SAP Architectural Lead

Sabenza IT & Recruitment; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 80 000 - 120 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a strategic SAP Architectural Lead to ensure the architectural integrity and operational efficiency of SAP systems. This pivotal role involves overseeing upgrade and release planning, managing application lifecycle, and coordinating middleware and system integration efforts. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in SAP architecture, project management, and a strong command of SAP Basis administration. Join a forward-thinking company where you can drive innovation and best practices across SAP environments, ensuring seamless integration and optimal system performance. If you are passionate about technology and eager to lead impactful projects, this is the opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in SAP architecture and system integration.
• Strong knowledge of SAP Basis administration and middleware technologies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee SAP Basis operations and manage upgrade and release planning.
• Lead SAP projects ensuring timely delivery and effective communication.

Skills

SAP Basis Administration

Middleware Technologies (SAP PI/PO, CPI)

Application Lifecycle Management

Leadership Skills

Analytical Skills

Project Management

Communication Skills

Education

BSC / BCom / BTech in Information Technology

SAP Certified Technology Associate

Tools

SAP S/4HANA

SAP Cloud Platform

DevOps Tools

Job description

The SAP Architectural Lead is a strategic role responsible for the architectural integrity and operational efficiency of various SAP systems within the organization. This position will oversee upgrade and release planning, application lifecycle management, and SAP Basis activity coordination of activities to be performed by TAF partner (outsourced partner / provider).

Additionally, the lead will implement SAP security best practices and manage middleware and system integration efforts, ensuring seamless integration across SAP environments.

Requirements

Technical

• In-depth knowledge of SAP Basis administration, middleware technologies (e.g., SAP PI / PO,
• CPI), and integration methodologies
• Familiarity with application lifecycle management tools and best practices.

Non- Technical

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with an emphasis on strategic planning and execution.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively in a dynamic environment.

Upgrade and Release Planning :

• Develop and execute comprehensive upgrade and release plans for SAP applications, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align release schedules with organizational goals and project timelines.

Project Management :

• Lead and manage SAP projects from initiation through implementation, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and budget.
• Facilitate project meetings, manage stakeholder communications, and provide regular status updates to senior management.

Application Lifecycle Planning :

• Establish and maintain an application lifecycle management framework for SAP applications, including planning for upgrades, enhancements, and retirements.
• Ensure timely and effective transition of applications through various lifecycle stages, from development to production.
• Maintaining SAP application landscape documentation, integration and interface documentation, architectural documentation, application recovery documentation, information classification documentation etc.
• Responsible for application recovery testing.

SAP Basis Activity Coordination :

• Oversee SAP Basis operations, including system performance monitoring, patch management, and database administration.
• Coordinate with Basis teams to ensure optimal system performance and availability, addressing issues proactively.
• Ordering of SAP Basis and SAP Infrastructure services
• Implementation of SAP Security Best Practices :
• Develop and enforce security protocols and best practices for SAP environments, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and internal policies.
• Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities and recommend corrective actions.

Middleware and System Integration :

• Lead efforts in middleware and system integration, ensuring effective data flow and communication between SAP and third-party applications.
• Evaluate and implement integration tools and technologies to enhance system interoperability and efficiency.

Collaboration and Leadership :

• Work closely with SAP functional teams, IT infrastructure, and business stakeholders to address architectural challenges and promote best practices.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Stay current with SAP technologies, industry trends, and emerging best practices to drive innovation and improvement within the SAP landscape.
• Identify opportunities for process enhancements and lead initiatives to optimize system performance and security.

Qualification and Experience

• BSC / BCom / BTech in Information Technology or relevant equivalent. ; advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., SAP Certified Technology Associate) preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in SAP architecture, project management, and system integration.
• Experience with cloud-based SAP solutions (e.g., SAP S / 4HANA, SAP Cloud Platform).
• Knowledge of DevOps practices and tools within an SAP context.
• Understanding of compliance frameworks (e.g., GDPR, SOX) as they relate to SAP architecture.