SAP Data Lead

**18 months contract**

Overview / Purpose

The SAP Data Lead provides direction and expertise for the design and implementation of data deliverables across a complex SAP data migration programme. The role leads the design and delivery of an end‑to‑end ETLR process and strategy, oversees execution of data migration cycles, mentors data stewards and acts as the primary escalation point for data migration issues, risks and audit queries. Strong hands‑on SAP experience and the ability to troubleshoot data migration failures are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of an end‑to‑end ETLR (Extract, Transform, Load, Reconcile) process, approach and strategy for multiple data migration cycles.
• Design, create and maintain Data Migration Execution Plans in collaboration with the Service Integrator.
• Provide day‑to‑day oversight and direction for the execution of data migration activities in line with the Data Migration Execution Plan.
• Drive and support Business and Service Integrator teams through Mock Data Cycles, Full Dress Rehearsals and Production Cutover activities, ensuring timelines and data quality KPIs are met.
• Provide expert guidance on data cleansing, harmonisation and preparation activities to business stakeholders.
• Define and advise on data validation and reconciliation approaches for migrated data; review and sign‑off validation results.
• Identify data migration risks and issues; propose, document and track mitigation/remediation actions; escalate to Programme Management where required.
• Ensure data migration activities meet internal and external audit requirements; drive actions to avoid audit findings in the data migration area.
• Mentor and lead a team of Data Stewards and data migration resources, including troubleshooting and resolution of complex data issues.
• Provide expert advice to Programme and Project Management on all aspects of data migration, including dependencies, sequencing and cutover coordination.
• Produce clear documentation and status reporting (data quality dashboards, reconciliation reports, lessons learned).

Essential Skills and Experience

• Significant, demonstrable SAP experience (min. 5 years) with hands‑on involvement in data migration activities. Experience across one or more of SAP S/4HANA, ECC or relevant SAP modules is expected.
• Proven experience designing and delivering end‑to‑end data migration strategies and execution plans on large programmes (min. 8 years in data migration / data management roles preferred).
• Strong technical familiarity with data migration tools and approaches (examples: SAP S/4HANA Migration Cockpit, LSMW, SAP Data Services/BODS, Informatica, Talend, Winshuttle or equivalent) and with ETLR patterns.
• Strong troubleshooting skills — able to diagnose, root‑cause and resolve data load and transformation failures.
• Hands‑on experience with data mapping, data profiling, cleansing, reconciliation and validation techniques.
• Solid SQL skills and experience reading/creating transformation logic; exposure to ABAP for data loads or conversions is advantageous.
• Proven experience working with Service Integrators and multi‑vendor delivery models.
• Experience of preparing for and supporting audits related to data migration (internal audit, external auditors, SOX compliance) is highly desirable.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills — capable of advising senior programme leads and working with business SMEs.

Desirable Skills

• SAP certification(s) in relevant modules or data management.
• Prior experience in a Programme Management Office (PMO) environment or working closely with Programme Managers on cutover planning.
• Experience with data governance, Master Data Management (MDM) practices and data quality tooling.
• Experience in Agile delivery environments and in hybrid project delivery models.

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Management, Business Administration or a related discipline; or equivalent professional experience.
• Relevant SAP or data management certifications are highly advantageous.

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership and mentoring capability; comfortable directing multiple teams and contractors.
• Analytical thinker with strong attention to detail.
• Proactive, pragmatic and resilient under pressure — able to operate effectively in high‑stake cutover periods.
• Collaborative and influencing style; able to work across business, technical and vendor teams.

Key deliverables

• Approved Data Migration Strategy and ETLR design.
• Complete and versioned Data Migration Execution Plans.
• Successful completion of Mock Cycles and Full Dress Rehearsal with data quality KPIs met.
• Clean production cutover with agreed reconciliation outcomes and no critical audit findings arising from data migration.
• Data quality dashboard and reconciliations demonstrating acceptable KPIs for migrated data.