Director IT Application Readiness (SAP S/4HANA)

The Director of Application Readiness / Delivery Lead is accountable for ensuring end to end application readiness and controlled go live execution for CenterPoint's SAP S/4HANA, SAP Edge, and integrated non SAP solutions within the Velocity program. This role owns the detailed planning, coordination, and execution required to move the solution safely from build completion through cutover, go live, and stabilization.

The Director works in close partnership with the IT Transformation Lead, Business Transformation leadership, and the Director of Change Management & Business Readiness to ensure solutions are production ready, risks are surfaced early, and go live outcomes are predictable, compliant, and stable., The Director of Application Readiness / Delivery Lead ensures that:

• All SAP and non SAP applications meet defined readiness criteria prior to go live.
• Cutover and deployment activities are sequenced, tested, and executed with discipline.
• Dependencies across applications, integrations, data, environments, and infrastructure are actively managed.
• Go live risks are identified, escalated, and mitigated before they impact operations.
• Post go live stabilization is controlled, transparent, and rapidly resolved., Application Readiness & GoLive Execution
• Own end to end application readiness across SAP S/4HANA, SAP Edge, and integrated non SAP systems from build completion through stabilization.
• Define and manage objective readiness entry and exit criteria for testing, cutover, go live, and hypercare.
• Plan and execute cutover activities, including sequencing, mock runs, dress rehearsals, and go live runbooks.

Dependency, Quality & Risk Management

• Manage cross application and cross workstream dependencies spanning integrations, data, environments, security, and infrastructure.
• Drive defect triage, prioritization, and resolution with a strong bias toward production readiness.
• Identify readiness and execution risks early and escalate with clear mitigation recommendations.

Environment, Release & Configuration Discipline

• Coordinate readiness of all environments (development, test, UAT, pre production, production).
• Enforce release, transport, and configuration management discipline across partners.
• Ensure non functional readiness, including performance, availability, batch processing, and monitoring.

Partner & Workstream Coordination

• Coordinate execution across System Integrators, Business Integrators, application teams, and infrastructure teams.
• Serve as the primary execution integrator ensuring workstreams are aligned to go live sequencing.
• Drive closure on readiness gaps without ambiguity in ownership.

Reporting, Escalation & Stabilization

• Provide concise, fact based readiness status reporting to IT Transformation leadership and governance forums.
• Lead post go live stabilization, including defect management, prioritization, and operational handoff.
• Maintain calm, structured control during high pressure cutover and go live periods.

Collaboration with IT Transformation & Change Management

• Execute against solution intent, design standards, and governance defined by the IT Transformation Lead.
• Partner with Change Management & Business Readiness to align readiness milestones, training cutoffs, and adoption timing.
• Maintain clear separation of accountability, with this role owning application readiness and execution and other leaders owning design, business outcomes, and adoption.

• Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Engineering, Business, or related field required.
• Advanced degree preferred.

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in large scale enterprise application delivery or ERP programs.
• 6+ years in leadership roles overseeing application readiness, cutover, go live, and stabilization for SAP S/4HANA or comparable ERP implementations.
• Demonstrated experience operating within complex, multi vendor delivery environments.
• Proven success managing high risk go live events in regulated or asset intensive industries.
• End to end application readiness and cutover leadership
• Strong dependency, defect, and release management discipline
• Deep understanding of SAP and non SAP integration landscapes
• Structured, detail oriented, execution focused mindset
• Clear, direct communication and escalation skills
• Ability to remain calm and decisive under go live pressure

CenterPoint Energy paid time off, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, 401(k) United States, Texas, Houston Jul 11, 2026, * Competitive pay

• Paid training
• Benefits eligibility begins on your first day
• Transit subsidies
• Flexible work schedule, paid holidays and paid time off
• Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston
• Professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution

CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. Our Vision: Our vision is to become the most admired utility in the United States through the execution of our long-term growth strategy. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people. Our Commitment: CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities and talents of our diverse workforce. At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve., Being a part of the CenterPoint Energy team is more than a career alone. It's an opportunity to make a positive impact. You will be an integral part of enabling everyday life and the pursuit of possibilities for the customers we serve and the communities we share. The vital services we provide are at the core of making our world work, and by sharing your energy with us, we'll create a better tomorrow together.