Fresh Openings at Blue Pearl (Pty) Ltd

Job Description

• We are seeking experienced SAP HCM Consultants to join a high-impact project team supporting the full implementation of SAP Human Capital Management (HCM) for South African Airways (SAA) in collaboration with IBM South Africa. This is a fixed-term engagement, beginning in October 2025, focused on delivering a comprehensive, end-to-end SAP HCM solution tailored for the aviation industry.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement, configure, and support SAP HCM modules end-to-end, including:
• Employee Records & Personal Data Management
• Time & Attendance Management (Leave, Shifts, Scheduling)
• Talent Acquisition & Onboarding
• Performance Management & KPI Tracking
• Succession Planning & Workforce Mobility
• Learning Management System (LMS) & E-Learning
• Compensation, Payroll (Domestic, Expatriate, International), and Benefits
• Self-Service Portals (ESS/MSS) – mobile responsive
• Employee Relations, Disciplinary & Case Management (e.g., CCMA)
• Compliance Reporting and Advanced Analytics
• Organizational Structure Management
• Onboard historical HR data from legacy SAP HR systems (e.g., positions, qualifications, training, uniforms).
• Integrate SAP HCM with group-shared services and comply with Transnet-specific payroll and pension formatting rules.
• Work collaboratively with functional leads, technical teams, and project managers from IBM and the client.
• Provide go-live and post-go-live support.

Requirements
Minimum Requirements:

• 5+ years experience with SAP HCM implementations across core and advanced modules
• Prior experience working in or with government-owned entities (GOEs) or aviation sector
• Proven experience with full-cycle SAP HCM projects, including data migration and integration
• Strong understanding of South African HR legislation and compliance requirements
• Ability to configure, test, train users, and troubleshoot SAP HCM issues
• South African nationality (preferred due to regulatory and project needs)

Preferred Qualifications:

• SAP HCM certification (associate or professional level)
• Prior involvement in projects with South African Airways or related public sector entities
• Knowledge of Transnet-specific payroll integration formats
   

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Job Purpose

• To analyse, design, configure, deploy, and maintain SAP and related system solutions aligned with business processes and requirements. The Solution Specialist ensures operational excellence, supports business continuity, and drives efficiency through innovative system design, configuration, and integration. This role is essential in ensuring the SAP ecosystem supports business objectives and evolves in line with strategic needs.

Job Overview

• The Solution Specialist is an Information Technology employee that is responsible for understanding the business process requirements for certain functions in the business and for the design, configuration, deployment and maintenance of system-based solutions that will meet the needs of the business client.
• These employees configure new system functionality, but they are also responsible for maintaining, updating and troubleshooting existing system functionality. The main focus for Solution Specialists is the SAP system, and in some instances the Clients global systems and other local systems.
• This job forms part of the Information Technology division and job incumbents work across several teams aligned to business functions. The work that these employees perform has an impact on business continuity.
• Resource in this team will report to Senior Manager IT: Solutions for a specific area of focus.

Requirements
Key Responsibilities
Business Process Analysis

• Engage with business users through workshops and interviews to gather and verify system requirements.
• Analyses current business processes, system usage, and potential areas for optimisation.
• Collaborate with Business Analysts to validate Business Requirement Specifications (BRS).

 Solution Design

• Translate business requirements into functional specifications.
• Design optimal system processes and configurations that align with SAP best practices.
• Prepare Functional & Technical Specifications for development and integration.

 System Configuration & Development

• Configure SAP modules to meet business requirements.
• Develop new system functionality or enhance existing ones in collaboration with developers.
• Ensure technical integrity of all configurations and document all changes accurately.

System Integration

• Design and document system integrations between SAP and external/local systems.
• Ensure seamless data flow and consistent performance across integrated systems.

Testing and Deployment

• Develop comprehensive test plans and coordinate user acceptance testing (UAT).
• Manage test cycles, log issues, and validate bug fixes.
• Lead deployment activities including go-live planning, stakeholder communication, and post-deployment support.

End-User Enablement

• Prepare and deliver user training materials and sessions.
• Ensure users are adequately trained and supported during and after implementation.
• Provide support for helpdesk tickets and troubleshoot issues raised by users.

 System Maintenance & Support

• Monitor system performance, maintain configurations, and troubleshoot issues.
• Proactively suggest system/process improvements to business stakeholders.
• Ensure updates and patches are applied in accordance with governance protocols.

 Project Management

• Lead or participate in system implementation projects, including scoping, planning, execution, and tracking.
• Manage project resources, timelines, and stakeholder communication.
• Escalate risks and manage issues to resolution.

 Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain regular communication with business and IT stakeholders.
• Collaborate with team members across IT and business units to ensure alignment.
• Build external networks to stay abreast of SAP and industry best practices.

Team & Personal Contribution

• Attend team meetings, workshops, and collaborative forums.
• Maintain an updated Individual Development Plan (IDP).
• Contribute to team knowledge sharing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Complete administrative duties and contribute to company engagement activities.

Job Outcomes

• Documented, verified, and maintained system and business requirements.
• Effective, scalable, and optimally configured SAP solutions.
• Seamless deployment of new features, with trained end-users.
• Consistent uptime and performance of system solutions.
• Compliance with audit, security, and governance standards (SOX, POPIA, ITGC).
• High-quality documentation supporting users and technical teams.

 Requirements
 Educational Qualifications

• SAP Module Certification (e.g. SAP Certified Application Associate in relevant module).
• Tertiary qualification in Information Technology, Business Systems, or a related field is advantageous.

Experience

• 8–10 years of total work experience, including:
• Minimum 8 years of hands-on SAP configuration experience.
• Experience working in or with the automotive industry is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in SAP module implementation, configuration, and support.
• Proven track record of working on cross-functional SAP projects with integration requirements.

Technical & Functional Skills

• Deep knowledge of at least one core SAP module (e.g. MM, SD, FI, CO, HR, PP).
• Proficient in SAP configuration, business process design, and functional documentation.
• Understanding of integration points across SAP modules and external systems.
• Knowledge of SAP best practices and solution manager tools.
• Comfortable using testing tools and project management methods (e.g., Agile, ASAP).

 Behavioral Competencies

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment.
• Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and follow-through.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.