Cutover Lead

Location: Niles, IL – Onsite

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Cutover Lead to manage and coordinate end-to-end cutover activities for a complex transformation or implementation program.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in cutover planning, execution, business continuity, risk management, vendor coordination, and go-live readiness. This role requires exceptional attention to detail and the ability to coordinate multiple technical and business teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and develop the overall cutover strategy and governance structure in collaboration with project and business leadership.
• Create, maintain, and drive detailed cutover plans across multiple workstreams.
• Identify gaps and dependencies in existing cutover plans and ensure all activities are properly documented.
• Coordinate cutover activities across technical teams, business teams, vendors, and third-party applications.
• Manage integration and coordination for various bolt-on applications and systems, such as:
  • EDI
  • Tax and compliance solutions
  • Customer-related applications
  • Other third-party integrations
• Develop and maintain contingency and rollback plans.
• Partner with business teams to develop and execute Business Continuity Plans.
• Coordinate with Change Management and Communications teams to develop cutover communication plans for internal and external stakeholders.
• Plan and manage cutover dry runs and mock cutovers.
• Monitor cutover progress and establish appropriate tracking and control mechanisms.
• Define and track Cutover KPIs and dashboards.
• Identify, assess, and manage cutover risks, issues, dependencies, and mitigation plans.
• Facilitate regular cutover coordination and progress meetings with site leaders, coordinators, vendors, and project teams.
• Establish and manage the Cutover War Room during final execution.
• Coordinate ramp-down and ramp-up of business processes and operational activities.
• Provide critical inputs and readiness assessments for Go/No-Go decisions.
• Ensure successful coordination and execution of all cutover and go-live activities.
• Support post-go-live stabilization and transition activities as needed.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven experience as a Cutover Lead, Cutover Manager, or Go-Live Lead.
• Strong experience developing and executing end-to-end cutover strategies and plans.
• Experience coordinating multiple workstreams, vendors, business teams, and technical teams.
• Experience with SIT, UAT, mock cutovers, dry runs, and production go-live activities.
• Strong understanding of:
  • Cutover planning and execution
  • Go-live readiness
  • Risk and dependency management
  • Contingency and rollback planning
  • Business continuity planning
• Experience coordinating third-party and bolt-on applications and integrations, including EDI and other enterprise systems.
• Strong stakeholder management and executive communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Experience facilitating cross-functional meetings and coordinating geographically distributed teams.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with technical teams, business stakeholders, and executive leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in large-scale ERP or enterprise transformation programs.
• Consulting services experience.
• Experience managing complex system integrations and third-party vendors.
• Experience with change management and organizational readiness.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.