D365 Solution Manager – (D365 Implementation Programme)
UK Remote
Morgan Advanced Materials is a business rich in history and innovation. Founded in the UK in 1856, we have grown into a global organisation with 70 sites in 18 countries. Our model to serve our customers where they need us has led to a diversified product range using our unparalleled expertise in ceramic and carbon materials, which we exploit to solve difficult problems for our customers across a diverse range of markets.
We are a purpose driven organisation. Our purpose is to use advanced materials to make the world more sustainable and to improve the quality of life. We deliver on that purpose through the products that we make, and the way that we make them.
We help our customers push the limits of their processes and products to meet the demanding requirements they face, from higher process temperatures to higher product performance to increasing miniaturisation.
Key Figures: Revenue £1,114.7m (2023), ~8,500 employees, manufacturing in 20+ countries, and a global customer portfolio. A UK PLC with head office located in Windsor, Berkshire UK. Listed on London Stock Exchange; Member of the FTSE 250 Index.
The Highlander Programme is a complex transformation programme and implementation programme of Microsoft Dynamics D365 ERP at a global level running over approximately 3.5 years. The programme will then continue into a BAU and continuous improvement programme supporting the Morgan Advanced Materials business growth,
The D365 Solution Manager plays a pivotal role in our ‘Platform’ team as the team processes demand from multiple sources as the programme evolves. The Solution Manager will oversee the implementation, build, enhancement, and maintenance of Microsoft Dynamics 365 solutions within the Highlander Programme. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams and business teams to ensure the platform aligns with business objectives, providing strategic insights, and driving adoption of D365.
The Solution Manager will join the Highlander Programme Leadership team and embrace the vision of one global process with one global solution, showing thought leadership in promoting strategy and key decisions that will impact the longevity and future cost, saving, standardisation, maintenance and support of the global platform.
The Solution Manager will manage the backlog of work as generated from Microsoft updates, approved changes and roll out projects. This will include prioritisation and scheduling of work through a team of D365 Solution Consultants to ensure that work is focussed on the right areas at the right time.
This is a project role during the Highlander Programme lifecycle as Morgan sites are rolled out on D365 and transitioned to steady state of BAU support. The ideal candidate will have experience of implementing Microsoft Dynamics D365 projects across finance, supply chain, operations, manufacturing and CE. Strong technical, interpersonal and communication skills, and proven experience in leading teams is essential.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Solution Management & Design
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Manage, track and control the backlog of D365 build items through Azure DevOps.
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Lead the D365 build activities, subsequent enhancements, modifications and changes, including Finance, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Sales, Customer Service, and other modules.
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Provide and construct delivery plans in line with the Programme implementation Roadmap.
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Manage internal resources, external partner resources, providing thought leadership through proved experience in delivery excellence.
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Collaborate with other programme teams to ensure D365 solutions operate effectively. This will include (but not limited to) teams such as Functional Consultants, Global Process Owners, Data Architects, Technical Architects, Continuous Improvement & Change Management, Third Parties etc.
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Monitor and ensure the stability and performance of the D365 platform.
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Oversee system upgrades, patches, and new feature deployments.
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Identify opportunities for process improvements and automation within D365.
Project Leadership
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Manage the D365 Platform Team.
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Manage the Highlander Design Authority. This forum is attended by key Highlander Programme stakeholders and it’s purpose is to validate solution demands before they are implemented to ensure the global solution integrity is maintained.
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Support as necessary the delivery of the programme, participate in key events (including but not limited to) such as Discovery, Kick off meetings, Workshops, Delivery meeting, UAT, Cut-over.
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Provide strategic guidance and direction to cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
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Monitor project progress, identify potential issues or bottlenecks, and implement corrective actions as necessary to keep the programme on track.
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Facilitate training sessions and workshops to empower employees with the knowledge and skills required to leverage the new tools, processes and solutions effectively.
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Evaluate post-implementation performance metrics and KPIs, driving ongoing enhancements and optimizations to maximize ROI.
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Work closely with the Project Management team to define solution scope, timelines, and deliverables. Ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. Identify risks and issues and actively participate in their associated mitigation.
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Act as the project manager for D365 initiatives, defining scope, timelines, budgets, and resources.
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Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements, document processes, and deliver technical and functional solutions.
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Coordinate with vendors, consultants, and internal teams to ensure project success.
Collaboration and Leadership
Act as a liaison between IT, business units, and external partners to ensure seamless communication.
Provide leadership and guidance to a team of functional and technical consultants.
Ensure system related documentation, is completed to a high standard including workflows, user guides, and system manuals.
Governance & Compliance
Ensure D365 solutions comply with organizational policies and industry standards and that relevant parties within Morgan are included in solution reviews as required.
Ensure that data security, privacy, and governance is maintained in accordance with Morgan policies and procedures.
Continuous Improvement
Stay updated with the latest developments in Microsoft Dynamics D365 and related technologies and identify opportunities for continuous improvement in the system and processes.
Qualifications
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree is a plus.
Experience
Strong ERP background
Previous experience in leading and managing functional & technical teams
Strong Vendor management Skills
Excellent communication skills
10-year ERP Implementation experience
10 years proven management experience, managing teams, providing thought leadership, employee reviews and appraisals, managing partners and their delivery
Minimum of 7 years of experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365, with at least 2 full End-to-End ERP implementation Cycles.
Proven experience in managing large-scale ERP/CRM projects.
Skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Exceptional project management and organizational skills.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
Good knowledge of Azure DevOps. Knowledge of other complementary Microsoft tools is preferred.
Certifications
Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals or equivalent certifications.
PMP, Prince II, ITIL, or Agile certification is an advantage.
Morgan Advanced Materials is an EEO/AA/M/W/D/V Employer Ind-1
