Change and Communications Manager for the SAP S/4HANA Implementation Hub

$140,000 - $160,000/Yr

Unclassified - Thornwood, NY

Full-time - Mid Level

Thornwood, NY

10,001+ employees

About the position

The Change and Communications Manager for the SAP S/4HANA Implementation Hub at ZEISS is a pivotal role that focuses on developing, driving, and implementing change and communication initiatives associated with the SAP4HANA project. This position is essential for fostering a culture of change among all stakeholders involved in the project, ensuring that they are informed, engaged, and prepared for the transition. The manager will create a comprehensive change management strategy that aligns with organizational goals and actively engages stakeholders throughout the process. This includes assessing change impacts, readiness, and developing tailored communication plans that resonate with different stakeholder groups. In this role, the manager will draft and disseminate various communication materials, such as newsletters, emails, and presentations, to keep stakeholders informed and engaged. They will also identify key stakeholders and develop an engagement plan to manage expectations and gather feedback. Regular meetings, workshops, and focus groups will be facilitated to ensure continuous alignment and support for the SAP4HANA project. The manager will support leaders and managers in becoming effective Change Champions, providing them with the necessary tools and resources to lead their teams through the transition. Additionally, the Change and Communications Manager will create and maintain a Change Management Toolbox, develop training programs, and establish metrics to measure the effectiveness of change management efforts. They will prepare regular reports for program management and senior leadership, highlighting achievements and challenges. Collaboration with various corporate functions will be crucial to ensure alignment in change management and communication efforts. The manager will also advocate for the SAP4HANA project, promoting its benefits and addressing any resistance that may arise, while continuously refining strategies based on feedback and industry best practices.

Responsibilities

• Create a comprehensive change management strategy to support the project, aligning with organizational goals and ensuring stakeholder engagement.
• Identify and assess change impacts and readiness, utilizing change management assessments and diagnostic tools.
• Develop a robust communication plan tailored to different stakeholder groups, ensuring clear, consistent, and timely messaging.
• Draft, review, and disseminate communication materials, including newsletters, emails, presentations, and intranet content, to keep stakeholders informed and engaged.
• Identify key stakeholders and develop a stakeholder engagement plan to manage expectations, gather feedback, and address concerns.
• Facilitate regular meetings, workshops, and focus groups with stakeholders to ensure continuous alignment and support for the SAP4HANA project.
• Support and train leaders and managers to act as 'Change Champions,' providing them with tools, resources, and guidance to effectively lead their teams through the change.
• Develop and deliver training programs and workshops for leaders, focusing on change management principles, communication skills, and leadership during transitions.
• Create and maintain a Change Management Toolbox, including templates, guides, and best practices, to support the implementation of change initiatives.
• Develop tailored change management materials, such as FAQs, quick reference guides, and training manuals, to facilitate understanding and adoption.
• Establish metrics and KPIs to measure the effectiveness of change management and communication efforts, tracking progress and making adjustments as needed.
• Prepare and present regular reports to program management and senior leadership, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and next steps.
• Work closely with Corporate Brand & Communication (CBC), HR, IT, and other central functions to ensure alignment and consistency in change management and communication efforts.
• Manage relationships with external consultants and service providers, coordinating their contributions to the SAP4HANA project and ensuring alignment with the overall change management strategy.
• Develop and implement initiatives to increase employee engagement and buy-in for the SAP4HANA project, such as town hall meetings, roadshows, and Q&A sessions.
• Provide ongoing support to employees, addressing questions and concerns, and facilitating a smooth transition to new processes and systems.
• Continuously assess and refine change management and communication strategies based on feedback and lessons learned, ensuring ongoing improvement and adaptation.
• Stay up to date with industry trends and best practices in change management and communication, incorporating relevant insights.
• Represent the SAP4HANA project within the broader ZEISS organization, ensuring effective stakeholder management and engagement.
• Advocate for the SAP4HANA project, promoting its benefits and addressing any resistance or challenges that may arise.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, Social Sciences, Psychology, Business Administration, or a related field with a focus on organizational theory, organizational development, and/or change-related communication. Master's degree preferred.
• Extensive experience (minimum 4-5 years) in leading complex change and transformation programs within large, international companies or consulting firms.
• Deep knowledge of contemporary change management methodologies, theories, and tools for diagnostics, concept development, and defining intervention measures for transformative changes.
• Proven experience in independently handling similar change and transformation contexts and developing, designing, managing, and implementing change initiatives using appropriate tools and methods.
• Demonstrated ability to interact confidently with senior leadership and top management.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills, with empathy to contribute to a performance-oriented, constructive atmosphere within the SAP4HANA project team, even under stress.
• High motivation, proactive behavior, and the ability to prioritize and drive topics independently with high-quality standards.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.
• Experience in the manufacturing or technology sectors a plus.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in the manufacturing or technology sectors.

Benefits

• Medical plans
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• Performance bonus or sales commissions.