S​/HANA Public Cloud Project Manager

Overview

Location: Minneapolis, MN (Hybrid – on-site required during key phases)

Engagement: Contract (12 months minimum)

Overview

Our client is seeking a hands-on SAP S/4

HANA Public Cloud Program / Project Manager to lead a critical, multi-phase ERP transformation as the organization transitions from SAP Business One to SAP S/4

HANA Public Cloud
.

The successful candidate will act as an internal owner and advisor
, partnering closely with the CFO and leadership team, guiding system integrator selection
, and ensuring a fit-to-standard, on-time Public Cloud deployment
.

This individual must bring a blend of delivery leadership, SAP functional understanding, light architecture awareness, and people leadership — effectively serving as an extension of the internal leadership team.

• Own end-to-end delivery of a 3-phase SAP S/4
  
  HANA Public Cloud implementation
  , beginning with Phase 1 (Core Finance & Financial Management)
• Establish realistic timelines, milestones, and governance after prior missed deadlines and deliverables
• Lead the program before, during, and after SI selection
  , serving as the internal authority
• Drive urgency and accountability across internal teams, partners, and contractors

• Guide a fit-to-standard Public Cloud approach
  , pushing back on unnecessary customizations
• Ensure core Public Cloud functionality is fully leveraged before exceptions are approved
• Oversee scope across:
• Lease Management
• Contract Management
• Complex logistics, shipping, tariffs, and ownership transfers
• Vessel management and commodity blending scenarios
• Act as a techno-functional liaison between business, SI, infrastructure, and data teams
• Oversee and coordinate integrations, including Planview (PM tool) and external systems
• Partner with infrastructure and data consultants while ensuring knowledge is retained internally
• Provide light architectural guidance and challenge vendor assumptions when needed
• Operate comfortably in a hybrid delivery model
  :
• Agile execution at the working-team level
• Waterfall governance for executive stakeholders
• Functional and process documentation
• Decisions, assumptions, and design rationale
• Deployment and cutover plans
• Ensure documentation is mandatory and enforced
• Serve as a visible, trusted leader who can rally teams and build momentum
• Work closely with ~25 system users and stakeholders
• Support leadership in planning future hires and building internal SAP capability (ramp in 2026, scale in 2027)
• Be present on-site during key workshops, testing, and deployment activities

• 8+ years of experience as a Program Manager / Project Manager on ERP or SAP initiatives
• Direct experience with SAP S/4
  
  HANA (Public Cloud strongly preferred)
• Strong understanding of Finance, Sales & Distribution, and integration concepts
• Proven ability to lead programs independently of the SI
• Experience managing complex, global businesses (40+ countries, tariffs, logistics, pricing changes)
• Hybrid methodology experience (Agile + Waterfall)
• Strong communication skills and executive presence
• Ability and willingness to work hybrid in Minneapolis, MN
  , with on-site presence during key phases

• SAP Business One background
• Manufacturing or asset management exposure (even if not fully deployed)
• Experience supporting high-growth organizations undergoing rapid expansion
• Prior involvement in SI selection or rescue/recovery programs