SAP Application Manager at JD Group

Introduction

The SAP Application Manager is responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, and maintenance of SAP systems and applications within the organization. The SAP Application Manager will lead a team of SAP specialists and collaborate with various departments to ensure seamless integration and efficient utilization of SAP functionalities to meet business requirements. This role involves managing the entire SAP application lifecycle, including system upgrades, enhancements, and troubleshooting.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the planning, development, implementation, and maintenance of SAP applications, ensuring they align with business objectives and industry best practices.
• Manage a team of SAP specialists, providing guidance, support, and fostering a collaborative environment to achieve goals effectively by optimizing processes and driving efficiencies within the SAP Application team.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of system upgrades, patches, and enhancements, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations and adherence to security protocols.
• Contribute to the resolution of SAP-related incidents and problems, coordinating with support teams and vendors to maintain system stability and performance.
• Ensure seamless integration between SAP and other applications, interfaces and data flows to facilitate data exchange across systems.
• Enforce security policies and access controls to safeguard SAP systems and data, adhering to industry and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with SAP service providers and vendors, ensuring contract compliance, negotiating agreements, and resolving any service-related issues.
• Ensure that best practice processes and procedures are in place to ensure system health. 
• Contribute to annual budget review and manage annual approved budgets.
• Manage resource allocation decisions to ensure on time delivery of initiatives.
• Stay updated with the latest SAP trends, technologies, and innovations, recommending and implementing process improvements to enhance overall business performance.

Experience

• Proven experience (5+ years) in SAP application management, including SAP ECC (MM/SD/WM/EWM) and integration technologies.
• 2+ years Agile experience (e.g. sprint planning, stand-up).
• Knowledge of Retail SAP architecture, implementation and operations.
• Previous experience in team leadership and project management, overseeing SAP projects from inception to completion.
• In-depth knowledge of SAP architecture, security principles, and best practices.
• Expert knowledge of SAP MM/WM/SD/EWM modules.
• Knowledge of Retail Merchandising Processes.
• Knowledge and application of relevant IT best practices.
• Knowledge of Project & program management including methods and tools.
• Functional knowledge of SAP ERP including FICO (GL, AR, AP, FA, PCA, CCA, New GL) including interfaces, data migration and integration
• Functional knowledge of SAP HCM (PA, OM, Payroll, Time, Attendance, ESS/MSS) including interfaces, data migration and integration
• Functional knowledge of SAP CRM (Service, mobility solutions, web-client, Trade management, analytics, E-commerce, SAP IPC, SAP mobile client and server)
• Functional knowledge of SAP CML including interfaces, data migration and integration with Finance.
• Functional knowledge of SAP Solution manager.
• Functional knowledge of SAP Cloud solutions.

Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate business needs into technical solutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and business stakeholders.
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic and fast-paced work environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proactive and result-oriented approach to address challenges and improve SAP applications and processes.
• Experience in preparation of business cases, business processes.
• Driving change.
• Stakeholder management.
• Financial acumen.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Excellent English language written and oral communication skills.
• MS Office proficiency with advanced excel.
• Google suite proficiency.
• Personal resilience.
• Energy and drive.
• Customer orientation.
• Excellence orientation.
• Influencing others.
• Team player.
• Innovative.

Qualifications

• 3 year IT related degree (required)
• SAP certification(s) in Logistics modules.
• Certified in TOGAF, Agile Methodologies (advantageous)
• Certified in COBIT, Prince II (advantageous)
• Certified in ITIL 3 (required)