SAP COE Manager

SUMMARY OVERVIEW The SAP COE Manager leads the strategy, governance, and run-improve model for SAP S/4HANA under RISE, ensuring stable operations, value realization, and controlled innovation across the ERP landscape. The role establishes and matures the Customer Center of Expertise framework, orchestrates demand and portfolio management, and enforces fit-to-standard and clean core principles using SAP Activate and Cloud ALM. The manager defines COE processes for incident, problem, change, and release management aligned to ITIL, clarifies customer versus SAP responsibilities in RISE, and drives release planning, testing, and adoption across business functions. The position partners with PMO, Security, and Architecture to keep solutions compliant, supportable, and on roadmap. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES · Establish and mature the Customer COE operating model, governance, and accreditation roadmap to maximize SAP ROI and standardize engagement with business and SAP. · Define and run demand, intake, and portfolio processes balancing Run IT and Improve IT across business and IT value streams. · Clarify and manage RISE roles and responsibilities across SAP Enterprise Cloud Services, SI partners, and internal teams, including optional and additional services scope. · Lead adherence to SAP Activate with fit-to-standard workshops, Solution Standardization Board, and clean core extensibility guardrails. · Manage SAP Cloud ALM as the system of record for requirements, tasks, testing, deployment orchestration, documentation, and operations monitoring. · Own ITIL-aligned practices for incident, problem, and change enablement with appropriate Change Authority and CAB usage. · Direct release and upgrade management for S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition, coordinating FPS/SPS cadence, testing, cutover, and business readiness. · Govern transport, retrofit, and deployment pipelines ensuring segregation of duties, traceability, and compliance. · Oversee security and audit readiness for RISE, including roles and authorizations, note implementation approach, and monitoring coverage. · Drive Fiori adoption, stability, and support practices to increase user productivity and ensure robust UX operations. · Lead hypercare and continuous improvement, leveraging telemetry, business process monitoring, and KPI-led optimization. · Manage partner ecosystem, SAP Enterprise Support engagements, and access to SAP roadmaps, Best Practices, and innovation content. · Ensure compliance with security, data integrity, and audit requirements, working with InfoSec and Internal Audit. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES · Manage a cross-functional COE team including solution leads, analysts, test leads, and operations SMEs, and oversee partner resources as needed. QUALIFICATIONS · Bachelor’s degree in information systems, Computer Science, or related field. · 8+ years in SAP delivery with 3+ years leading an SAP COE or equivalent leadership in S/4HANA programs. · Hands-on experience with S/4HANA under RISE, including understanding of customer versus SAP responsibilities. · Proven application of SAP Activate across Prepare, Explore, Realize, and Deploy, including fit-to-standard governance. · Proficiency with SAP Cloud ALM for implementation and operations including testing, release orchestration, and monitoring. · Strong command of ITIL incident, problem, and change enablement practices and service operations. · Experience managing release and upgrade cycles for S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition. · Excellent stakeholder management, vendor governance, and communication skills. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS · SAP certifications such as SAP Certified Application Associate in a relevant LoB, SAP Activate Project Manager, or Cloud ALM practitioner. · Experience with Fiori operations at scale and UX support practices. · Familiarity with Solution Manager to Cloud ALM transition considerations. · Industry experience in distribution or manufacturing WORK SCHEDULE · Full-time position with flexibility for off-hours release events, hypercare, and critical issue response. LANGUAGE SKILLS · Strong written and verbal English and the ability to produce clear COE documentation and run executive-level forums. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS · Ability to interpret KPI trends, capacity and performance metrics, and release risk assessments. REASONING ABILITY · Ability to apply structured problem solving and risk-based decision making across project and operations contexts CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS · ITIL certification preferred; SAP certifications as noted may be required post-hire. PHYSICAL DEMANDS · Standard office environment. WORK ENVIRONMENT · Hybrid remote and office-based role with exposure to standard IT equipment and lighting ABOUT THE COMPANY D&H is a leading provider of innovative solutions in the distribution industry, committed to delivering excellence and driving success for our clients. We value integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement, and we strive to create a supportive and inclusive work environment.