SAP Functional Lead

We are seeking a hands-on SAP Supply Chain Planning Lead to provide functional design leadership for a newly implemented SAP S/4HANA environment as part of a growing SAP Center of Excellence (COE) . This role will lead solution architecture and functional design across SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP) in support of a high-volume automotive supply chain operation.

You will partner closely with Supply Chain, Planning, Operations, IT, and AMS teams to ensure SAP planning solutions align with business objectives, SAP best practices, and long-term enterprise standards. This role plays a critical part in driving planning accuracy, operational efficiency, and scalable SAP adoption.

Key Responsibilities

SAP Functional & Solution Leadership

• Lead functional design and solution architecture for SAP IBP Supply Chain Planning within SAP S/4HANA.

• Ensure SAP configuration across Planning, IBP, CI-DS, VMS, MM, Variant Configuration, SD, OTC, P2P, and Plant Maintenance aligns with SAP best practices and documentation standards.

• Serve as the SAP IBP Supply Chain Planning subject matter expert within the SAP COE.

Business & Planning Solution Design

• Facilitate workshops to gather, analyze, and translate supply chain and planning business requirements into SAP solutions.

• Design and implement end-to-end SAP IBP planning solutions, including:

  • Demand Forecasting

  • Supply Planning

  • Inventory Optimization

  • S&OP / IBP alignment

  • Control Tower monitoring and performance visibility

• Anticipate future planning needs and ensure scalable, integrated SAP solutions.

System Support & Optimization

• Partner with AMS, business, and technical teams to proactively identify, resolve, and reduce defects and enhancement requests.

• Research production issues and enhancements, recommend alternatives, and drive resolution through configuration or development.

• Apply OSS Notes, manage SAP releases and patches, and stay current with SAP innovations.

WRICEF & Integration

• Act as a key functional leader for WRICEF design , supporting Sales, Distribution, and Planning-related processes.

• Support development teams with functional specifications, solution architecture, and design documentation.

• Ensure strong integration between SAP IBP, CI-DS, and SAP S/4HANA for end-to-end supply chain planning.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Provide senior-level guidance and decision-making influence with business stakeholders.

• Collaborate closely with Architecture, Development, BASIS, Security, and AMS partners.

• Support organizational change management and adoption of SAP planning solutions.

• Deliver excellent customer service to internal users.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required (or equivalent experience)

• 10+ years of experience in SAP or related enterprise systems

• 8+ years of hands-on SAP IBP configuration experience, including:

  • Demand Planning

  • Supply Planning

  • Inventory Optimization

  • S&OP / IBP

  • Planning Areas, Key Figures, Master Data, and Time Profiles

• Proven experience delivering measurable improvements in:

  • Forecast accuracy and bias

  • Inventory turns

  • Days of supply

  • Working capital optimization

• Strong experience creating Process and Functional Design documentation

• Solid understanding of IDoc configuration and processing

• Experience supporting SAP implementations and post–go-live environments

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SAP S/4HANA implementations

• Experience with any of the following modules:

  • EWM, FI/CO, MM, PTM, VMS, OTC, P2P, or related modules

• Automotive or high-volume supply chain experience

• Strong preference for SAP standardization and out-of-the-box functionality

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong leadership presence and stakeholder influence

• Highly organized with the ability to manage complex information

• Proven problem-solving and analytical mindset

• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Strong attention to detail and execution discipline

• Strong business insight and collaborative working style

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Primarily based at a Parts Distribution Center in Sealy, TX

• Occasional work at a nearby corporate campus as needed

• Office-based role with extended periods of computer work

• Ability to move up to 10 lbs frequently and up to 25 lbs occasionally

Travel Requirements

• 20% Minimal travel is required for this position (up to 20% of the time). This associate will work from the Parts Distribution Center in Sealy, Texas 4-5 days a week and can occasionally be required to be at the Corporate Campus where applicable, for business.

Equal Opportunity Statement

This organization is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.