SAP GTS Lead

Position: SAP GTS Lead

Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid)

Domain: Pharma

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced SAP GTS (Global Trade Services) Functional Lead to support global trade compliance and supply chain operations for enterprise clients such as Johnson & Johnson in collaboration with implementation partners like Cognizant. The role involves leading end-to-end SAP GTS implementations, enhancements, and support activities while ensuring compliance with international trade regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead SAP GTS functional design, configuration, and implementation across global trade processes.
• Work closely with business stakeholders, compliance teams, and supply chain teams to gather requirements and translate them into SAP GTS solutions.
• Configure and support SAP GTS modules including:
  • Compliance Management
  • Customs Management
  • Risk Management
  • Preference Processing
• Manage end-to-end trade compliance processes such as embargo screening, sanctioned party list screening, and export/import processes.
• Integrate SAP GTS with SAP ECC / S/4HANA, SD, MM, and FI modules.
• Handle customs declaration processes and document management for global shipments.
• Ensure compliance with international trade regulations (US, EU, APAC regions).
• Provide functional leadership, mentor junior consultants, and guide offshore/onshore teams.
• Collaborate with technical teams for enhancements, interfaces, and troubleshooting issues.
• Support testing cycles (SIT, UAT) and resolve functional defects.
• Work in Agile/Waterfall project environments depending on client engagement.

Required Skills & Experience

• 8 12+ years of SAP experience with strong expertise in SAP GTS.
• Hands-on experience in SAP GTS implementation and support projects.
• Strong knowledge of global trade compliance processes.
• Experience integrating SAP GTS with SAP ECC or S/4HANA.
• Understanding of customs regulations, export/import controls, and trade documentation.
• Experience working in large enterprise environments (preferably pharma / healthcare like J&J).
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working with global teams and offshore delivery models.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with Johnson & Johnson or similar life sciences/pharma clients.
• Exposure to Cognizant or other large SI implementation environments.
• SAP S/4HANA GTS exposure.
• Knowledge of EWM / SD integration.
• Certification in SAP GTS (preferred but not mandatory).

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Leadership and team coordination abilities
• Excellent communication and client-facing experience