SAP Solution Architect

This Senior Manager role is a senior SAP architecture leadership position responsible for end-to-end SAP solution architecture across complex transformation programmes. The successful candidate will act as SAP design authority across S/4HANA, SAP BTP, integration, analytics, data and surrounding enterprise ecosystems while contributing to delivery quality, client trust and SAP practice growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own the overall SAP solution architecture across large, complex SAP transformation programmes.

• Lead target-state architecture design covering S/4HANA, SAP BTP, analytics, integrations, data and cloud deployment considerations.

• Advise senior client stakeholders on deployment models, transformation roadmaps, architectural trade-offs and SAP-enabled operating models.

• Govern design decisions across functional and technical SAP workstreams, ensuring integration across process, data, security and technology domains.

• Support RISE with SAP and GROW with SAP programmes and cloud-based SAP operating model discussions.

• Lead SAP architecture input into major pursuits, proposals, estimates, assumptions and delivery approaches.

• Mentor SAP architects and senior consultants while contributing to SAP practice capability and EY alliance value.

Key Deliverables (6-12 months):

• SAP target-state architecture and transformation roadmap for priority client engagements or pursuits.

• Architecture blueprints covering S/4HANA, SAP BTP, integration, analytics, data migration, security and cloud operating model implications.

• Design authority cadence, architecture decision framework and governance across SAP functional and technical workstreams.

• Architecture input into SAP pursuits, including estimates, solution scope, delivery assumptions and risk profile.

• Improved SAP architectural integrity and delivery success across active transformation programmes.

• Reusable SAP architecture assets, methods and mentoring interventions to build local practice capability.

Technical Skills:

• SAP solution and enterprise architecture across large SAP transformation programmes.

• Strong understanding of SAP S/4HANA, SAP BTP, SAP analytics, integration patterns and SAP ecosystem architecture.

• Experience with greenfield, brownfield and hybrid SAP S/4HANA transformation approaches.

• Knowledge of SAP cloud deployment models, RISE with SAP, GROW with SAP and cloud-based SAP operating models.

• SAP integration experience across API, event, middleware, SAP Integration Suite / CPI, PI / PO or equivalent integration landscapes.

• Understanding of data migration, master data, analytics, security, controls and regulated-industry architecture requirements.

Leadership Skills:

• Trusted-advisor credibility with CIO, CFO, COO, programme sponsors and senior technology stakeholders.

• Ability to govern SAP design decisions across process, functional, technical, data, security and integration workstreams.

• Strong commercial contribution across pursuits, proposal development, estimation and delivery model design.

• Ability to explain SAP architecture trade-offs, cost, risk and transformation implications to executive audiences.

• Leadership of multidisciplinary SAP teams across client, EY, SAP vendor and global delivery environments.

• Coaching and mentoring capability for SAP architects, senior consultants and practice teams.

Minimum Requirements:

• 12+ years of SAP delivery and architecture experience.

• Proven experience as an SAP Solution Architect or SAP Enterprise Architect on large transformation programmes.

• Strong understanding of S/4HANA, SAP BTP and integration patterns.

• Senior client-facing advisory capability with experience engaging executive stakeholders.

• Financial Services, asset-heavy or regulated-industry experience preferred for complex enterprise landscapes.

• Demonstrated accountability for SAP architectural integrity and delivery success.

Preferred Requirements:

• SAP certifications or equivalent experience across S/4HANA, SAP BTP, SAP Integration Suite or related SAP domains.

• Experience with RISE with SAP, GROW with SAP, SAP cloud migration or SAP platform consolidation programmes.

• Experience in SAP-enabled core finance, operating model transformation, platform consolidation or integration-heavy SAP landscapes.

• Prior consulting experience in a Big Four, systems integrator or major SAP advisory environment.

• Knowledge of the South African SAP market and regulated-industry transformation context.

Stakeholders (Internal/External):

• External: CIO, CFO, COO, programme sponsors, process owners, enterprise architecture, SAP CoE, information security, risk and compliance, SAP and ecosystem vendors, implementation partners and business executives.

• Internal: EY SAP Partners and Directors, Technology Consulting leadership, SAP alliance teams, engagement teams, commercial and pursuit teams, global delivery teams, risk and quality teams, Talent and local practice leadership.

Key Challenges:

• Balancing standard SAP capability, business process requirements, regulatory obligations and legacy integration constraints.

• Maintaining end-to-end SAP architectural integrity across large functional, technical, data and integration workstreams.

• Advising clients on complex trade-offs across greenfield, brownfield, hybrid, RISE / GROW and cloud operating models.

• Managing transformation risk across data migration, integration, cutover, controls, resilience and stakeholder adoption.

Strategic Importance:

• Critical to EY Technology Consulting South Africa growth in SAP transformation and SAP-enabled operating model change.

• Strengthens EY credibility with clients undertaking S/4HANA, BTP, cloud and integration-heavy SAP programmes.

• Supports SAP pipeline growth, proposal quality, delivery assurance and EY alliance value.

• Builds local SAP architecture capability and reusable assets for future transformation engagements.