FAQs

Project Background 

What is Atlas?

It is how we are going to transform the way we operate as a business and help npower Turn Customers in Fans. The SAP toolset is part of the delivery, but Atlas will achieve far more than replacing one IT system with another. 

It aims to:

  • Deliver a ‘best in class’ customer experience at minimum service cost.
  • Reduce customer service time by increasing the number of enquiries resolved at first contact.
  • Reduce our service and IT enabled change costs.

What is SAP?

SAP stands for Systems, Applications and Products. It integrates many different aspects of an organisation into a single IT system. The system includes modules such as Finance, Human Resources, Procurement and Customer Relationship Management, as well as modules specifically designed for energy suppliers like npower. It is used by RWE and many other large organisations in many different industries across the world. 

How long will Atlas last?

The first phase focuses on improvements within our residential business and will be delivered in 2010.


Project Roles

Who are you recruiting?

Atlas is one of the largest changes npower has ever undertaken. We need a variety of business and technical people to ensure the success, including those featured in this microsite:

  • Business Change Analysts
  • Business Leads
  • Key Users
  • Business Project Manager – Industry Data Flow Solution
  • Training Managers
  • Transition Manager
  • Process Vision Holder


Where will the roles be based?

Atlas associates will be based at our Scarcroft site, just outside Leeds.  All day-to-day activity will take place here, but there may be some opportunity to travel to other npower sites.

Please click here for a map to our Scarcroft site (PDF).


Recruitment & Selection

What is the selection process?

Our standard procedures will be used to ensure our recruitment and selection is fair, consistent and complies with our terms & conditions of employment. The selection process will vary according to the role but it could include:

  • Telephone interviews
  • Competency based interviews
  • Psychometric tests
  • Assessment centres
  • Technical interviews


Atlas Associate Working Patterns

What is an Atlas associate?

As the resources for Atlas will come from npower RWE-IT and other organisations forming a single delivery team the term Atlas associate covers all key members of the team.

Will there be any opportunity for flexible working?

As the team is based in Leeds, everyone working on it will spend the majority of their time there.

What will my regular working pattern be?

As with most projects, it’s difficult to be prescriptive about working hours. Each member of the team will be contractually obliged to work 37 hours per week but expected to work additional hours to meet the needs of Atlas.

Is travelling to and from Leeds, classed as working time?

For associates the place of work will be defined as Leeds, travelling to and from home to work will not be classed as working time.  


Relocation

What – if any – assistance is given for relocation?

Financial assistance can be given to people who move home or incur excess travelling costs because of the increased geographical distance of their new place of work. The assistance provided is subject to individual circumstances, the costs associated with relocation, and authorisation by the Senior Management Team and Senior HR Business Partner.

What are the typical relocation packages offered by npower?

There aren’t any typical relocation packages offered within npower, as each individual case is considered on its own merit. This is calculated and managed by our external provider Cartus. As a general guide, people can receive anything up to £8K (Tax efficiency limit), but this is subject to a review of individual circumstances.


Atlas as a development opportunity

What can I expect to learn on the Atlas programme?

Undertakings of this size and scope present many development opportunities for those involved, as they offer new challenges and the experience of working with people from a variety of backgrounds. Your personal development will depend on your experience and attributes, and the role you undertake, but you can typically expect to develop some of the following:

  • Competencies – analysis & problem solving, influencing, organisational awareness and the championing of change.
  • Skills – planning & organising, communication skills and facilitation.
  • Knowledge – SAP system and npower project approach.