Portfolio: Assignments, Programmes, Projects and Achievements

Renier Botha is a technologist and business leader with 30+ years’ experience in growing businesses through technology enablers. He works with companies from start-up to FTSE listed enterprise, in various market sectors, to integrate technology innovations into mainstream revenue channels.

Renier specialises in optimising business operations through digital transformation, optimising the use of technology enablers delivered by effective and efficient IT operations. As part of this business driven and technology enabled transformation process, he focuses on people – helping technologists to be commercially aware and goal driven to deliver customer-centric IT solutions and services enhancing the full business value-chain. This makes technology a true enabler of the business value proposition.

To date he has completed many assignments and delivered multiple innovative product developments and transformative programmes and projects – summarised below:

Digital Transformation (2022-23): Enabling Rivus Group’s digital strategy through innovative product development and key cloud-based infrastructure enablers.

    • Led the product development of a cross platform mobile application, digitally enabling Rivus’ services.
    • Programme managed the Oracle 19c enterprise upgrade.

Digital Transformation Financial Operations & IT Portfolio Delivery Office (2020-22): Enabling the BCA (Constellation Automotive Group) financial teams with innovative and integrated online tools to automate and streamline online financial operations and e-commerce.

    • Managed the enterprise deployment of Chrome River Expense Management solution.
    • Established the integration of BCA vehicle record systems with VW Financial Services via Mulesoft and Microsoft BizTalk APIs.
    • Managed the delivery of the HMRC compliance Making Tax Digital project.
    • Delivered the LCS (Live Cycle Services) Dashboard replacement with focus on Debt Collection, Credit Control, Risk and Compliance.
    • Implemented the integration of VW Financial Services & BCA estates to securely automate the exchange of vehicle documentation.
    • Supporting the growth and maturity journey of portfolio management office to adopt new working practices that aligns technology delivery with efficiency optimised business operations.
    • Supporting the evolution of BCA’s system integration strategy with the deployment of MuleSoft as the automation and integration toolset – bringing disconnected IT estates together into a unified service offering.

Technology & Data Engineering Executive Consultant & Trusted advisor to C-Level Executives (2022):   Led the winning Data Engineering Services RFP response for Beyond, pitching for NHSP outsource data services.

    • Lead the RFP data engineering engagement managing key stakeholders interviews and meetings.
    • Understand the current state of Data Engineering function (for data science and reporting) and define potential gaps and inefficiencies with proposed recommendations.
    • Identify key dependences based on current solution infrastructure state and future state.
    • Review current data processing and identify any data governance/GDPR issues.
    • Discover the data engineering requirement in terms of BAU tasks and Strategic/transformational.
    • Utilising cloud enablers and incorporating data engineering best practises, define the high level architecture and design of the future target data estate
    • Determine the tasks in terms of key outcomes for the service delivery roadmap.
    • Define the shape (in terms number of people, skill sets, experience, main task responsible) of the Data Engineering team in order to deliver the key outcomes over the next 4 years service delivery term.
    • Determine KPI’s for the Data Engineering team and proposed service levels.
    • Provide detailed response to the relevant RFP questions and requirements.
    • Create detailed job descriptions for of the Data Engineering roles.
    • Detailed response of the first 2 year (6mth intervals) for the Data Engineering roadmap.
    • Support on any system architecture questions.

Trusted advisor to C-Level Executives, Boards and Entrepreneurs (2013-23): As member of Endava’s Technology Advisory Community, I provide industry and technology consulting services to Private Equity and businesses with a particular focus on digital evolution and agile transformation. Recent engagements include…

    • Technology Operations Reviews:
      • PromoVeritas (2020)
      • Avinty (2022)
    • Technology Due Diligence:
      • Titan Bay (2022)

Innovation & Change Portfolio (2019-20): Delivered the c£6m change portfolio for Shawbrook Banks’ central functions (Risk & Regulatory, Compliance, Finance, Human Resources, Procurement and IT, Cyber & Information Security), covering 16 innovative programmes, projects & continuous change workstreams, forecasting a 10.1% saving against budget.

    • Customer Due Diligence Automation – £900k Financial Crime Management Automation project introducing a SaaS solutions for process automation for the know your customer (KYC) due diligence checks.
    • GDPR – Data Anonymisation & Retention
    • Single Customer View Data Warehouse (Informatica Platform)
    • Suade Regulatory Reporting & Analytics
    • Equifax Authentication
    • LIBOR
    • Sun Financial Systems upgrade
    • Cloud Backup
    • Identity Life Cycle Management
    • Cyber Security & InfoSec enhancements (Tripwire, Last Pass, Cyber Ark)
    • SAGE HR-Hub Active Directory integration
    • IT Asset Management (Ivanti)
    • Windows & SQL server cloud migrations & upgrades
    • Credit Risk Assessment System
    • Target Continuous Change
    • Business Application Support (BAS) – Continuous Delivery

Enterprise Asset Finance Management System – Upgrade (2019): Programme managed the challenging £1.3m Ambit Enterprise upgrade (asset management system) across 14 business units, each with multiple product offerings, on time and under budget. The programme received board accolades as the best managed delivery in Shawbrook. Read more here… & here…

Test Capability (2019): Managed the planning and delivery of an innovative programme to define a Testing Capability for the bank, including the risk mitigating test strategy, automation framework, associated Azure cloud development and test environments. Delivered the test-automation toolset proof of concept (POC) enabling continuous delivery reducing regression testing efforts by 95%. Read more here…

Portfolio Management Office (2019): Established the Business Finance PMO (Portfolio Management Office) for Business Finance in Shawbrook Bank and . Developed portfolio governance processes, templates and associated metrics, KPIs, tooling and real time management information (MI) to manage delivery with measurable improvements, setting new standards of data driven, commercially focussed delivery now widely adopted across the rest of the bank. Established these best practises into the central change delivery Project Management Office (PMO).

Tech-Hub Maturity Transformation (2018-19): Defined and delivered the “Tech-Hub Maturity Transformation” Programme to establish the Infotech-Hub in Glasgow utilising a new Target Operating Model (TOM) that introduced innovative ways of working that achieved delivery targets c9% below budget.

Implementation Transformation (2018): Established the implementation life-cycle for Rainbird AI and Heron AI. Designed customer centric business processes and project delivery governance driven by real-time MI (management information) metrics. Deployed Jira with customised workflows and issue types, optimising delivery throughput and quality of the platform implementation team. Through MI driven continuous improvement and client relations, exceeded expectation and customer satisfaction – increasing client retention and establishing business growth.

Artificial Intelligence (2018): Managing projects for Heron.AI, implementing the Rainbird AI-powered decision-making platform in:

    • one of the Big 4 Consultancies
    • sixth largest Audit, Tax and Advising Service provider

Digital Transformation (2017): Developed a service orientated Target Operating Model (TOM) for SPHERE with the associated service domains and all policies and procedures. Introduced and implemented “ServiceNow” as the supporting Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and operations toolset servicing more than 10,000 healthcare end-users while enabling automation functionality, self-help and digital customer engagement features. This digital transformation further increased SPHERE’s IT Services and Management maturity while delivering the associated five-year £2.4M NPV saving in operational cost, a ROI of 493% (288% IRR).

M&A: (2016-17): Directed two merger & acquisition programmes for two NHS trusts. Directed a full IT due-diligence exercise to drive the remediation and integration project scope. Integrated the IT infrastructure into SPHERE to deliver new shared IT Services, saving the NHS trusts £3M per annum. Delivered the IT business transformation programme, incorporating key service improvement initiatives that grew the Service Provider’s Revenue by 42% and delivered a 280% ROI (82% IRR, £3.1M NPV) on shareholder investment in 2017, which secures the plan for 1149% ROI (£12.6M NPV) over the six-year strategic plan. Read more here…

Service Catalogue (2016/17): Developed the commercial Service Catalogue that was successfully used to win a tender bid to deliver shared IT services worth up to £10M.

IT Strategy & Transformation Programme (2016/17): Directed the development and execution of five year IT strategy and associated transformation programme totaling £42M (£14.4M Capex and ongoing Opex of £5.56M pa), to future proof the IT infrastructure of three NHS trusts.

Performance Management (2016-17): Defined a KPI (Cost per IT User) demonstrating the value proposition of IT to the business and its clients’ operations. Developed and Executed the strategic business plan delivering an 11% reduction in the Cost per IT User in 2016 and a further 13% reduction in 2017, exceeding the set business success target KPI by 12%.

Strategic business plan (2016): Compiled a six-year strategic business plan and budget for SPHERE, with clear annual investment and service delivery milestones. Executed the plan and grew the business from a start-up to an established medium sized enterprise, achieving the third year’s targets at the end of the second financial year, increasing assets with 700%.

SPHERE Change Portfolio (2016-17): Delivered the strategic IT change portfolio (30+ Programmes & Projects) for Systems Powering Healthcare, Chelsea & Westminster, The Royal Marsden and West-Middlesex NHS Trusts:

    • Software Defined Data Centre (2017): Developed the successful business case for the implementation of a software defined data centre and the migration from existing premises to significantly reduce the risk of service disruption and data loss. The financial case delivered a five-year saving of £261K NPV, ROI of 161%, IRR of 47% and payback in month 22.
    • Cerner Deployment (2017): Developed the technology deployment, integration and transition programme to migrate from legacy EPR (Electronic Patient Record) systems to Cerner. Read more here…
    • Cyber Security (2016/17): Delivered a high priority strategic cyber security programme hardening the IT estate from security breach and threats covering preventative and proactive measures across the IT infrastructure network, storage, compute and end-user hardware and software.
    • Windows 7 & 10 deployment (2016-17): Directed the upgrade and replacement of 10000+ end user devices across 3 NHS Trusts to Windows 7 and Windows 10.
    • VMWare NSX extension to Software Defined Data Centre (2017): Developed the successful business case for the deployment of NSX, the network virtualisation and security platform from VMWARE. The financial case delivered a five-year saving of £89K NPV, ROI of 88%, IRR of 28% and payback in month 31.
    • IP Network Remediation & WiFi Deployment (2016): Directed the project implementing 4 core and 40 edge switches replacing the aged network infrastructure of a NHS Foundation Trust. Deployed a WiFi infrastructure to cover all operational areas within two NHS Foundation Trusts with a guest and corporate network.
    • Citrix Deployment (2016-17): Deployed Citrix Services via the Microsoft Azure platform enabling SPHERE to rapidly scale up or down to meet the NHS client’s demands without heavy investment in new IT end user hardware. Read more here…
    • Enterprise File Storage
    • M3 migration to HSCN
    • Managed Print Services
    • McAfee Cyber-Security installation for Royal Marsden
    • Blood Tracking mobile application development
    • Electronic Document Management (EDM)
    • Watchdog implementation
    • Executive Office move
    • Clinical Portal development and deployment
    • Evolve Upgrade project
    • Sutton HIV GUM programme
    • UPS project
    • BOMGAR implementation & User support
    • SCCM (Microsoft System Centre Configuration Management) Implementation
    • Video Conferencing Implementation
    • LANDesk project
    • USB Encryption Keys deployment
    • Direct Access deployment
    • Netwrix project
    • Intranet upgrade
    • ThinkVitals project
    • Medicinema
    • DPAC Updates
    • RMH Radiopharmacy
    • Mitel (Callcentre, PABX & Telephony Upgrade)
    • Xcelera upgrade

Business Design/Engineering (2015): Through efficient modelling of the technology requirements into a service oriented delivery model within the FTSE250 enterprise estate of Regus, developed a business transformation programme that accomplished an annual saving of £3.6M.

