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

$140,000 - $160,000/Yr

Zeiss Group - White Plains, NY

Full-time - Mid Level

White Plains, 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 responsible for developing, driving, and implementing comprehensive change and communication initiatives within the scope of the SAP S/4HANA project. This position is essential in 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 consistent and adaptable communication strategy that includes targeted messaging and change initiatives, clearly conveying program goals and building readiness for change to ensure the project's success. In this role, the manager will create a comprehensive change management strategy that aligns with organizational goals and ensures stakeholder engagement. They will identify and assess change impacts and readiness using various change management assessments and diagnostic tools. A robust communication plan will be developed, tailored to different stakeholder groups, ensuring that messaging is clear, consistent, and timely. The manager will draft, review, and disseminate communication materials, including newsletters, emails, presentations, and intranet content, to keep stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the project. The Change and Communications Manager will also identify key stakeholders and develop a stakeholder engagement plan to manage expectations, gather feedback, and address concerns. Regular meetings, workshops, and focus groups will be facilitated to ensure continuous alignment and support for the SAP S/4HANA project. Additionally, the manager will support and train leaders and managers to act as “Change Champions,” providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and guidance to effectively lead their teams through the change process. The role includes developing and delivering training programs and workshops for leaders, focusing on change management principles, communication skills, and leadership during transitions. The manager will create and maintain a Change Management Toolbox, including templates, guides, and best practices to support the implementation of change initiatives. Metrics and KPIs will be established to measure the effectiveness of change management and communication efforts, with regular reports prepared for program management and senior leadership to highlight key achievements and challenges. The manager will work closely with various corporate functions to ensure alignment and consistency in change management and communication efforts, manage relationships with external consultants, and develop initiatives to increase employee engagement and buy-in for the SAP S/4HANA project.

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 SAP S/4HANA 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 SAP S/4HANA project and ensuring alignment with the overall change management strategy.
• Develop and implement initiatives to increase employee engagement and buy-in for the SAP S/4HANA 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 SAP S/4HANA project within the broader ZEISS organization, ensuring effective stakeholder management and engagement.
• Advocate for the SAP S/4HANA 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 SAP S/4HANA 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

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan