Case Studies
COUNTRYSIDE PROPERTIES PLC
Provision of Microsoft Dynamics D365 Finance and Supply Chain and Customer Engagement Programme Manager
- Systeam were drafted into recover faltering programme to deliver Finance and Supply Chain management.
- Recovered the programme successfully completing UAT, User training, and cut over planning resourcing and implementation.
- Go-live was targeted in the replan as 1 November 2021 and was delivered on time.
- Systeam negotiated the business-as-usual support agreement and working practices in BAU with the MS partner, on behalf of the client.
- Systeam identified material issues with the solution design process in the parallel CE workstream, implemented a deep dive into the proposed solution and uncovered unacceptable failings.
- Systeam initiated a third-party MS partner review which elicited the business decision to change implementation partner and re-start the project.
“John is a rare blend of excellent project manager who can successfully influence key stakeholders with a forensic knowledge of the product. All these 3 components led to a very successful implementation of D365 F&SCM here at Countryside and I thank John for helping us achieve that. He was also great fun to work with and I look forward to doing so again.” Christian McMahon CIO
COUNTRYSIDE PROPERTIES PLC • May 2021 – December 2021
DENTSU AEGIS NETWORK
Provision of Microsoft Dynamics D365 Programme Appraisal
- Systeam were drafted into a mid-stream global D365 finance roll out by SA Global, PWC and Berkely Partners to conduct an independent deep dive appraisal of the DAN programme platform team processes, identify areas of weakness and advise on opportunities for optimisation.
- Delivered the detailed appraisal report to DAN senior management on-time and on-budget (20 days of work)
DENTSU AEGIS NETWORK • November 2018 – February 2019
BIFFA PLC
Provision of full-time Microsoft Dynamics 365 Programme Director
- Systeam acted as leader of a programme team of 100 vendor (KPMG) staff, consultants and Biffa SME’s delivering a £37M business wide transformation programme including sweeping process re-engineering and optimisation.
- Scope included delivery of Microsoft Dynamics D365 Finance and Supply Chain Management, customer to cash and operations plus web presence upgrades and call-centre overhauls.
- Systeam were required to advise the executive board on strategic direction and practical delivery of a programme of technology and change into a large 7 days a week, 24 hours per day operation.
- The solution included 8000 MS partner development days, as the solution in Microsoft Dynamics D365 Finance and Supply Chain Management was be-spoked to meet the needs of a waste management business.
- Systeam facilitated an Independent Programme Assurance process in late 2018 to analyse the stalling programme.
- Systeam negotiated with D365 vendors to provide fresh fit gap phase of requirements against latest versions of D365 and ISV products and created fit gap detailed plan and approach.
BIFFA PLC • March 2017 – April 2019
FNZ LTD
Provision of Microsoft Dynamics D365 FSCM Programme Director
- Engaged to advise and guide client through programme establishment including SI alignment, governance setup and establishing initial pre-contract scoping exercise.
- Lead the recruitment of the entire FNZ programme team, including provision of contractors through Systeam for Data migration, testing and training leads.
- The programme is a global implementation of Microsoft Dynamics FSCM Finance, with multiple interim state technical design implications.
- Systeam are providing on-going Programme Directorship services on a part-time basis, advising the key client stakeholders, and overseeing the programme phases and PMO performance.
FNZ LTD • Apr 2022 – Present
HAMBRO BANK
Provision of a JD Edwards Project Manager
- Systeam retained to provide a project manager for the implementation of JDE ERP into Finance and supply chain at the Hambro Countrywide Relocation plc subsidiary.
- Provided PM services from commencement to completion, overseeing all phases of the programme.
HAMBRO BANK • 1991 – 1993
SUMMIT MOTORS INVESTMENTS (UK) LTD)
Provision of Project Management services to this large motor dealer group
- Systeam oversaw the procurement of new computer software (Kerridge Dealership ERP), hardware and hardware-managed services.
- Championed the project to rebuild the company’s network and communications infrastructure supporting 300 end-users and managed all aspects of the IT project lifecycle, ranging from planning, surveys and tender negotiations to systems implementation and support.
- Systeam acted as the main point of contact with the stakeholders at Summit Motor’s 15 retail outlets.
- Recruited, led, and supervised an in-house team of IT specialists. Systeam managed the team, on behalf of the client, controlled a total project budget of £2M, and provided advice and guidance to the Sumitomo Corporation Board of Directors in the UK.
SUMMIT MOTORS INVESTMENTS (UK) LTD) · 1998-2001
INCHCAPE Ltd
Provision of Project Management services to this large motor dealer group
- Project Managed the delivery of new retail systems (Kerridge Dealership ERP) into 25 of Inchcape’s 65 UK dealerships
- Systeam worked as an embedded Project manager within the Inchcape internal delivery team.
INCHCAPE PLC · 1996-1998
AQA Manchester
Provision of Microsoft AX 2012 ERP Programme Manager services
- Systeam provided a Programme Director for a combined deployment of Microsoft Dynamics AX 7 and business process change across the organisation.
- Systeam took responsibility and were accountable for management of vendors (Hitachi) and consultants and oversaw the programme team and methodology for deployment.
- Systeam were responsible for identification of short-term optimisation opportunities within existing systems and processes pending implementation of AX, planning and resourcing for these changes, and implementation of them.
AQA Manchester • April 2016 – July 2016
LONDON SOUTH BANK UNIVERSITY
Provision of an Interim ICT Head Of Change delivering PMO architecture to the University
- Systeam were retained to establish from scratch an ICT change function within the university capable of delivering projects and programmes ranging from £10,000 to £10M in value.
- Established in-house PMO comprising Project Management and Administration functions.
- Established business processes for ICT engagement with the business, capture of requirements and processing of business cases through to approval, then onward transfer to the PMO project delivery function.
- Implemented bi-modal IT delivery methodologies comprising Agile and waterfall approaches operating in parallel across in-house development and application teams and determined by project type and scale.
- Ensured delivery of quick wins demonstrating continuing success within ICT to the business.
- Systeam lead the deployment of Jira as a progress management tool for use by PMO, development testing and BAU support teams.
LONDON SOUTH BANK UNIVERSITY • November 2014 – March 2016
Ordnance Survey
Provision of a Microsoft Dynamics D365 Finance and CE Programme Director services
- Systeam were retained in mid-tender OJEU process to own the System Integrator selection process.
- Re-started the initially unsuccessful tender with renewed and clarified requirements and client Terms and Conditions for a second process.
- Successfully gained multiple SI submissions, lead the shortlisting and final selection process.
- Provided advice and guidance to Ordnance Survey (OS) and facilitated full final contract negotiations and development of the programme Statement of Work with QuantiQ as MS partner.
- Initiated the programme, assisting with identification and alignment of OS programme team with QuantiQ consultancy, factoring in public sector resource constraints.
- Developed PMO function and implemented full governance structure for the programme reporting into the senior executive. Acted as OS liaison to QuantiQ and oversaw the development of the joint programme plan and its execution. Systeam acted as client-side Programme Manager.
- The programme scope of work included Microsoft D365 finance and operations and Microsoft Customer Engagement, plus a large OS bespoke development project for a digital fulfilment solution.
- Programme scope included over 80 integrations between Microsoft D365 Finance and Microsoft Customer Engagement, OS legacy systems including Workday, and the new Digital fulfilment solution.
- Systeam lead a combined programme team (OS and SI) of 70 personnel.
Ordnance Survey • March 2020 – April 2021
IT Lab Ltd
Provision of an Internal Systems Refresh Programme Director
- Systeam were retained to initiate from scratch the internal implementation of MS Business Central, MS CE, Kimble PSA, Apttus Contract Management and Binary Stream Recurring billing, including integration to legacy systems including Service Now.
- Systeam were responsible for building a team of IT lab staff and contractors.
- Systeam managed product and supplier selection processes and associated due diligence.
- Systeam constructed the programme governance structure and methodology, including reporting to corporate shareholder board.
- Systeam created and managed the programme budget, developed the programme plan and provided day to day management of programme processes and tasks.
IT Lab Ltd • May 2019 – February 2020
TELECITY GROUP PLC
Provision of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2010 Programme Directorship Services
- Systeam was retained to recover a £8M programme to implement (group wide and internationally) the delivery of Exact Financials and MS Dynamics CRM.
- At the time, the programme was three years overdue and £3M+ over budget.
- Systeam conducted an assessment of the programme team’s and vendor’s (Concentrix) performance.
- Identified difficult relationships between IT and business teams and re-built trust. Restructured the programme team removing inefficiencies and established recognisable PMO.
- Re-negotiated, on behalf of the client, with vendors making them more accountable for deliverables and linked deliverables to fixed prices as part of detailed new contract renegotiations.
- De-scoped project functional deliverables to realign them with budget and reduce timelines to completion.
- Re-structured requirements gathering and change control processes to close off open-ended solution design.
- Mentored remaining programme team to work with vendors in an appropriate partnership engagement.
- Leveraged business community to re-engage with the project process which had run out of momentum.
- The programme was completed to the new scope, budget and timeline, with clearly defined business as usual contractual relationships and all roles and responsibilities for live system management fully implemented.
TELECITY GROUP PLC • December 2011 – December 2013
THE BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Provision of Microsoft Dynamics Programme Lead services
- Systeam retained responsibility for the delivery of the Microsoft technology stack including Dynamics Customer Relationship Management (Silverbear), SharePoint, Outlook and Lync in phase 1.
- Established full project governance structure including PMO, deployed a methodology combining Agile and Waterfall, and recruited a delivery team.
- Systeam were used as business lead in ensuring the business requirements are correctly defined and managed all supplier contact including commercials and contract negotiations, planning and resourcing.
- The IT transformation project formed only part of a large transformation programme within the BMA running across all aspects of BMAculture and performance. As such Systeam’s involvement involved large amounts of change management and communication into multiple stakeholders across the business.
THE BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION • March 2014 – October 2014
The Doctors Laboratory Ltd
Provision of ERP Technology and Implementation partner Selection Advice
- Systeam are retained to identify and facilitate short term gains in the businesses current systems and processes and advise on a new ERP system selection and associated implementation partner
- The business are considering several technologies and partners and System will facilitate the process of selection
- Systeam will assist in coordinating the implementation partners and their relationship with the client through the selection process
The Doctors Laboratory Ltd • July 2022 – Present
LGC Ltd
Provision of CLIMS Programme Directorship Services for a Labware Implementation
- Systeam was retained to manage on behalf of the client £4.5M programme of system replacement across 4 international divisions including a diverse forensics business.
- Systeam conducted a deep dive review of programme that had been running for 12 months and identified material lack of project control and management.
- Highlighted to main LGC board imminent risk of 2 year and £1.8M overrun in project assumptions.
- Liaised with external auditors tasked with ratifying programme status.
- Identified and implemented workable strategic plan for completion of the programme. This involved the re-definition of the programme to a sceptical business community and establishment of a positive working relationship.
- Systeam recruited new personnel and instigated full PMO project control protocols particularly in the requirements articulation and associated change control processes, allowing management and monitoring of the programme through to completion.
- Systeam presented to the LGC main board and won their confidence for the programme to continue in line with the revised approach. Handed over project to newly recruited in-house team close to completion.
LGC Ltd • May 2010 – November 2011
ADDENBROOKES HOSPITAL
Provision of Management services for LIMS System Selection and associated due diligence
- Systeam lead the process of system and solution selection from inception of RFP to completion of vendor shortlist using the OGC procurement framework and Prince 2 on behalf of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS foundation trust.
- Managed input from 8 leading marketplace vendors ensuring maximum efficiency of the procurement process.
- Acted as focal point for all trust stakeholders managing the assimilation of detailed requirements for the pathology system and associated peripheral software opportunities.
- Constructed detailed Output Based Specification documentation for vendor responses. Arranged and managed all vendor software demonstrations and reference site visits ensuring full relevance to the trust’s requirements.
- Prepared business cases and procurement justification documentation for all applications including budgetary reporting.
ADDENBROOKES HOSPITAL • Jan 2010 – April 2010
CLINISYS SOLUTIONS LTD
Provision of Senior Project management Services
- Lead and recovered the clients WinPath systems deliveries superseding deficient project management personnel. Recovered failing projects, rebuilding clinical and laboratory staff confidence and relationships.
- Introduced a professional and open collaboration between the NHS trusts and the vendor addressing previous communication gaps.
- Became the trusted advisor to the trusts ensuring full transparency of issues and plans for resolution.
- Projects included Frimley Park Hospital/Royal Surrey (WinPath replacement of TelePath) and Papworth Hospital (software and hardware upgrade). Project budgetary values in the range of £1.5M to £2.0M.
CLINISYS SOLUTIONS LTD • 2009
COA SOLUTIONS LTD
Provision of Principal ERP Project Manager services
- Systeam delivered project management services exclusively to COA Solutions Ltd, the largest supplier of business accounting software, business management and information systems to the UK public sector including NHS and Local and Central Government.
- Oversaw the entire lifecycle of multiple, concurrent projects ranging in size and value from £50K to £1.5M. Managed diverse projects involving business process improvements, software and hardware implementations as well as end-user training initiatives.
- Acted as liaison on behalf of the client with all members of COA client organisations, including board and business executives. Collaborated with cross-functional teams consisting of technical, accounting and sales consultants.
Largest single delivery:
- Managed the re-engineering of all procurement, debt collection, management accounting and reporting processes after overseeing the implementation implementing COA’s eFinancials ERP platform to consolidate NHS Scotland’s national shared services.
“John is someone who can be relied upon to deliver complex projects against time and budgetary constraints with (mostly) good humour and patience. I would enjoy working with him again” David Thornton Legal Counsel
COA SOLUTIONS LTD • 2007-2008
HANOVER DISPLAYS LTD
Provision of Microsoft Dynamics D365 Finance and Supply Chain Management advisory services
- Systeam are engaged as part-time advisor to Hanover to manage supplier selection, commercial agreements, and launch of the programme.
- Successfully negotiated the scope of Diagnostic Analysis and Design phases, with a view to finalising agreements for the remainder of the programme once the design has been completed
- Created the joint plan working with the System Integrator and Hanover and resourced accordingly. Programme successfully established and underway.
- Currently providing ongoing advice and Programme Directorship services as the initiative progresses
HANOVER DISPLAYS LTD • July 2021 – Present
VICTREX PLC
Provision of a Microsoft Dynamics D365 FSCM and Customer Engagement Programme Manager
- Retained to lead multi-million-pound implementation of D365 Finance and Supply Chain Management across all modules and Microsoft Customer Engagement, replacing AX 2012 and CRM internationally
- Lead the programme mobilisation and worked with the chosen Microsoft partner to blend the extensive Victrex programme team with the partner team.
- Acting as advisor and liaison with the Libra Change management team in absorbing the D365 technical workstream with the wider global change plan. Completed assignment and handed over to internal management.
VICTREX PLC • Jan 2022 – Mar 2022
ADELIE FOOD GROUP
Provision of Microsoft AX 7 ERP Programme Director
- The programme scope included a multi-million-pound implementation of MS Dynamics AX 7 encompassing full back office, warehouse management, manufacturing and supply chain management.
- Systeam lead a large team of in-house experts, contractor resources and vendor (Columbus) implementation teams.
- Systeam instigated deep-dive assessment of mid-flight solution design and identified material gaps in scope and
ADELIE FOOD GROUP • July 2016 – Feb 2017
EA TECHNOLOGY LTD
Systeam lead the system and vendor selection process for EA Technology between February 2025 and December 2025. Managing all the RFP documentation creation on the client side, followed by facilitating the receipt of submissions and subsequent presentations, Systeam took a long list of 4 vendors (2 D365 system integrators and 2 NetSuite) and managed the next stage of one vendor in each software set, down to final preferred supplier selection and commercials.
This project successfully launched shortly after this process.
BRITISH SOLAR RENEWABLES
Systeam were retained by BSR to provide consultancy in their D365 programme from inception to completion. Systeam provided full PMO coverage (programme Director and Senior Project Manager), Change and Training workstream lead, Data Migration workstream lead, Testing Workstream lead and Testing Analyst.
The programme commenced in October 2024 and is due to go live in June 2026. D365 functionality includes all aspects of Finance and Supply Chain Management, Customer Engagement and Sales, and Project operations.
