SAP S4 HANA PPDS Lead

Job Title

SAP S/4HANA Transformation – PP/DS Module Lead

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced SAP S/4HANA PP/DS Module Lead to lead the Production Planning and Detailed Scheduling (PP/DS) workstream in complex S/4HANA transformation programs. This role is responsible for driving solution design, business process transformation, system integration, and successful delivery of advanced planning and scheduling capabilities embedded in SAP S/4HANA.

The PP/DS Module Lead will work closely with business stakeholders, solution architects, and cross-functional teams to enable efficient, optimized, and scalable planning processes..

Key Responsibilities

S/4HANA PPDS Workstream Leadership

• Lead the PP/DS workstream across SAP S/4HANA transformation projects (greenfield, brownfield, and system conversions).
• Drive Fit-to-Standard (F2S) and design workshops aligned to SAP S/4HANA Best Practices.
• Define PP/DS transformation strategy, including transition from APO PP/DS to S/4HANA embedded PP/DS.

Solution Design & Delivery

• Design, configure, and validate S/4HANA embedded PP/DS solutions including:
• Heuristics and optimization
• Finite and infinite scheduling
• Product and resource master setup
• Production versions and PDS integration
• Alert monitoring and exception management
•  Ensure alignment with MRP, Advanced Planning, and Manufacturing Execution (MES) processes.
• Ensure alignment with S/4HANA logistics architecture and SAP best practices.

S/4HANA Transformation Activities

• Lead Fit-to-Standard (F2S) workshops and logistics process harmonization.
• Assess and manage custom code (RICEFW) impacts for PPDS in S/4HANA.
• Guide logistics and transportation master data conversion and validation.

Integration & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with PP, MM, QM, EWM, TM, and FI/CO teams to ensure end-to-end planning and execution integration.
• Coordinate with CIF replacement mechanisms, master data harmonization, and model consistency.
• Work with ABAP and technical teams on enhancements, reports, and interfaces.

Data Migration & Testing

• Define PP/DS master and transactional data migration strategy.
• Lead unit testing, integration testing, UAT, and regression cycles for PP/DS scenarios.
• Ensure planning results accuracy, performance, and stability.

Cutover & Go-Live Support

• Lead PP/DS cutover activities, including planning freeze, reconciliation, and validation.
• Act as escalation point during go-live and hypercare, resolving planning and scheduling issues.
• Support business users during stabilization and optimization phases.

Governance & Team Leadership

• Ensure adherence to SAP Activate methodology, project standards, and documentation.
• Review and approve functional designs, configurations, and test artifacts.
• Mentor PPDS consultants and support knowledge transfer.

Required Skills & Experience

SAP PP/DS & Planning Expertise

• 10+ years of SAP PP / PP-DS / APO experience
• 2+ full-cycle SAP S/4HANA PP/DS implementations or APO to S/4HANA PP/DS conversions
• Strong understanding of manufacturing planning and scheduling concepts

S/4HANA-Specific Knowledge

• Hands-on experience with:
• S/4HANA embedded PP/DS
• MRP Live and advanced planning integration
• SAP Fiori apps for planning and scheduling
• Knowledge of S/4HANA simplifications vs APO PP/DS

Leadership & Delivery

• Proven experience leading PP/DS teams in large transformation programs
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Experience working in global delivery and multi-vendor environments

Preferred Qualifications

• SAP S/4HANA certification in Manufacturing / PP / PP-DS
• Experience with SAP Digital Manufacturing, MES integrations nice to have
• Industry experience in Manufacturing, Automotive, Aerospace, or Consumer Products
• Exposure to IBP integration is an added advantage

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to translate complex logistics requirements into SAP solutions
• Mentoring and coaching mindset
• Excellent documentation and presentation skills

Location & Work Model

• Location: As per project requirements
• Work Model: Hybrid / Onsite / Offshore (project dependent)