SAP ePPDS Architect

SAP ePPDS Architect

Duration: 6 months (possible extension)

Location: (Remote with partial Travel)

Job Description ::

Key skills:

• Lead and facilitate all design workshops, requirements finalization, and design-freeze sessions with business stakeholders.
• Own end-to-end solution design covering:
• Plan / Schedule heuristics, PP/DS Optimizer (cost-based & constraint-based optimization, setup/sequence optimization, block planning).
• Detailed scheduling (DS Board, interactive planning, capacity leveling, pegging, alerts).
• Master data (PDS/PPM, resources, setup matrices, planning procedures).
• Integration via CIF with S/4HANA core modules (PP, MM, SD, QM, EWM) as applicable and any legacy/IBP interfaces.
• All planning strategies (MTO, MTS, Make-to-Order with variant configuration, Repetitive, etc.).
• Prepare and own the Solution Design Document (SDD), Functional Specifications, Configuration Rationales, and Optimizer Profiles.
• Conduct fit-gap analysis and recommend best-practice PP/DS solutions; obtain ILMN sign-off on design-freeze.
• Provide detailed build instructions, configuration guides, and review checkpoints to development/build team.
• Perform design reviews and quality gates during the build phase; validate configurations and optimizer runs.
• Collaborate closely with the offshore team to ensure knowledge transfer and consistent delivery.
• Support hyper-care / go-live preparation and post-go-live optimization of PP/DS processes.
• Mentor ILMN and other partners from cross functional work streams (per need) on PP/DS best practices.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• At least 9+ years of hands-on SAP APO PP/DS experience and 3+ years of S4 ePPDS (minimum 3–4 full lifecycle implementations, preferably in S/4HANA embedded PP/DS).
• Deep expertise in PP/DS Optimizer configuration, performance tuning, optimization profiles, and cost/penalty modeling.
• Strong experience in CIF integration, master-data governance (PDS, resources, setup groups), heuristics, and detailed scheduling strategies.
• Proven track record of owning solution design and design-freeze in complex manufacturing environments (discrete, process, or automotive preferred).
• Excellent stakeholder management and workshop facilitation skills; ability to translate business needs into optimal PP/DS designs.
• SAP PP/DS certification (or equivalent) is a strong plus, but not mandatory.
• Holistic Supply Chain knowledge for better cross functional collaboration.
• Good communication skills (written & verbal) and ability to work in a multi-vendor environment.