Lead SAP Security & Authorization Architect

Empiric; United States; Remote; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Part time

Job summary

Empiric is seeking a visionary Lead SAP Security & AI Integration Architect to define an enterprise-wide SAP access control framework and cloud integrations. This contract role focuses on strategic design, governance and safe integration of SAP Joule AI and external SaaS tools across the SAP landscape.

You will lead architecture for roles, authorizations, SoD controls, and global AI-enabled deployments, with remote work and occasional client travel as needed.

Qualifications

• In-depth SAP Technical/Security Architect experience with S/4HANA Cloud.
• Experience in IAM and GRC/SoD for SAP Cloud.
• Hands-on with SAP Joule, BTP Integration Suite, and modern SAP integrations.
• Proven ability to lead pilots or regional tech rollouts.
• Ability to communicate security and AI architecture concepts to executives.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Security Architecture: design enterprise SAP Authorizations & Controls.
• Integration & Landscape Architecture across SAP S/4HANA, SAP BTP, and external solutions.
• AI & Innovation Leadership: lead pilots including Joule AI and third-party integrations.
• Governance & Audit Compliance: ensure SoD and data protection.
• Technical Roadmap: define blueprint for scaling AI and tools globally.

Skills

SAP Security Architecture

IAM

GRC/SoD

Pilot delivery

Executive communication

Tools

SAP Joule

SAP BTP Integration Suite

S/4HANA Cloud

Job description

• Role: Lead SAP Security & Authorization Architect
• Engagement Type: Contract
• Location: Remote (occasional travel to client)
• Environment: SAP S/4HANA Cloud, SAP Security, SAP Authorizations, Roles & Controls, Joule AI
• Duration: 12 months

Role Purpose

We are seeking a visionary SAP Security & AI Integration Architect to lead the strategic design of our SAP access control framework, cloud integrations, and cutting-edge AI pilots. Rather than performing routine IT role maintenance, this role focuses on high-level security architecture, aligning SAP Business Roles with governance controls, and safely integrating emerging technologies, such as SAP Joule AI and third-party SaaS tools into an enterprise landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Security Architecture: Design and implement an enterprise-grade SAP Authorizations, Roles, and Controls framework structured around business roles rather than technical IT roles.
• Integration & Landscape Architecture: Map out and secure integration points between SAP S/4HANA, SAP BTP, and external enterprise solutions.
• AI & Innovation Leadership: Lead early-stage pilots and rollouts of SAP’s latest technologies, including Joule AI, Joule Studio, and key third-party integrations (e.g., SmartRecruiters pilot implementation).
• Governance & Audit Compliance: Ensure all cloud security models meet strict compliance standards, segregate duties (SoD), and protect sensitive business data.
• Technical Roadmap: Define the architecture blueprint for scaling AI capabilities and third-party tools across the global SAP footprint.

Candidate Profile & Qualifications

• Experience: In-depth expertise as an SAP Technical/Security Architect with specific experience in SAP Cloud Security & Authorizations.
• Strategic Authorization Skills: Proven track record in business-centric role design, identity access management (IAM), and GRC/SoD frameworks for SAP S/4HANA Cloud.
• Emerging Tech & AI Exposure: Hands-on experience or active engagement with SAP Joule, SAP BTP Integration Suite, and modern SAP ecosystem integrations.
• Pilot Delivery: Experience leading "first-of-a-kind" software deployments, pilots, or regional technology rollouts.
• Soft Skills: Ability to articulate complex security and AI architecture concepts to both technical delivery teams and executive risk committees.