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 ensures a seamless transition from legacy systems to the new SAP ERP environment by managing the technical, functional, and business activities required for the go-live phase.
The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of SAP systems, meticulous planning skills, and excellent communication abilities to coordinate across multiple teams and stakeholders.
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.
By fulfilling this role and responsibilities, the SAP Cutover Manager ensures a smooth, efficient, and successful transition during system implementations, upgrades, or migrations, minimizing disruption and maximizing project success.