SAP COE Manager

SAP COE Manager

Our client is a global manufacturing company that has embarked on a multi year project to implement SAP S/4 HANA & MES (Manufacturing Execution System) at all manufacturing locations. They are implementing a single instance, cloud based SAP S/4HANA environment with on premise MES software at each manufacturing location to support the company’s growth. Their S/4HANA environment is hosted by SAP Enterprise Cloud Services (ECS, formerly known as HEC). This role will lead their SAP Center of Excellence group responsible for providing Application Management Services (AMS) for SAP, investigate and propose continuous improvement requests, and manage relationships with system integrators, subject matter experts and the internal team leading future implementations.

Primary Responsibilities

Lead the AMS function and provide oversight for the team of technical professionals to meet the needs of the

business.

Meet with team members at least once per week to discuss progress, challenges and assistance needed.

Improve team performance by providing timely feedback and coaching.

Help team create and manage effective SMART goals to be measured against in performance reviews.

Lend technical expertise to assist with projects and support issues.

Coordinate proper documentation of architecture and creation of solutions to resolve common issues.

Cultivate knowledge of organization to efficiently route business support and clarifying questions to right people.

Develop and maintain relationships with global functional area leaders and subject matter experts.

Partner with all areas of the business using SAP to strengthen relationships and improve reliability.

Present to executive team on status of AMS support, enhancement projects and impact on business.

Effectively partner with outside resources to staff projects.

Track continuous improvement projects and report on status.

Manage SAP Enterprise Cloud Services (ECS) relationship and deliverables.

Provide guidance on various initiatives and how to effectively implement changes.

Consult with IT infrastructure team as necessary to diagnose and resolve system or networking issues.

Understand and maintain best practices utilizing the company’s ITIL based methodology and SDLC process.

Learn architecture and components of company systems from support and implementation teams, and other learning resources.

Basic Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business or comparable work experience

Masters degree in IT, computer science or business administration is beneficial

SAP training and system certifications is a plus.

Experience:

10+ years of experience supporting SAP, preferably S/4 HANA in a manufacturing environment.

5+ years of experience managing a technical team.

Successful track record working with technical teams such as SAP hosting providers and Basis analysts.

Experience with cloud architectures and system integration methods.

Understanding of SAP security and ABAP development practices.

Past participation in change management committees.

Successful implementation of enhancements on time and within cost estimates.

Experience working in an ITIL based service management environment.

Manufacturing Execution System (MES) experience is a plus.

Interpersonal Skills:

Strong organizational and team collaboration skills.

Exceptional communication skills.

Ability to answer questions in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing to various technical levels.

Enjoy working with other functional leaders to understand needs and provide solutions.

Excellent listening skills and always seek first to understand the business concerns and needs.

Effective time management skills.

Technical Skills:

Strong logical and analytical thinker.

Attention to detail.

Able to find root causes of problems and quickly determine efficient solutions.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Understanding of basic accounting as it pertains to budgets, project cost management and capital expenditures.

Other Skills:

Ability to effectively plan and organize multiple concurrent initiatives.

Ability to work under pressure and maximize efficiency.

Understanding of typical human resource benefits and policies.

Special Requirements

Ability to travel (US and internationally) approximately 10%.

Ability to occasionally work evenings and weekends as needed for training and support of various shifts and global offices.