SAP APO Functional Consultant

Job summary:

We are seeking an experienced SAP APO Functional Consultant to join our team and lead the implementation and optimization of advanced planning solutions. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in supply chain planning, demand forecasting, and production planning optimization using SAP APO modules to drive strategic business decisions and operational excellence.

Top 3 Skills Required:

1. Configure and implement SAP APO modules including Demand Planning (DP), Supply Network Planning (SNP), Production Planning/Detailed Scheduling (PP/DS), and Global Available-to-Promise (GATP)

2. Design end-to-end supply chain planning processes from demand sensing to production execution

3. Ensure seamless integration between APO and SAP ECC/S4HANA systems using Core Interface (CIF)

Key Responsibilities:

APO Module Implementation & Configuration:

Configure and implement SAP APO modules including Demand Planning (DP), Supply Network Planning (SNP), Production Planning/Detailed Scheduling (PP/DS), and Global Available-to-Promise (GATP)

Design and optimize planning scenarios for demand forecasting, capacity planning, and material requirements planning

Configure master data objects including products, resources, transportation lanes, and planning areas

Set up planning procedures, planning books, and key figure schemes for comprehensive planning cycles

Implement exception-based planning and alert management for proactive issue resolution

Supply Chain Planning & Optimization:

Design end-to-end supply chain planning processes from demand sensing to production execution

Implement advanced forecasting models using statistical forecasting, machine learning, and causal factors

Configure supply network optimization including multi-site planning, distribution planning, and transportation optimization

Set up capable-to-Match (CTM) and Available-to-Promise (ATP) scenarios for order fulfilment optimization

Develop planning strategies for seasonal demand, promotional planning, and new product introductions

Integration & Data Management:

Ensure seamless integration between APO and SAP ECC/S4HANA systems using Core Interface (CIF)

Configure and maintain master data distribution and transactional data exchange

Design and implement integration with external planning systems, demand sensing tools, and business intelligence platforms

Support real-time data synchronization and delta management between planning and execution systems

Manage planning data archival, purging, and performance optimization

Business Process Analysis & Optimization:

Conduct business process workshops to understand current planning challenges and future state requirements

Analyze supply chain KPIs including forecast accuracy, service levels, inventory turns, and planning cycle times

Design planning hierarchies, planning levels, and aggregation strategies for scalable planning processes

Implement collaborative planning processes with suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders

Develop planning governance frameworks and establish planning review cycles

Reporting & Analytics:

Configure APO planning books, data views, and interactive planning interfaces

Develop custom planning reports and dashboards for executive visibility

Implement planning analytics including forecast accuracy measurement, bias analysis, and demand pattern recognition

Create exception reporting and alert mechanisms for supply-demand imbalances

Design planning simulation scenarios for what-if analysis and contingency planning

Required Qualifications:

Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, or related field

5+ years of hands-on experience with SAP APO implementation and support

Deep understanding of supply chain planning concepts including demand planning, supply planning, and production planning

Experience with APO configuration tools and planning procedures

Strong analytical skills with ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions

Knowledge of statistical forecasting methods and demand planning best practices

Experience with APO-ECC integration and master data management

Preferred Qualifications:

SAP APO certification or other relevant SAP supply chain certifications

Experience with S/4HANA embedded planning (IBP integration) and transition projects

Knowledge of SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP) for Supply Chain

Advanced degree in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, or MBA with supply chain focus

Experience in utilities, energy, manufacturing, or process industries

Project management experience or PMP certification

Knowledge of optimization algorithms and mathematical modeling

Functional Expertise:

APO Functional Expertise:

Demand Planning (DP) configuration and statistical forecasting

Supply Network Planning (SNP) and deployment optimization

Production Planning/Detailed Scheduling (PP/DS) and capacity optimization

Global Available-to-Promise (GATP) and order fulfillment

Transportation Planning and Logistics (TP/LS)

Planning & Analytics:

Statistical forecasting models and demand sensing

Supply chain optimization and mathematical modeling

Planning KPI development and performance measurement

Scenario planning and simulation modeling

Collaborative planning and demand consensus processes

Integration & Technical Knowledge:

Core Interface (CIF) configuration and troubleshooting

Master data management and data quality processes

APO LiveCache administration and performance tuning

Basic understanding of ABAP for functional specifications

Experience with planning automation and batch processing

This role offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge planning technologies while driving significant business value through optimized supply chain operations, improved forecast accuracy, and enhanced customer service levels across our energy operations.

They will work with ABAP person at onsite. There will be no offshore help.