SAP Release Manager

Position Overview:

We are seeking an SAP S4 Release Management & DevOps Lead to be responsible for overseeing the release and deployment processes for SAP S/4HANA systems within an organization. This position ensures seamless collaboration between development, operations, and business teams to deliver high-quality, reliable, and efficient software solutions. The role requires expertise in release management, DevSecOps practices, and SAP S/4HANA landscapes, ensuring timely delivery, system stability, and continuous improvement.

We are seeking an experienced SAP S/4HANA Release Management & DevOps Lead to design, implement, and manage the release and DevOps strategy for SAP S/4HANA projects. The ideal candidate will oversee release cycles, automate deployment pipelines, and enhance system stability through DevOps practices. This role requires expertise in SAP Solution Manager (SolMan), ChaRM, CI/CD tools, and cloud-based SAP deployments.

Key Responsibilities:

Release Management & Governance:

• Define and implement SAP S/4HANA release management processes, ensuring smooth transport and deployment workflows.
• Oversee SAP Change Request Management (ChaRM) and enforce governance for transports across landscapes.
• Develop and maintain release schedules, coordinating with functional, technical, and business teams.
• Implement risk management strategies to prevent release failures and system downtime.

DevOps & Automation:

• Drive DevOps adoption in SAP environments, integrating CI/CD pipelines for SAP S/4HANA.
• Implement automated testing, code quality checks, and transport automation for efficient deployments.
• Work with development teams to ensure version control, code branching strategies, and rollback procedures.
• Leverage cloud-native DevOps tools for SAP deployments on Azure.

Environment Management & Continuous Improvement:

• Ensure stability and consistency across SAP landscapes (DEV, QA, PROD).
• Monitor and optimize performance, security, and compliance in SAP release processes.
• Evaluate and implement best practices for near-zero downtime upgrades and system refreshes.
• Drive continuous improvement by analyzing key release KPIs and system performance metrics.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management:

• Work closely with Cross-functional, SAP BASIS, Development, Functional, Security, and Business teams to align release strategies.
• Provide regular status updates on release cycles, DevOps improvements, and risk assessments to leadership.
• Train teams on SAP release the best management practices and DevOps methodologies.

Required Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
• 14+ years of SAP experience, with at least 3+ years in SAP Release Management & DevOps roles.
• Hands-on experience managing SAP S/4HANA transport and deployment processes.

Technical Skills:

• Expertise in SAP Solution Manager (SolMan), ChaRM, Transport Management (TMS), and CTS+.
• Experience with DevOps automation tools (Jenkins, Git, Ansible, Terraform, Azure DevOps).
• Strong understanding of SAP Cloud ALM, SAP BTP, and hybrid cloud deployments.
• Knowledge of SAP Basis, ABAP, Fiori, and Integration technologies (PI/PO, CPI).

Soft Skills:

• Strong leadership and communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to analyze complex issues and drive process improvements.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive mindset.

Preferred Qualifications:

• SAP Certified in Solution Manager, DevOps, or S/4HANA Technical Administration.
• Experience with Agile, ITIL, and SAFe methodologies.
• Prior experience managing SAP DevOps in large-scale global implementations.