SAP Applications Manager

Sabenza IT & Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Sabenza IT & Recruitment in Johannesburg seeks a seasoned Business Applications Manager to own the SAP ERP landscape and bridge business, operations and technology. You will guide an applications team through ERP migration while ensuring stability, governance, and value delivery.

You’ll collaborate with ICT leadership, manage vendors and contracts, and translate complex business needs into practical system improvements in a fast-moving manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related qualification.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in a functional SAP ERP support environment.
• At least 5 years’ applications management experience.
• Experience with ERP migration projects.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, including the ability to present to senior leadership.
• Proven ability to manage vendors, contracts, and service levels.
• Solid project management and problem-solving capability.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Code B driver’s licence.
• ITIL Foundation or equivalent.
• Business Analysis certification.
• Project Management certification (e.g. PRINCE2).
• SAP ERP functional certification.
• Experience with SAP ECC and S/4HANA.
• Experience in a batch-processing manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage the applications landscape, including change control, project delivery, vendor relationships, and SLA management.
• Oversee the full application lifecycle: requirements gathering, design, testing, deployment, support, maintenance, and retirement.
• Act as the primary liaison between business, operations, technology teams, and external service providers.
• Analyse existing business processes and recommend improvements based on industry practice and system capability.
• Translate complex business requirements into clear design recommendations and functional specifications.
• Guide and support end users in the effective use of applications.
• Monitor implementations to ensure architecture and design principles are followed.
• Manage application authorisations and overall system governance.
• Contribute to applications budgeting and provide clear reporting to leadership.
• Improve training and operational procedures to increase efficiency across the business.
• Lead and mentor the applications team, fostering a collaborative and continuous improvement culture.
• Present recommendations and status updates to senior leadership, including EXCO level when required.
• Troubleshoot application issues, conduct root cause analysis, and drive lasting resolutions.

Skills

SAP ERP

Stakeholder mgmt

Project management

Analytical thinking

Education

Degree/Diploma IT or CS

Tools

ITIL Foundation

PRINCE2

SAP certification

S/4HANA

Job description

Johannesburg, South Africa | Posted on 02/11/2026

The organisation is preparing for a significant ERP migration, and we need a Business Applications Manager who can own the applications landscape while bridging the gap between business, operations, and technology. This is a high-impact role for someone who understands SAP ERP deeply, can translate business needs into practical system improvements, and thrives in a fast-moving manufacturing environment.

You’ll work closely with the ICT Executive and senior stakeholders to keep the current applications environment stable and effective, while helping shape the path to the new system. It’s a role that combines hands‑on applications management with process improvement, vendor coordination, and clear communication across the organisation.

What You’ll Do

• Own and manage the applications landscape, including change control, project delivery, vendor relationships, and SLA management.
• Oversee the full application lifecycle: requirements gathering, design, testing, deployment, support, maintenance, and retirement.
• Act as the primary liaison between business, operations, technology teams, and external service providers.
• Analyse existing business processes and recommend improvements based on industry practice and system capability.
• Translate complex business requirements into clear design recommendations and functional specifications.
• Guide and support end users in the effective use of applications.
• Monitor implementations to ensure architecture and design principles are followed.
• Manage application authorisations and overall system governance.
• Contribute to applications budgeting and provide clear reporting to leadership.
• Improve training and operational procedures to increase efficiency across the business.
• Lead and mentor the applications team, fostering a collaborative and continuous improvement culture.
• Present recommendations and status updates to senior leadership, including EXCO level when required.
• Troubleshoot application issues, conduct root cause analysis, and drive lasting resolutions.

What You Bring

• Degree or Diploma in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related qualification.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in a functional SAP ERP support environment.
• At least 5 years’ applications management experience.
• Experience with ERP migration projects.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, including the ability to present to senior leadership.
• Proven ability to manage vendors, contracts, and service levels.
• Solid project management and problem-solving capability.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Code B driver’s licence.

Advantageous

• ITIL Foundation or equivalent.
• Business Analysis certification.
• Project Management certification (e.g. PRINCE2).
• SAP ERP functional certification.
• Experience with SAP ECC and S/4HANA.
• Experience in a batch-processing manufacturing environment.

Why This Role

This is more than a support position. You’ll help maintain a stable applications environment while actively preparing for a major system change. If you enjoy working at the intersection of business and technology, driving practical improvements, and delivering through others, this role offers real influence and visibility.