical Director - Digital Technologies (Pet Nutrition). This is a strategic Digital Technologies (DT) Leadership role which will be accountable for all aspects of the ERP Technology Strategy, Investment Planning, Architecture, Development, Implementation, and Operations for Pet Nutrition. The role operates globally and partners with PN business leaders across all functions as part of the PN Digital Core leadership team.

What are we looking for?

• Proven experience working in Digital Technology related roles, including leading large scale ERP programs at Fortune 100 firms in the CPG or adjacent industries.

• Proven strategy, planning, delivery, governance and people and org management skills, capability, and experience

• Customer focused with demonstrated ability to form productive relationships with business leaders, DT personnel and project leaders

• Proven track record of delivering results in the following areas: IT Program mgt, SAP template build and industrialised deployment

• Proven experience with software development and delivery project methodologies (SDLC, Agile, PMP, Scrum) and ideally proven DevOps/CI CD experience

• Experience in working with multiple vendors to fulfil resourcing needs

• Deep understanding of business drivers / processes and ability to relate segment priorities to associated technology

• Ability to educate non-digitally savvy leadership & staff, working across multiple levels

• Strong story-telling skills

• Learning agility and desire to learn new technology and business capabilities

• Strong problem analysis, negotiating and influencing skills.

• Executive stakeholder communications experience

• Proven track record to get things done in a matrixed organization – including the ability to influence without authority

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Program Leadership: Take full ownership of the ERP program, establishing program governance, structure, and overall strategic direction, deliver through an international team of senior managers and managers (including consultants) over multiple projects/ programs across the Petcare Nutrition business globally

• Stakeholder Management: Manages complex stakeholder management with other senior director peers, Petcare Leadership Team (PLT) members, general managers and market heads and senior leaders from other segments/divisions. Advise and provide recommendations to C-level decision makers regarding SAP standards

• Program Planning: Develop a comprehensive program plan, including scope, deliverables, timelines, resource requirements, and risk management strategies.

• Team Management: Build and lead a high-performing program team, providing guidance, support, and mentoring to ensure effective collaboration and successful execution.

• Vendor Selection and Management: Oversee the selection of ERP vendors, manage vendor relationships, and ensure adherence to contractual agreements.

• Change Management: Develop and implement change management strategies to ensure smooth adoption of the new ERP system, including training programs, communication plans, and user engagement initiatives.

• Budget and Resource Management: Monitor and control the program budget, allocate resources effectively, and make data-driven decisions to optimize program efficiency.

• Quality Assurance: Define and implement quality assurance processes, including regular audits and performance evaluations, to ensure compliance with program standards.

• Risk Management: Identify potential risks and issues throughout the program lifecycle, develop mitigation strategies, and monitor their implementation.

• Program Reporting: Prepare and present regular program status reports to executive management, highlighting key achievements, risks, and recommended actions.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.

• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.