IT Implementation Manager (SAP)

A leading international manufacturer is seeking an IT Implementation Manager to join its newly established North American holding company based in New Jersey.

This key role will be instrumental in leading the successful implementation of SAP solutions and overseeing the development of IT infrastructure to support business operations across the region. The position requires a strategic thinker with strong project management capabilities and technical expertise to ensure the smooth deployment of SAP systems and the establishment of a scalable, secure IT environment.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Extensive experience in end-to-end SAP implementations
• Proven leadership in managing complex IT projects
• Hands-on knowledge of IT infrastructure design and execution

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a dynamic, fast-growing organization and contribute to the foundational build-out of its North American operations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. SAP Implementation Management

· Lead and oversee the full lifecycle of the SAP implementation project, from planning through post-go-live support.

· Collaborate with stakeholders to define the project scope, objectives, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with the IT department at the company's headquarters in Japan.

· Develop and manage detailed project timelines, resource allocation, and budgets to ensure successful and on-time implementation.

· Coordinate with cross-functional teams (business users, SAP consultants, third-party vendors) to ensure alignment and effective communication throughout the project.

· Monitor and resolve any issues that arise during the SAP implementation, ensuring risks are managed and mitigated.

· Provide ongoing training and support for users post-implementation to ensure SAP adoption and optimal usage.

2. IT Infrastructure Build-Out

· Lead the development, deployment, and optimization of IT infrastructure for North America operations, ensuring systems meet current and future business needs.

· Design and implement robust network, server, and storage solutions that align with business objectives and scale with growth.

· Ensure that IT infrastructure adheres to industry best practices, security standards, and regulatory compliance requirements.

· Work closely with the IT team to plan and execute IT infrastructure projects, including hardware and software upgrades, data center management, and cloud solutions.

· Manage vendor relationships and procure necessary hardware and software solutions.

· Monitor and maintain infrastructure performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing cost-effective solutions.

3. Project Management & Reporting

· Develop detailed project plans, including tasks, milestones, timelines, and resource allocation.

· Monitor project progress and adjust as needed to ensure that objectives are achieved on time and within budget.

· Prepare regular status updates and reports for senior management, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

· Identify potential risks or delays and proactively develop strategies to address them.

4. Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

· Serve as the primary point of contact for all IT and SAP implementation-related matters within the organization.

· Foster strong working relationships with business leaders, IT teams, external consultants, and vendors.

· Act as a liaison between technical teams and business units to ensure alignment between IT systems and business processes.

· Provide clear communication to all stakeholders, ensuring transparency in project status and outcomes.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in IT project management, with a focus on SAP implementation and IT infrastructure.
• Proven experience in managing the full lifecycle of SAP projects (design, implementation, post-go-live).
• Strong background in IT infrastructure design, deployment, and management (e.g., networks, servers, storage, cloud solutions).
• Experience with leading cross-functional teams and managing large-scale IT projects.
• Expertise in SAP ERP systems (modules such as SAP S/4HANA, SAP FICO, SAP MM, SAP SD, etc.).
• Strong project management skills, including experience with tools like Microsoft Project, JIRA, or similar.
• Familiarity with IT infrastructure technologies (servers, networks, cloud, storage, cybersecurity).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities to manage complex IT challenges.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Knowledge of IT security practices and regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).

Travel:

This role may be required to travel up to 10% of the time.

Preferred Qualifications:

· PMP, ITIL, or similar certifications.

· SAP certifications (e.g., SAP Certified Application Associate).

· Experience in managing global IT projects and multi-site implementations.

· Familiarity with cloud technologies (AWS, Azure) and virtualization platforms.