CRM & ERP Deployment & Integration (2014): Directed the delivery of a £7M Enterprise Resource Planning & Client Relations (ERP & CRM) Systems. The programme consisted of 32 projects and work-streams, integrating the “Oracle Sales Cloud” into the Regus global-systems estate.

Loyalty Product Development (2013-14): Directed the technology development team that delivered a functional first version data driven loyalty system within 10 development weeks to secure stock exchange shareholder support, for an American airline. The team delivered the full loyalty system ahead of schedule and within $2.4 million budget. Read more here…

Business Transformation / M&A (2012-13): Designed and implemented a transformation strategy focused on Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) as the foundation of IT centralisation (merger) in the Group and the formation of a new Technology Services Company. With full P&L accountability for Collinson Technology Services (CTS), achieved budgeted financial targets (set 5% lower than previous running costs) for the company’s first financial year (ending April ’13) – circa £15 million budget.

Mobile Application (2011): Directed the technology development team that delivered a iPhone app, Fly&Share that achieved the Apple Store Top10 position the week it was launched.

Product Development (2008-2010): Introduced Software as a Service (SaaS) and Private Cloud technologies to Collinson Group. Evolved the TLS (The Loyalty Solution) product to be delivered as a SaaS solution, resulting in six successful sales – converting business development opportunities into new clients securing recurring revenue across Collinson Group companies.

Product Deployments (2008-13): Directing the product customisation & configuration development, deployment, business integration and support services of enterprise level IT programmes for a portfolio of 14 global client accounts including Technology Provider channels, Hospitality Brands, Airlines, Beauty and Cosmetics Brands, Retail chains, Insurance, Travel clubs and Car Rental companies that increased customer acquisition, optimization and retention. Case Studies…

Business Transformation (2008-09): Developed and executed a transformation strategy in aligning operations and program management with financial goals – establishing commercial awareness in all employees. The strategy covered Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) aligning the business services including marketing, sales, product development, solution deployment and support using best practices of ITIL, PMI and ISO9001. This resulted in an average 30% year on year company bottom line improvement, for three consecutive financial years.

Off-Shoring & Resourcing Frameworks (2009-10): Negotiated contracts and introduced off-shore software development partners supporting the business in resource flexibility and the reduction of software development and support costs by approximately 25% per annum.

Infrastructure Virtualisation & Datacenter Migration (2010): Introduced hardware virtualization into the Group IT estate and directed the migration of the datacenter infrastructure from on premise to Telstra, resulting in a reduction of total cost of ownership by 45% (£450,000).

Business Development (2006-2008): Expanded the operations of CFS-Europe (based in London UK) in the EU and Russia by growing the customer base and establishing business service delivery partners increasing the annual sales with 12%.

Operational Deployment (2001-2008) Successfully established technical production and IT operations for CFS-International in eleven countries. Case Studies & Read more…

Award Winning Innovation (2001-2004) Winner of the Industrial Innovation Award of the Department of Trade and Industry in South Africa for the innovative CFS Version 2 Service “Tracka” product development – Article published in Engineering News Oct 2004 – https://renierbotha.com/2004/10/15/innovation-rewarded/

Technology Pioneer (2001-2004) Acknowledged as Reporting Services pioneer as General Manager (Technical) of CFS-South Africa, the first company in South Africa that commercially implemented the Microsoft SQL Reporting Services platform, Microsoft South Africa used the project as a case study on road shows and published it in the Microsoft TechNet magazine https://renierbotha.com/2004/10/01/reporting-services-pioneer/

IT Centralisation (2000) Centralised the IT function into a single IT department functioning from Head Office delivering service to the six member companies of VWV Group, reducing technology operational cost by 40%.

Product Development & Deployment (1999) Managed the development and successful national rollout of the paging system for Botswana’s national telecoms.

Product Engineering & Deployment (1999) Built and released five new company products for Message Link in South Africa, including Cellpager, Beep@mail, NotaBene, Flexi-Messaging and Virtual Secretary in one year.

Case studies and other career supporting documents can be viewed at https://renierbotha.com/tag/cv/

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