SAP APO Consultant (DP / SNP / PPDS / GATP)

Job Title: SAP APO Consultant (DP / SNP / PPDS / GATP)

Location: Raritan, NJ
Duration: Contract
Experience Required: 8+ Years

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced SAP APO Consultant with strong expertise across Demand Planning (DP), Supply Network Planning (SNP), Production Planning and Detailed Scheduling (PP/DS), and Global Available-to-Promise (GATP). The ideal candidate will lead end-to-end SAP APO implementations and support engagements, working closely with business stakeholders to design, configure, optimize, and stabilize supply chain planning solutions integrated with SAP ERP.

Key Responsibilities

SAP APO Implementation & Support

• Lead end-to-end SAP APO implementations and support activities across DP, SNP, PP/DS, and GATP modules.
• Participate in requirement gathering, solution design, configuration, testing (UT/SIT/UAT), cutover, deployment, and hypercare support.
• Conduct business workshops to understand planning and fulfillment processes and document AS-IS and TO-BE business flows.
• Translate business requirements into functional specifications, configuration documents, and solution designs.

APO ERP Integration & CIF

• Build, monitor, and stabilize APO ERP integration using CIF.
• Create and maintain integration models and troubleshoot qRFC queue issues.
• Perform data reconciliation between APO and ERP systems.
• Ensure smooth transfer of master and transactional data between systems.

Master Data Management

• Ensure APO master data readiness and governance including:
• Products
• Locations
• Resources
• Calendars
• Planning horizons
• Transportation lanes
• Quota arrangements
• PDS/PPM structures
• Maintain alignment between APO and ERP master data objects.

SAP APO Demand Planning (DP)

• Configure planning areas, planning levels, key figures, versions, and time series settings.
• Implement and tune statistical forecasting models and forecasting parameters.
• Manage forecast outliers, intermittency, and exception-based planning using macros.
• Define and monitor forecast accuracy KPIs such as Bias and MAPE.
• Support S&OP and consensus demand planning processes.

SAP APO Supply Network Planning (SNP)

• Configure SNP for multi-echelon supply chain planning including sourcing, lot sizing, lead times, safety stock, and constraints.
• Execute and optimize SNP heuristics and optimizer planning runs.
• Analyze planning results and improve planning logic for inventory, service levels, and capacity utilization.
• Implement SNP deployment and replenishment processes.
• Configure Transport Load Builder (TLB) where applicable.

SAP APO PP/DS

• Configure PP/DS for finite scheduling and detailed sequencing.
• Maintain capacities, modes, setup matrices, pegging strategies, and sequence-dependent setups.
• Ensure accurate PDS/PPM integration with ERP BOMs, routings, and production versions.
• Support planners using DS Planning Board and PP/DS heuristics to resolve scheduling bottlenecks and improve production efficiency.

SAP GATP & Backorder Processing

• Configure GATP check strategies and Rules-Based ATP (RBA).
• Implement and support Backorder Processing (BOP) based on customer priorities and allocation policies.
• Configure product allocation and substitution logic for constrained supply scenarios.
• Improve order confirmation accuracy and supply allocation effectiveness.

Enhancements & Support

• Develop functional specifications for custom enhancements and interfaces.
• Coordinate with ABAP and technical teams for development and testing activities.
• Perform root-cause analysis for planning and integration issues including:
• CIF failures
• Incorrect pegging
• Missing receipts
• Planning inconsistencies
• Master data gaps
• Create operational runbooks, monitoring procedures, and job schedules.
• Deliver end-user training, SOPs, and knowledge transfer sessions.

Required Skills

• Strong hands-on experience with SAP APO DP, SNP, PP/DS, and GATP.
• Expertise in CIF integration and APO ERP master data synchronization.
• Experience with forecasting models, supply planning, finite scheduling, and ATP processes.
• Strong understanding of supply chain planning and manufacturing business processes.
• Experience in APO planning heuristics, optimizer, deployment, and scheduling boards.
• Ability to troubleshoot integration and planning issues independently.
• Experience preparing functional specifications and supporting custom developments.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SAP ECC and/or SAP S/4HANA integration.
• Exposure to SAP IBP migration or coexistence scenarios is a plus.
• SAP APO certification is preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing, retail, consumer goods, or supply chain industries is highly desirable.