Solution Architect (Production Planning & Detailed Scheduling)

We are seeking an experienced IT Solution Architect to lead the technological modernization of our core manufacturing planning and finite scheduling systems across a global biopharmaceutical landscape.

In this role, you will define the architectural roadmap and steer the critical transition from legacy SAP APO PP/DS to S/4HANA Embedded PP/DS (E-PPDS). You will act as the principal technical authority bridging process manufacturing needs (campaign sequencing, finite capacity, shelf-life limitations) with clean-core digital enterprise solutions, ensuring seamless integration across shop-floor execution, supply chain engines, and big data platforms.

Core Areas of Accountability

• Enterprise Solution Architecture & Modernization:
  • Own the technical design and blueprint for Forecast-to-Plan capabilities, orchestrating the migration strategy from SAP APO SCM to S/4HANA E-PPDS.
  • Uphold clean-core principles while designing scalable, standardized, and reusable template solutions across multi-site manufacturing hubs.
  • Author and govern architectural standards, technical specifications, and end-to-end process blueprints.
• Advanced Scheduling & Manufacturing Execution:
  • Configure and optimize complex planning boards, heuristics, optimization algorithms, pegging parameters, and capacity constraints tailored to process industries (PP-PI).
  • Resolve specialized biopharma scheduling challenges, including sequence-dependent changeovers, sterilization/CIP cycles, batch expiration dates, and campaign integrity.
  • Partner with Procurement (MM-PUR), Warehouse, Quality, and Inventory streams to align cross-functional dependencies.
• Interface Architecture & System Interoperability:
  • Design, monitor, and stabilize interface ecosystems connecting SAP with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Advanced Planning Solutions (Blue Yonder), and data intelligence suites (Palantir Foundry).
  • Oversee and troubleshoot CIF (Core Interface) data pipelines, EDI protocols, BAPIs, RFCs, and REST/OData web services.
• Validation, Quality & Regulatory Governance:
  • Enforce rigorous compliance with GxP, Computerized System Validation (CSV), data integrity directives, and formal change-control gates.
  • Oversee release integrity, technical impact evaluations, audit trail requirements, and traceability documentation within HP ALM.
• L3 Escalation Engineering & Stakeholder Leadership:
  • Serve as the highest escalation tier for critical production-planning disruptions, conducting root-cause diagnostics, permanent remediations, and performance tuning for planning runs.
  • Lead technical discovery workshops, evaluate third-party vendor deliverables, and challenge customizations that introduce architectural fragility or technical debt.

Required Experience & Capabilities

• Extensive SAP Consulting / Architecture Background: Proven track record operating as an SAP Solution Architect or Lead Functional/Technical Consultant across large-scale deployment and transformation programs.
• PP/DS Dual-Stack Mastery: In-depth, practical knowledge of both legacy SAP APO PP/DS and SAP S/4HANA Embedded PP/DS (E-PPDS).
• Process Manufacturing Know-How: Hands-on experience configuring finite-capacity scheduling and constraints within SAP PP-PI and MM-PUR.
• Complex Interface Expertise: Solid background managing enterprise integrations via CIF, IDocs, and modern API layers.
• Language Proficiency: Full professional fluency in English (written and verbal).

Highly Regarded Assets (Preferred)

• Direct domain experience inside Biopharma, Pharmaceuticals, or MedTech operating within strict GxP / FDA-regulated standards.
• Technical depth in ABAP code inspection and debugging, with exposure to S/4HANA extensibility (Fiori, CDS Views, BAdIs).
• Hands-on familiarity with testing suites (HP ALM / Micro Focus ALM) and big-data analytics platforms (e.g., Palantir Foundry).
• Experience interfacing SAP with external Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) platforms such as Blue Yonder (JDA).