SAP Implementation Lead

Our client, a leading global healthcare and consulting organization, is seeking an experienced SAP Implementation Lead to drive the successful delivery of large-scale SAP transformation initiatives across global business functions. The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in end-to-end SAP implementation delivery, S/4HANA transformation programs, stakeholder management, deployment governance, and cross-functional execution within complex enterprise environments. This role will act as the primary bridge between business and technology teams, working closely with the Client's CFO to ensure successful solution design, implementation execution, business readiness, and transition into steady-state operations while maintaining alignment with program objectives and global standards.This is a contractual role through the end of 2026, with a strong likelihood of extension well into 2027. Candidates must be able to commute to the Client’s on-site Chicago, US office.ResponsibilitiesLead end-to-end SAP implementation activities across financial planning, design, build, testing, deployment, and post-go-live support phasesEnsure financial controls, accounting policies, period-close processes, and reporting requirements are appropriately designed and transitioned into the S/4HANA environmentSupport/lead finance process harmonization, chart of accounts alignment, and integration between SAP Finance (FI/CO) and operational modules as part of the enterprise transformation programDrive SAP S/4HANA transformation initiatives ensuring delivery within scope, timelines, budget, and quality expectationsPartner with business leaders, functional teams, System Integrators, and technical stakeholders to define implementation roadmaps and execution strategyTranslate business requirements into scalable SAP solutions aligned with enterprise architecture and industry best practicesOwn implementation governance, status reporting, risk management, and executive stakeholder communicationFacilitate workshops, solution design sessions, decision-making forums, and architecture discussions across business and technology teamsCoordinate deployment planning, environment readiness, cutover activities, and transition into hypercare and stabilization phasesEnsure seamless integration across SAP modules and connected enterprise systemsSupport business readiness activities including process alignment, change management, training coordination, and user adoption initiativesOversee testing strategy and execution including SIT, UAT, defect management, and release readinessEstablish delivery controls across project milestones, RAID logs, dependencies, and implementation quality assuranceDrive data migration coordination and support governance around system readiness and operational continuityProvide leadership and mentoring across implementation teams while promoting delivery excellence and continuous improvementAct as the escalation point for implementation risks, blockers, and critical decisions throughout the project lifecyclePartner closely with the CFO organization and Finance leadership to support the ECC to SAP S/4HANA upgrade and ensure alignment with financial transformation objectivesLead finance-related workstreams including General Ledger (GL), Accounts Payable (AP), Accounts Receivable (AR), Fixed Assets, and Financial Reporting processes during the S/4HANA implementationRequirements10+ years of experience delivering SAP implementation and transformation programsStrong accounting and finance background with experience working closely with CFO and finance stakeholdersWell experienced in monthly and quarterly financial closingProven experience leading at least 2–3 full lifecycle SAP implementations, preferably SAP S/4HANAStrong understanding of SAP implementation methodologies (SAP Activate, Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid delivery models)Experience managing global deployments and enterprise-scale transformation initiativesStrong expertise across business process design, solution deployment, and operational readinessExperience coordinating cross-functional teams including Business, IT, Data, Testing, Change, and Integration workstreamsHands-on understanding of SAP functional landscapes and integration across enterprise applicationsExperience supporting cutover planning, hypercare, stabilization, and transition managementFamiliarity with testing governance, defect management, and release execution processesExcellent stakeholder engagement, workshop facilitation, and executive communication skillsExperience supporting ECC to SAP S/4HANA system upgrades with significant Finance (FI/CO) transformation componentsHighly Preferable:Consulting experience within Healthcare, Pharma, Life Sciences, or regulated environments