Description - External
About the role
We are seeking an experienced SAP HANA / S/4HANA Program Manager to lead complex HANA implementation and upgrade programs and S/4HANA project portfolio management initiatives for global industrial manufacturing clients. You will coordinate cross-functional teams, establish strong program governance, manage risks and dependencies, and drive successful delivery of large-scale technology transformation initiatives aligned with business objectives.
In this role you will
- Lead end-to-end HANA implementation and upgrade programs, defining scope, objectives, timelines, and measurable outcomes aligned with enterprise digital transformation priorities.
- Oversee S/4HANA project portfolio management across multiple projects, balancing resources, priorities, dependencies, schedules, and budgets.
- Establish program governance, operating rhythms, decision forums, and progress reviews to provide stakeholders with visibility into risks, issues, milestones, and outcomes.
- Drive standardized delivery methodologies and templates across HANA and S/4HANA initiatives to improve quality, predictability, and consistency.
- Coordinate onsite and virtual collaboration across geographically distributed business and technology teams.
- Translate complex HANA and S/4HANA solution designs into business-focused narratives that demonstrate value for industrial manufacturing operations.
- Monitor program budgets, forecasts, and benefit realization to support effective technology investment decisions.
- Proactively identify and manage risks related to technical environments, data migration, process changes, and program dependencies.
- Coordinate cutover, go-live, and hypercare activities by aligning business readiness, technical validation, and support models.
- Capture lessons learned and incorporate continuous improvement practices across future implementation waves.
- Partner with domain experts to support change management, training plans, process documentation, and user adoption.
- Collaborate with enterprise architects and technical leads to help ensure HANA and S/4HANA solutions are scalable, secure, and aligned with corporate and regulatory requirements.
Work Model: Remote with milestone travel to Nashville, TN
What you need to have to be considered
- Extensive experience leading SAP HANA implementation and upgrade programs, including technical roadmaps, system landscapes, performance, resilience, and data integrity.
- Deep experience with S/4HANA project portfolio management, including initiative prioritization, resource planning, dependency management, and delivery governance.
- Strong program management experience across scope management, scheduling, financial management, risk management, and complex multi-year technology transformations.
- Experience working with industrial manufacturing processes and translating business requirements into SAP-enabled solutions.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to facilitate decisions and negotiate trade-offs across business and technical teams.
- Experience successfully managing geographically distributed teams in hybrid work environments.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess program performance and recommend corrective actions.
These will help you stand out
- SAP Certified Technology Specialist - SAP HANA.
- SAP S/4HANA Project Management certification.
- Experience managing large-scale SAP HANA and S/4HANA transformation portfolios within industrial manufacturing organizations.
- Demonstrated experience driving continuous improvement, organizational change, and adoption across complex SAP transformation programs.
Salary and Other Compensation:
The annual salary for this position is between $116,100 - $156,500 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.
Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
- Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
- Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
- 401(k) plan and contributions
- Long-term/Short-term Disability
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.