Job Description:

Our client is a leading manufacturing organization embarking on a significant digital transformation journey. As part of this initiative, they are looking for a seasoned Head IT Business Applications (SAP) to lead the organization's enterprise applications landscape and drive the next phase of SAP transformation. The role is based in Mumbai.

This is the senior-most Business Applications leadership role, reporting to the Top Management, with end-to-end ownership of the SAP ecosystem, enterprise application strategy, governance, and business process transformation. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in leading a large-scale SAP re-implementation while building a future-ready Business Applications organization capable of supporting the company's long-term growth.

Role Overview:

The Head IT Business Applications (SAP) will be responsible for defining and executing the organization's SAP strategy, leading enterprise-wide transformation initiatives, and ensuring operational excellence across all business applications. This role combines strategic leadership, business process transformation, enterprise architecture, and stakeholder management while partnering closely with business leaders across Finance, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Procurement, Sales, HR, and other corporate functions.

Key Responsibilities:

- Define and execute the enterprise applications strategy aligned with business objectives.

- Lead the organization's SAP and enterprise applications portfolio.

- Build and develop a high-performing Business Applications function that supports future business growth.

- Lead end-to-end SAP implementation/re-implementation programmes.

- Drive business process standardization by adopting SAP best practices across functions.

- Oversee solution design, implementation, testing, deployment, stabilization, and post-implementation benefits realization.

- Establish governance for SAP solution design, enhancements, releases, and enterprise application standards.

- Ensure all application changes align with enterprise architecture and long-term business strategy.

- Reduce customization while improving application scalability and standardization.

- Provide executive oversight for SAP Application Management Services (AMS), production support, release management, and vendor-managed services.

- Ensure high system availability, operational stability, and SLA compliance.

- Partner with senior business leaders to understand business priorities and deliver technology solutions that create measurable business value.

- Manage relationships with SAP, System Integrators, AMS partners, and other technology vendors.

- Lead multiple implementation partners and cross-functional project teams.

- Build capabilities in solution architecture, business process transformation, deployment, and application governance.

- Develop and mentor high-performing SAP and Business Applications teams.

- Establish best-in-class governance, delivery practices, and operating models.

Candidate Profile:

- 18-22 years of progressive IT experience.

- Minimum 10 years leading SAP or Enterprise Applications within a large manufacturing organization or leading consulting firm.

- Proven experience leading at least one large end-to-end SAP implementation or major SAP re-implementation programme.

- Strong SAP FICO expertise with good understanding of MM, SD, PP, and Manufacturing business processes.

- Experience managing large cross-functional transformation programmes involving business leaders, implementation partners, and multiple vendors.

- Strong enterprise architecture, governance, and business process transformation experience.

- Excellent stakeholder management with the ability to engage CXOs and senior business leaders.

- Experience building and leading high-performing SAP/Application teams.

Technical Expertise:

- SAP ECC and/or SAP S/4HANA

- SAP FICO (mandatory)

- SAP MM, SD, and PP

- Manufacturing & Supply Chain Processes

- Enterprise Solution Architecture

- Business Process Transformation

- Application Lifecycle Management

- Change & Release Management

- Vendor & Partner Management

Key Leadership Competencies:

- Enterprise mindset with strategic thinking capability

- Strong business process orientation

- Transformation leadership

- Executive stakeholder management

- Influencing and negotiation skills

- Team building and talent development

- Delivery excellence with a strong execution focus