SAP S4 Release Manager

Job Description

Job Description: SAP S4 Release Management & DevOps Lead

Position Overview: We are seeking an SAP S4 Release Management & DevOps Lead to be responsible for overseeing the release and deployment processes for SAP S/4HANA systems within an organization. This position ensures seamless collaboration between development, operations, and business teams to deliver high-quality, reliable, and efficient software solutions. The role requires expertise in release management, DevSecOps practices, and SAP S/4HANA landscapes, ensuring timely delivery, system stability, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

We are seeking an experienced SAP S/4HANA Release Management & DevOps Lead to design, implement, and manage the release and DevOps strategy for SAP S/4HANA projects. The ideal candidate will oversee release cycles, automate deployment pipelines, and enhance system stability through DevOps practices. This role requires expertise in SAP Solution Manager (SolMan), ChaRM, CI/CD tools, and cloud-based SAP deployments.

Key Responsibilities:

Release Management & Governance:

Define and implement SAP S/4HANA release management processes, ensuring smooth transport and deployment workflows.

Oversee SAP Change Request Management (ChaRM) and enforce governance for transports across landscapes.

Develop and maintain release schedules, coordinating with functional, technical, and business teams.

Implement risk management strategies to prevent release failures and system downtime.

DevOps & Automation:

Drive DevOps adoption in SAP environments, integrating CI/CD pipelines for SAP S/4HANA.

Implement automated testing, code quality checks, and transport automation for efficient deployments.

Work with development teams to ensure version control, code branching strategies, and rollback procedures.

Leverage cloud-native DevOps tools for SAP deployments on Azure

Environment Management & Continuous Improvement:

Ensure stability and consistency across SAP landscapes (DEV, QA, PROD).

Monitor and optimize performance, security, and compliance in SAP release processes.

Evaluate and implement best practices for near-zero downtime upgrades and system refreshes.

Drive continuous improvement by analyzing key release KPIs and system performance metrics.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management:

Work closely with Cross-functional, SAP BASIS, Development, Functional, Security, and Business teams to align release strategies.

Provide regular status updates on release cycles, DevOps improvements, and risk assessments to leadership.

Train teams on SAP release the best management practices and DevOps methodologies.

Required Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.

14+ years of SAP experience, with at least 3+ years in SAP Release Management & DevOps roles.

Hands-on experience managing SAP S/4HANA transport and deployment processes.

Technical Skills:

Expertise in SAP Solution Manager (SolMan), ChaRM, Transport Management (TMS), and CTS+.

Experience with DevOps automation tools (Jenkins, Git, Ansible, Terraform, Azure DevOps).

Strong understanding of SAP Cloud ALM, SAP BTP, and hybrid cloud deployments.

Knowledge of SAP Basis, ABAP, Fiori, and Integration technologies (PI/PO, CPI).

Soft Skills:

Strong leadership and communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.

Ability to analyze complex issues and drive process improvements.

Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive mindset.

Preferred Qualifications:

SAP Certified in Solution Manager, DevOps, or S/4HANA Technical Administration.

Experience with Agile, ITIL, and SAFe methodologies.

Prior experience managing SAP DevOps in large-scale global implementations.