Job Role: SAP Cutover Manager
Location: Remote (US Shift)
Start Date: ASAP
Type: Contract: 1 Year (rolling)
Role Purpose:
The SAP Implementation Cutover Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing the cutover strategy for a successful ERP implementation. This role requires someone who can confidently lead the technical aspects of the cutover process with a sharp focus on successful execution and coordination.
Role Details – Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
Cutover Strategy Development:
Develop and define the cutover strategy, ensuring it aligns with project objectives, timelines, and business needs.
Work with key stakeholders to establish a comprehensive cutover plan, including key milestones, dependencies, and deliverables.
Ensure that the cutover strategy is communicated clearly to all relevant teams and is integrated into the overall project plan.
Cutover Planning and Coordination:
Lead the detailed planning of cutover activities, including system migrations, data transfers, and process changes.
Coordinate across multiple teams, including IT, business units, and external vendors, to ensure all aspects of the cutover are covered.
Schedule and manage cutover rehearsals (mock cutovers) to validate the plan and identify potential issues before the actual cutover.
Execution Oversight:
Oversee the execution of the cutover plan, ensuring that all tasks are carried out as scheduled and according to plan.
Monitor real-time progress during the cutover, addressing any issues or deviations immediately.
Ensure that all necessary approvals and checkpoints are met before proceeding to subsequent phases of the cutover.
Risk and Issue Management
Identify and assess potential risks to the cutover process, developing and implementing mitigation strategies.
Manage any issues that arise during the cutover, coordinating with relevant teams to resolve them quickly.
Escalate critical risks or issues to senior management, providing recommendations for resolution and contingency plans.
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:
Act as the primary point of contact for all cutover-related activities, ensuring clear and consistent communication with all stakeholders.
Keep stakeholders informed of progress, risks, and issues throughout the cutover process.
Facilitate regular meetings and briefings to ensure that everyone is aligned and aware of their roles during the cutover.
Quality Assurance and Compliance:
Ensure that all cutover activities adhere to established quality standards, governance frameworks, and compliance requirements.
Conduct thorough testing and validation of systems and processes before and after cutover to ensure everything is functioning as expected.
Document and track any defects or issues that arise, ensuring they are addressed promptly.
Resource Management:
Assess and allocate the necessary resources for the cutover, including personnel, tools, and budget.
Coordinate with HR, project management, and other departments to ensure that all required resources are available and properly allocated.
Monitor resource utilization throughout the cutover process, making adjustments as necessary to avoid bottlenecks.
Post-Cutover Support and Stabilization:
Provide immediate support following the cutover to address any issues that may arise and ensure a smooth transition.
Monitor system performance and user feedback during the stabilization period, implementing fixes or adjustments as needed.
Conduct a post-cutover review to assess the success of the cutover and capture lessons learned for future projects.
Documentation and Reporting:
Maintain comprehensive documentation of all cutover activities, decisions, and outcomes.
Prepare regular status reports for senior management and stakeholders, summarizing progress, risks, and issues.
Ensure that all documentation is properly stored and accessible for future reference and audits.
Required skills:
The ideal candidate will possess over 10 years of experience with SAP systems, including at least 2-3 projects in ERP upgrades and EHP upgrades, with a focus on technical cutover management.
Developing and aligning Cutover Plans with various stakeholders for brownfield conversions in a large-scale environment.
A comprehensive understanding of the different phases of a brownfield conversion, including terms such as SUM, NZDT, Simplification Items, CVI, Retrofit, etc.
Proficiency in RISE and infrastructure setup.
Leading stakeholder management to design and implement the cutover plan.
Overseeing the execution of the cutover plan as the command center and cutover manager on duty.
Managing and coordinating the execution of cutover steps while ensuring smooth operations.
Strong communication skills, ensuring clear and concise transmission of tasks and information.
A solid technical understanding of the various cutover tasks involved.