Umair Zafar PMP® , Microsoft ®

Leading end-to-end IT and ERP transformation for a fast-growing national HR & Manpower services provider. Spearheaded full-cycle Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O and CRM implementation — from requirements scoping through go-live — eliminating legacy manual processes and cutting daily data-entry workload by 40%. Directed migration of on-premises infrastructure to Microsoft Azure cloud, reducing IT maintenance costs by ~30% and achieving 99.5% system uptime. Designed and deployed Power BI dashboards and KPI reporting frameworks, delivering real-time operational visibility for C-suite and department heads across 6 business units. Managed IT strategy, technology roadmap, and a SAR 2M+ IT budget — prioritising investments aligned with corporate growth objectives. Secured the IT environment through layered cybersecurity controls — firewall, endpoint protection, and access governance — achieving zero critical security incidents post-deployment. Coordinated cross-functional stakeholder engagement across 8+ department heads and external vendors, ensuring on-time delivery and high change adoption rates. Negotiated vendor SLA terms for servers, networks, software licenses, and hardware, reducing support escalation time by 25%. Pioneered AI-assisted delivery using Agentic AI workflows and MCP (Model Context Protocol) integrations — automating repetitive IT tasks and accelerating project documentation 3× faster than traditional methods.

Leading end-to-end IT and ERP transformation for a fast-growing national HR services provider. Spearheaded full-cycle Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O and CRM implementation — from requirements scoping through go-live — eliminating legacy manual processes and reducing daily data-entry workload by an estimated 40%. Directed migration of on-premises IT infrastructure to Microsoft Azure cloud, cutting IT maintenance costs by ~30% and improving system availability to 99.5% uptime. Designed and deployed Power BI dashboards and KPI reporting frameworks, enabling real-time operational visibility for C-suite and department heads across 6 business units. Led IT strategy planning aligned with corporate objectives, evaluating technology roadmaps, managing an IT budget of SAR 2M+, and prioritizing investments for maximum ROI delivery. Secured IT environment by implementing layered cybersecurity controls (firewall, endpoint protection, access governance), achieving zero critical security incidents post-deployment. Managed cross-functional stakeholder engagement — coordinating with 8+ department heads, external vendors, and senior management — to ensure project alignment, change adoption, and on-time delivery. Oversaw IT asset management and vendor contracts for servers, networks, software licenses, and hardware, negotiating SLA terms that reduced support escalation time by 25%. Pioneered adoption of AI-assisted technologies across development, design, and project planning — leveraging Agentic AI workflows and MCP (Model Context Protocol) integrations to automate repetitive IT tasks, accelerate solution design cycles, and generate project documentation 3× faster than traditional methods.

Delivered group-wide Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O transformation across education, real estate, and export-import entities within a diversified Group of Companies. Led end-to-end D365 F&O implementation across 4 legal entities — consolidating fragmented financial and operational data into a single unified ERP platform. Directed business process re-engineering (BPR) workshops across Finance, HR, Procurement, and Supply Chain — identifying 15+ process inefficiencies and designing streamlined digital workflows. Managed full project lifecycle: charter, WBS, resource planning, risk register, UAT, and go-live — delivering the full programme on schedule within a 14-month timeline. Orchestrated data migration and system configuration, ensuring integrity across 3+ years of historical financial records with zero post-migration audit findings. Designed and executed a change management and user training programme for 120+ end users, achieving 90%+ system adoption within 60 days of go-live. Managed structured RFP and vendor evaluation processes, negotiating implementation partner contracts that secured a 20% cost reduction. Produced steering committee presentations and executive-level status reports, maintaining full stakeholder transparency throughout the programme.

Nine-year tenure as senior IT leader for a diversified conglomerate spanning transportation, real estate, healthcare, and security & cash management. Directed multiple end-to-end Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP implementations across 6+ legal entities — consolidating legacy systems and reducing inter-company reconciliation time by 50%. Designed and delivered a bespoke Transportation Management System (TMS) for Saudi Land & Transport Company (Mubarrad), improving fleet scheduling efficiency by 35% and reducing logistics overhead. Managed IT infrastructure across server upgrades, network redesign, storage, and business continuity — supporting 300+ users across multi-site group operations. Established IT governance frameworks, ICT policies, and compliance procedures across all business units within the group. Secured board approval for SAR 5M+ in IT capital expenditure through structured cost-benefit analysis, with documented ROI across all major initiatives. Built and mentored an IT team of 10 — defining KPIs, conducting appraisals, and upskilling staff in ERP administration, cybersecurity, and ITIL service management. Configured D365 modules including GL, AP, AR, Fixed Assets, Procurement & Sourcing, SCM, Inventory, WMS, HCM, and Project Management — tailoring solutions to sector-specific business rules across the group.

9-year tenure leading IT & ERP operations for a diversified conglomerate (transport, real estate, healthcare, security & cash management). Directed multiple end-to-end ERP implementations across 6+ legal entities on Microsoft Dynamics 365, consolidating legacy systems and reducing inter-company reconciliation time by 50%. Designed and delivered a bespoke Transportation Management System (TMS) for Saudi Land & Transport Company (Mubarrad), improving fleet scheduling efficiency by 35% and reducing logistics overhead. Managed IT infrastructure projects covering server upgrades, network redesign, storage solutions, and business continuity — supporting 300+ users across multi-site operations. Established IT governance frameworks, documented ICT policies and procedures, and ensured compliance with regulatory and industry standards across all business units. Produced cost-benefit analyses for technology investments, securing board approval for SAR 5M+ in IT capital expenditure over the tenure, with documented ROI across all major initiatives. Built and mentored an IT team of 10, defining KPIs, conducting appraisals, and upskilling staff in ERP administration, cybersecurity, and ITIL service management. Configured Dynamics 365 modules including GL, AP, AR, Fixed Assets, Procurement & Sourcing, SCM, Inventory, WMS, HCM, and Project Management, tailoring solutions to sector-specific business rules.

Implemented and configured ERP modules — GL, AP, AR, Fixed Assets, SCM, HR, Transportation, and Maintenance — enabling full financial automation for the group's flagship logistics entity. Designed SSRS custom reports and integrated third-party applications via API connectors, reducing manual report generation time by 60%. Translated business requirements into functional specifications for developers, bridging the gap between IT and operational stakeholders.

Implemented and configured ERP modules (GL, AP, AR, Fixed Assets, SCM, HR, Transport & Maintenance) for the group's flagship logistics entity, enabling full financial automation. Designed SSRS custom reports and integrated third-party applications with the ERP via API connectors, reducing manual report generation time by 60%. Gathered, analyzed, and translated business requirements into functional specifications for developers, bridging the gap between IT and operational stakeholders.

Developed web-based CRM, inventory, and email marketing business applications using PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and C#, serving 50+ internal users. Delivered user training sessions for IT and functional teams, reducing helpdesk ticket volumes by 30% through proactive knowledge transfer.