SAP Solution Architect - Global Supply Chain

Summary:

We are seeking an experienced SAP Supply Chain Solution Architect with deep expertise in the pharmaceutical industry to design, architect, and optimize SAP-centric supply chain capabilities across warehousing, distribution, compliance, and financial integration. This role is ideal for a strategic and consultative leader capable of partnering with executives, operations leaders, finance, quality, and IT teams to build future-ready distribution solutions enabled by SAP S/4HANA and SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP).

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Architecture & Road mapping:

• Architect and define the end-to-end Pharma distribution and supply chain landscape with SAP S/4HANA as the digital core.

• Build integrated, cross‑module SAP solutions spanning SD, MM, EWM, ATTP, QM, Demand and Supply planning systems, Finance (FI/CO) and other peripheral systems.

• Define architecture supporting pharma distribution realities: high-volume order processing, strict cut-off times, allocation rules, DEA controls, and returns handling.

• