SAP Public Cloud Architect

Job : SAP Public Cloud Architect

About Client :

We are a preferred and trusted Technology Consulting and Development Partner for global enterprises, from start-ups to Fortune 500s. Work with different stakeholders of the knowledge value chain to provide the Business Intelligence, Data Analytics and Technology solutions which enables them to make the informed decisions and solve the business challenges.

Our Services include Business Intelligence, Data Analytics, Data Visualization, Artificial Intelligence, Power BI Services, Power Apps, Power Automate, Product Development, Generative AI, Low-Code/No-Code, Microsoft Fabric. We have been in the market for the last 10 successful & progressive years with 100+ successful delivery of projects. Cient started its regional office in the USA in 2023. It has an extensive Global Experience & Capabilities to provide Technology support in a major part of the world.

About the Role :

The SAP Public Cloud Architect is responsible for the design, implementation, and optimization of SAP solutions on public cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). This role requires a strong technical background with a solid understanding of both SAP applications and cloud computing, aimed at delivering seamless and cost-effective SAP services. For individuals with 3-8 years of experience, this position involves a blend of technical execution and strategic input, contributing to cloud migration and SAP deployment.

Primary Objectives :

At this stage in their career, the architect is expected to provide hands-on technical expertise in cloud architecture and SAP solution implementation. Their main goals will include designing scalable, secure, and efficient SAP solutions on the cloud, migrating SAP systems from on-premise to cloud environments, and ensuring continuous performance optimization.

Key Responsibilities :

1. Cloud Architecture Design :

Designing Cloud-Based SAP Solutions :

- The architect is responsible for designing the public cloud infrastructure for SAP solutions. This includes selecting the right cloud platforms, defining architecture components, and ensuring that the infrastructure meets the required performance, security, and scalability requirements.

- Work with stakeholders to define the business needs and translate those into cloud-based SAP solutions.

- Select appropriate cloud services (e.g., AWS EC2, Azure Virtual Machines, Google Compute Engine) for compute, storage, networking, and databases to host SAP workloads like SAP S/4HANA, SAP SuccessFactors, and SAP Cloud Platform.

- Ensure that the design accommodates flexibility, high availability, and disaster recovery while managing cloud costs effectively.

2. Cloud Migration and Implementation :

Supporting SAP Migrations to the Cloud :

- The architect will play an integral role in migrating existing SAP environments (e.g., SAP S/4HANA, SAP ERP) from on-premise systems to cloud platforms. The migration process involves both strategic planning and hands-on work in ensuring that the SAP environment is successfully moved while minimizing downtime and disruption.

- Plan migration strategies like lift-and-shift, re-platforming, or re-architecting based on business requirements and application suitability for the cloud.

- Execute cloud migration projects with minimal risk to ensure that business operations continue smoothly throughout the process.

3. Cloud Security and Compliance :

Ensuring Secure and Compliant SAP Cloud Systems :

- Security and compliance are key aspects of any cloud solution. The architect will help implement and monitor security controls and processes to safeguard sensitive SAP data in the cloud.

- Apply best practices in cloud security and implement robust measures for data encryption, identity and access management (IAM), and network security.

- Ensure that the SAP cloud infrastructure adheres to regulatory standards such as GDPR, ISO 27001, and SOC 2 for industries that require compliance.

4. Performance Optimization and Cost Efficiency :

Optimizing Cloud Performance and Cost Management :

- The architect will continuously assess and optimize the performance of SAP systems in the cloud. This involves configuring cloud services to meet the performance needs of SAP applications while also managing costs efficiently.

- Implement strategies such as auto-scaling, load balancing, and resource monitoring to ensure SAP systems run at peak performance.

- Develop strategies to manage cloud costs by optimizing the use of cloud resources, including leveraging reserved instances, spot instances, and right-sizing resources.

5. Integration and Automation :

Integrating SAP with Other Systems :

- Integration is key to ensuring that SAP cloud systems work seamlessly with other enterprise systems, such as CRM, ERP, and third-party applications. The architect will work on integrating SAP systems with both cloud and on-premise solutions.

- Use tools like API management, middleware, and ESB to ensure that data is exchanged seamlessly between SAP and other business systems.

- Implement automation processes using tools like Terraform, Docker, and Kubernetes to streamline cloud deployments and improve operational efficiency.

6. Collaboration and Stakeholder Management :

Collaborating Across Teams :

- The architect will work with various teams, including business stakeholders, IT, security, and cloud infrastructure teams, to ensure that SAP cloud implementations meet the needs of the business.

- Help translate business requirements into technical specifications, ensuring alignment between business objectives and technical solutions.

- Collaborate with cloud engineers to execute the implementation of the SAP architecture, ensuring that all technical aspects are aligned with the cloud strategy.

- Provide training and support to internal teams to ensure they are equipped to manage and maintain the SAP cloud environment.

Required Skills and Experience :

- The architect must have in-depth knowledge and experience with leading cloud platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

- Expertise in services like AWS EC2, AWS RDS, Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Kubernetes Service, and Google Compute Engine is required to deploy and manage SAP workloads.

- The architect should be comfortable using cloud-native services like load balancers, object storage, and database services for SAP applications.

SAP Knowledge :

- A good understanding of SAP S/4HANA, SAP SuccessFactors, SAP Cloud Platform, and other SAP applications is crucial. The architect should know how to deploy and manage these systems on cloud platforms.

- Experience with SAP Fiori for UI development and SAP HANA Cloud for database optimization in the cloud will be an advantage.

Security and Compliance :

- The architect should be well-versed in cloud security practices and tools such as IAM, firewalls, VPCs, and VPNs.

- Familiarity with cloud compliance standards like SOC 2, ISO 27001, and GDPR will be required, especially in regulated industries.

Certifications (Good To Have) :

- AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate or Professional level

- Microsoft Certified : Azure Solutions Architect Expert

- Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect

SAP Certifications :

- SAP Certified Technology Associate - SAP S/4HANA Cloud Implementation

- SAP Certified Technology Associate - SAP Cloud Platform

Project Management Certifications : A Scrum Master or PMP certification is desirable, especially for those managing cloud projects or leading teams.

Soft Skills :

- Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking : The architect must possess strong problem-solving skills to quickly troubleshoot and resolve issues related to SAP solutions in the cloud.

- Effective Communication : The ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders is essential. The architect should be able to explain complex cloud solutions and ensure alignment with business objectives.

- Collaboration and Leadership : The architect should be comfortable working with cross-functional teams, offering guidance and mentoring junior staff as needed.

Experience :

- The architect should have 3-8 years of experience in cloud computing, particularly with cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, or GCP, and experience in deploying and managing SAP solutions in the cloud.

- Experience in cloud migration projects, particularly involving SAP S/4HANA, and familiarity with hybrid cloud architectures will be beneficial.

- Familiarity with cloud-native development and automation tools (such as Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform) is a plus.

Education :

- A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field is typically required.

- Relevant certifications in cloud computing and SAP will be considered an advantage.