Senior Projectleider

Function

We're looking for a skilled consultant to join our client's dynamic team, where your expertise will play a pivotal role in managing large-scale ERP implementations, ideally with SAP S/4HANA. The successful candidate will be a highly effective communicator, mediator, and connector, adept at navigating complex environments and fostering clarity amidst uncertainty. You will be expected to maintain oversight at both strategic and operational levels, challenging suppliers and internal teams while ensuring collaborative efforts are unaffected.

As part of your role, you will:

• Lead the complete testing phase by reviewing and refining test scripts and scenarios in partnership with external collaborators.
• Manage and organize testing activities across multiple educational organizations and centralized services, ensuring that deliverables meet quality standards and contractual agreements.
• Stabilize crises and rebuild trust with stakeholders through clear communication and transparent reporting of risks and dependencies, initiating corrective actions as necessary.
• Assertively negotiate with suppliers regarding project timelines and commitments, facilitating escalations when required.
• Collaborate effectively with the current project leader to delineate roles and responsibilities for optimal impact and continuity throughout the project lifecycle.
• Oversee scope, deadlines, and quality by developing realistic recovery plans and establishing clear deliverables and acceptance criteria.
• Prepare the organization for implementation by enhancing change management processes and ensuring comprehensive support for end users.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven experience in leading major ERP/SAP transformation projects within large organizations or public sector contexts.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, capable of engaging with a diverse range of groups including suppliers, IT teams, and executives.
• A blend of assertive yet empathetic leadership that facilitates dialogue, identifies issues, and escalates when necessary while maintaining respect and buy-in from all parties.
• Hands-on crisis management skills, able to stabilize situations, prioritize effectively, and re-inspire teams.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, coupled with analytical and structured thinking, focusing on risk, scope, planning, and change management.
• Fluency in English and Dutch (CEFR C2 level) as a prerequisite for this role.

The following skills are essential for this position:

• Experience as a Project Manager in infrastructure or development projects, with at least 5 years in a senior role.
• Knowledge of project management methodologies (e.g., PRINCE2, PMBOK).
• Operational and strategic skills in crisis management and negotiation.
• Technical expertise in ERP systems, with a preference for experience in SAP S/4HANA.
• Familiarity with project management tools and techniques (risk management, issue management). Experience with ITIL is highly desirable.
• Competence in MS Project and the Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel).
• Experience working in complex organizations with multiple stakeholders, particularly in public sector and educational contexts.
• Additional experience in crisis and change management is appreciated.