We are seeking a senior, contract SAP S/4HANA Project Manager to lead a large-scale SAP ECC to S/4HANA upgrade. This role is suited for a hands-on delivery leader with a strong track record managing complex SAP transformations in fast-paced enterprise environments.
The ideal contractor brings deep SAP program experience, excels at cross functional collaboration, and demonstrates a solution seeking, execution driven mindset. This role requires minimal ramp up time and the ability to quickly establish credibility with senior stakeholders.
Lead the end to end delivery of an SAP ECC to S/4HANA upgrade, including Brownfield, Greenfield, or Hybrid approaches. Establish and run program governance, delivery cadence, and reporting from day one. Own project scope, schedule, budget, risks, dependencies, and issue resolution. Drive practical and effective solutions to complex technical and business challenges.
Serve as the primary delivery lead across business stakeholders, IT teams, system integrators, and third party vendors. Communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively with executive sponsors and steering committees. Facilitate alignment across functional and technical workstreams to ensure accountability and sustained momentum. Challenge assumptions and recommend improvements based on prior S/4HANA delivery experience.
Guide decision making related to ECC system conversion versus selective carve out strategies, custom code remediation and simplification, data migration and testing approaches, and cutover planning and go live readiness. Ensure the program follows SAP Activate or comparable delivery methodologies and adheres to SAP best practices.
Lead integrated testing cycles, cutover rehearsals, and detailed go live planning. Drive go live execution and post go live stabilization activities. Ensure rapid issue triage and resolution during hypercare. Support knowledge transfer to internal teams to ensure a smooth transition and longterm sustainability.
The successful candidate will have ten or more years of project or program management experience in large enterprise environments, along with a proven contract or consulting background leading major SAP initiatives. Hands on experience leading at least one SAP ECC to S/4HANA upgrade end to end is required. The role demands a strong understanding of SAP landscapes, system integrations, and technical dependencies, as well as demonstrated experience managing multiple workstreams and vendors concurrently. Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills are essential. Candidates must be self starters who can operate independently with minimal oversight and bring strong problem solving abilities with a pragmatic, solution first approach.
Preferred candidates will have SAP Activate certification or equivalent SAP delivery methodology experience, as well as PMP, PgMP, or similar project or program management certification. Experience working with global teams using offshore and onshore delivery models is highly desirable. Prior experience leading SAP programs under tight timelines or within regulated environments is also preferred.
Successful candidates are delivery focused and results oriented, highly collaborative while remaining comfortable making decisive calls, calm under pressure, and effective in ambiguous situations. They are trusted advisors to business and IT leadership and are adept at quickly integrating into existing teams and governance structures.
About Korn Ferry
Korn Ferry unleashes potential in people, teams, and organizations. We work with our clients to design optimal organization structures, roles, and responsibilities. We help them hire the right people and advise them on how to reward and motivate their workforce while developing professionals as they navigate and advance their careers. To learn more, please visit Korn Ferry at www.Kornferry.com
