SAP Lead - Retail

Location : Onsite(Dubai)

Duration : 6 months+ extendable

Start Date : ASAP

Role Purpose :

The role of a Retail COE Lead in the Retail industry is pivotal in ensuring the smooth operation and optimal performance of implemented systems like SAP S4 ERP during the critical post-implementation phase.

Ensuring System Stability : The primary purpose of the Retail COE Lead is to ensure system stability after the implementation of the ERP system. They monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure that the system is functioning as per the business requirements.

Coordinating Support : The Retail COE Lead coordinates with various teams to provide the necessary support to end-users. They work closely with technical and functional teams to resolve any system issues promptly and minimize downtime.

Training and Guidance : The Retail COE Lead plays a key role in training end-users on the new system. They provide guidance on how to use the system effectively, addressing any queries or concerns that users may have.

Stakeholder Communication : The Retail COE Lead is responsible for communicating with various stakeholders, including management, end-users, and vendors. They provide regular updates on system performance, issues, and resolutions, ensuring all parties are kept informed.

Continuous Improvement : The Retail COE Lead is also tasked with identifying opportunities for system improvement. They gather feedback from end-users and analyse system performance to suggest improvements and enhancements.

Change Management : The Retail COE Lead plays a crucial role in managing changes to the system during the Retail COE phase. They assess the impact of changes, plan their implementation, and ensure they are carried out smoothly.

In the Retail industry, these responsibilities are particularly important due to the high volume of transactions, the need for real-time data, and the critical role of customer satisfaction in these sectors. The Retail COE Lead, therefore, plays a key role in ensuring the successful operation of the ERP system post-implementation.

Role Details – Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities :

Stakeholder Engagement : Collaborate with senior executives and key stakeholders to understand their needs, challenges, and priorities. Build strong relationships and serve as a trusted advisor. Present findings, recommendations, and insights to stakeholders and gain buy-in for CoE initiatives.

Knowledge Sharing : Promote knowledge sharing and collaboration within the organization. Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and communities of practice to share expertise, best practices, and lessons learned across teams and departments.

Continuous Improvement : Identify opportunities for process improvement, efficiency gains, and innovation within the CoE and the wider organization. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and drive initiatives to enhance the effectiveness and impact of the CoE.

Definition of Success

Expertise and Knowledge

Collaboration and Relationship building

Cost Optimization (Resource, Project, Licenses, and others)

Integration of business processes and Lower attrition

Standardization of business operations

Real-time operations support and availability of management reports

Proactive Contingency plans preparation

No disruption to business operations

Other Context :

Implementer with demonstrated abilities in the management of project implementation for streamlining business user operations and business transformation programs.

Rich experience of working as both User community and Implementer, thereby understanding pain areas quickly and formulating team setups and ramp-ups accordingly with a blend of expertise in business functional knowledge and large program governance

Mentoring & developing individuals towards building productive and exceptional teams and as well as forming cohesive team environments

Perform functional and technical assessments, design, development, testing, troubleshooting activities, and change management in support of complex software and hardware systems comprised of many technical components.

Apply broad technical knowledge and operate interdependently in ambiguous situations across functional business areas.

Achieves value creation objectives by contributing information and recommendations to strategic plans and reviews; determining program improvements / new projects; helping in selling new opportunities.

Functional and Technical Competencies

Functional Competencies :

Domain Expertise : The Retail COE Lead should have a thorough understanding of the P2P and R2R processes in SAP S / 4 HANA. This involves knowledge of procurement, accounting, and sales processes, and how they are integrated within the SAP S4 ERP system.

SAP S4 ERP Functional Knowledge : The Retail COE Lead should be well-versed with the functional aspects of SAP S4 ERP related to P2P and R2R. They should understand how these processes are configured in the system and be able to troubleshoot any functional issues that may arise.

Process Improvement : The Retail COE Lead should be able to identify opportunities for process improvement within the P2P, R2R, and O2C processes. They should be able to recommend changes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Stakeholder Management : The Retail COE Lead should have the ability to effectively manage relationships with various stakeholders, including end-users, management, and external vendors. They should be able to communicate effectively with these stakeholders to address any concerns and ensure smooth operation of the P2P, R2R, and O2C processes.

Training and Support : The Retail COE Lead should be able to provide training and support to end-users. They should be able to explain the functionality of the SAP S4 ERP system and assist users with any issues they may encounter.

Change Management : The Retail COE Lead should be able to manage changes to the P2P, R2R, and O2C processes within the SAP S4 ERP system. This involves understanding the impact of changes on the business and ensuring they are implemented smoothly.

Technical Competencies :

SAP S4 ERP Knowledge : The Retail COE Lead should have a deep understanding of SAP S4 ERP and its modules across P2P, R2R and O2C. This includes knowledge of how different modules interact with each other and the ability to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

Technical Skills : The Retail COE Lead should have strong technical skills and be proficient in various SAP technologies. This includes ABAP (Advanced Business Application Programming), HANA (High-Performance Analytic Appliance), and Fiori.

Data Analysis : The ability to analyse data is crucial. The Retail COE Lead should be able to identify trends and patterns in data that may indicate potential issues.

Problem-Solving : The Retail COE Lead should have strong problem-solving skills to address and resolve any issues that may arise during the Retail COE phase.

Project Management : Project management skills are important for a Retail COE Lead. They should be able to manage resources, timelines, and risks effectively.

Communication Skills : As the Retail COE Lead will be interacting with various stakeholders, strong communication skills are essential. They should be able to effectively communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders.

Change Management : The Retail COE Lead should be familiar with change management processes, as they will be responsible for managing changes to the SAP system during the Retail COE phase.

Personal Characteristics and Required Background

Personal characteristics :

Good team leader / player who shares knowledge to support and provide direction to the team.

Dependable, result-oriented individual and a good team player who is very easy to work with.

Possesses a great deal of business process knowledge coupled with good acumen and business user orientation to deliver optimum IT solutions.

Required Background :

Master’s degree preferred (especially in Finance / Business Management)

Minimum 14+ years of experience in SAP S / 4 HANA technology

SAP S / 4 HANA Implementation and Application Support / Operations Experience

Strong communication skills and capable of interacting both orally and in writing with executive management, team members, business, and technology professionals.

Have a background in business and technical requirements analysis, documentation, testing and integration methodologies & development.

Strong attention to deadlines and budgetary guidelines

Analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills

Decision-making and leadership skills

Strong presentation skills

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