SAP S/4HANA & Enterprise Solution Architect

Pet Nutrition (PN) is the most vibrant category in the FMCG sector. As we work to transform this exciting category, a new program named Shepherd, has been mobilized by the Mars Pet Nutrition leadership team. Shepherd is focused on the implementation of SAP S/4Hana for Pet Nutrition. Much more than a simple “Lift and Shift,” this program will undertake a major process simplification and harmonization scope as we digitally transform our business.

Shepherd is focused primarily on eight mega process areas: Finance, Source to Pay (procurement and vendor mgmt.), Plan to Fulfill (manufacturing and distribution), Lead to Cash (order processing and payment), Governance, Engage to Consume (marketing), Idea to Market (R&D), and Recruit to Retire (HR). This transformation requires thought leadership, quality decision making, deep technical know-how, and an ability to navigate complex business challenges while applying a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach to each of these mega processes. As part of Shepherd, a new role has been created to manage all the Solution Architect initiatives during the ERP transformation.

Are you passionate about optimizing and redesigning key systems and processes that run a multibillion-dollar business and excited about how it can completely transform the way an organization efficiently and effectively manage its longer-term financial health & operational efficiency and effectiveness? Do you have the strategic vision, technical expertise, and leadership skills to drive digital solutions? Do you want to work in a dynamic, fast-growing category? If so, you might be the ideal candidate for the role of Shepherd – Solution architect in the Enterprise Architecture function for Global Pet Nutrition (PN) at Mars.

The Shepherd - Solution Architect is a technical leadership role that oversees delivery of digital and data capabilities that are critical to the success of our Enterprise. This role is responsible for the architecture, design and optimization of key applications surrounding ERP, software engineering and the development of a number of key systems used by the supply chain and related associates for the multi-billion-dollar Pet Nutrition division. 

Context and Scope

A new SAP S/4Hana Solution Architect role has been created to carry out the digital solution architecture efforts for one of the identified Digital Transformation program with Pet Nutrition – Shepherd.

This role needs to work with the Petcare ERP & Architecture team, global Digital core team and key business users and global process owners, understand what functionality is delivered out of Core ERP, what solutions need to exist outside of it, either in BTP or as an edge system(s). Ultimately, architect the solution(s) that will meet the needs and facilitate the clean core principle. This role will work with SI partners and potential software/platform/data suppliers to define and execute the solution architecture for the eco system around SAP S/4Hana. It is also expected that this role will lead technology selection/evaluation process alongside business counter parts, also provide clear guidelines on build vs buy choices to the product management team.

This role will require working with Digital Team, Data & analytics (D&A) and wider Mars teams, such as GDO, to ensure foundational infrastructure is in place for a scalable, robust and easy-to-use solution is delivered to business users.

This role will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product management, engineering and business development, to define product strategy, prioritise features, and deliver high-quality Shepherd related applications.

Job Specifications/Qualifications

Education & Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or Equivalent (IT Degree preferred in particular computer science, data science or related field)

Knowledge / Experience

• Experience working on complex SAP programs (including landscapes with tightly integrated end-to-end solutions)

• Significant SAP lead design experience and extensive knowledge of solution architecture design and application best practices and standards

• Proven track record of presenting solution options to design authorities and governance forums

• Design and Implement SAP solutions that align technology with business requirements / needs

• Proven track record to master new and emerging technologies

• A strong customer centric mindset, especially within an internal customer base, with the purpose of driving adoption and use

• Good communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and challenge people inclusively

• Strategic thinking, problem solving and innovation, with the ability to anticipate and navigate challenges and opportunities.

• Excellent in engaging with technical and functional leadership in a complex matrix organisation.

• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment and manage multiple priorities

• Experience working in a multi-region business team with potentially conflicting needs/views and ability to navigate a complex organisational landscape

• Learning agility and desire to learn new technology and business.

Key Responsibilities

• Live and exemplify the Five Principles of Mars, Inc. within self and team.

• Lead the design direction for Pet nutrition SAP solutions, providing expertise and guidance, and collaborating with colleagues to make sure designs fit within global Mars IT landscape

• Analyse solution options, make key design decisions, and complete the appropriate architecture design documentation

• Make sure that the delivered solutions meet business needs and align with architectural governance and standards

• Develop business-wide standards for Pet Nutrition architecture structure and design

• Monitor new technologies, relevant industry trends and latest innovations - using this knowledge to influence practical architecture designs and decisions

• Manage and oversee all stages of the lifecycle

• Lead development of high-level integrated strategy within Shepherd

• Collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to develop data standards that match business needs

• Review and influence at project-level the SAP architecture Design and Build

• Communicate frequently with business stakeholders to accurately translate business needs into a sustainable SAP Solutions architecture

• Stays up-to-date with industry standards and leads selection of software and tools accordingly

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.

• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

• #TBDDT

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.