IT Business Systems Analyst, Principal

Job#: 2087580

Job Description:

Position Overview

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.

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 fulfillment 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, Operations Research, 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

Technical Skills

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.

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.