S4 Programme Director

The S4 Programme Director will assume overall responsibility for the successful delivery of a major business-led S/4HANA transformation programme within a professional services environment. Acting as the primary interface between business stakeholders and technology teams, you will shape and drive a multi-year transformation using SAP S/4HANA, ensuring that programme outcomes align with strategic objectives. You will bring deep expertise in SAP and S/4HANA, significant experience managing large-scale ERP transformations, and a proven record of leadership in business change and technology enablement.

Key responsibilities:

• Own end-to-end delivery of the S/4HANA programme, from shaping the transformation vision through to execution, adoption and benefits realisation.
• Engage with senior business stakeholders (including Partners, Chiefs and Directors) to understand priorities and align programme outcomes with organisational goals.
• Lead and inspire a high-performing, cross-functional team of business and technical experts drawn from across the organisation and external partners.
• Set and communicate a clear programme roadmap, managing key milestones, dependencies, risks, and benefits realisation.
• Oversee governance and programme management disciplines, including tracking timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and quality assurance.
• Act as primary escalation point for critical issues; resolve risks, conflicts, or blockers through a solutions-focused and diplomatic approach.
• Ensure that third party suppliers and systems integrators deliver high-quality, value-driven outputs, setting clear contractual and performance expectations.
• Communicate progress, risks, and key decisions to stakeholders through regular reports, steering groups, and executive briefings.
• Drive effective change management and user adoption strategies to realise transformation benefits and manage cultural impacts.
• Provide expert advice on SAP S/4HANA, industry trends, best practices, and regulatory requirements relevant to professional services.
• Collaborate effectively with interdependent in-flight programmes and projects to ensure that the firm's strategic transformation objectives are realised.

Experience

• Educated to degree level; advanced degree or relevant business/IT qualification highly desirable (e.g., MBA, MSc in Information Systems).
• Professional certification in programme/project management (e.g., MSP, PRINCE2, PMI) strongly preferred.
• Proven track record (typically 10+ years) of leading major SAP transformation programmes, including successful delivery of S/4HANA in complex, global organisations.
• Deep functional and technical knowledge of SAP S/4HANA and related SAP modules, with hands-on experience overseeing system integration, migration, and customisation.
• Extensive experience of managing and influencing senior stakeholders up to board level.
• Demonstrable experience of managing cross-functional teams and third-party suppliers, including contract negotiation, performance management, and dispute resolution.
• Strong understanding of business process management, change management, and user adoption challenges in professional services environments.
• Familiarity with relevant regulatory and compliance standards (e.g., data protection, SOX, ISO standards) as applicable to global solution deployments.

Key Characteristics

• Strategic thinker: Able to translate complex business objectives into actionable programme plans.
• Credible leader: Builds trust quickly with executive sponsors, team members, and partners; confident at board level.
• Results-oriented: Focused on outcomes, ensuring delivery of value over process.
• Excellent communicator: Articulate and persuasive, able to simplify complex messages for varied audiences.
• Influential negotiator: Comfortable managing suppliers, resolving disputes, and driving consensus.
• Decisive problem-solver: Handles ambiguity, quickly assesses issues, and drives timely resolution.
• Collaborative and inclusive: Promotes diversity of perspective and creates an environment of shared ownership.
• Highly resilient: Manages setbacks constructively and maintains momentum in the face of challenges.
• Adaptable: Responds positively to change, embraces innovation, and encourages continuous learning.

Linklaters engages with a third-party provider for the provision of contractor and temporary staff. Therefore, upon acceptance of a temporary role at Linklaters, you will be engaged under a contract for services through our preferred third-party provider. You will not be employed by Linklaters, or have any employment or worker relationship with Linklaters.

Linklaters is a global law firm, with 30 offices in 20 countries worldwide.

We have been named as one of The Times' Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality for the 10th year running, recognised by Stonewall as a top 10 employer for LGBTQ+ inclusion, and by the Social Mobility Employer Index as a top employer for advancing social mobility.

We recognise that one size does not fit all. Our goal is to embed flexibility across our firm by giving everyone the opportunity to work in an agile way, whether as a regular pattern or on an    ad hoc basis, and we will be happy to discuss this further. We also recognise that women, especially, may hesitate to apply if they feel they may not meet every requirement listed despite being excited by the role. If this sounds like you, we'd really encourage you to apply.

Technical Skills

This list of duties and responsibilities above is not exhaustive.  It is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for, the performance of this job. As such, the role may also include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.

Application Policy

Applications and CVs (direct or via agency) are only accepted online via the portal. Queries related to this role must be directed to the recruitment team ( ) and not partners, practices or stakeholders.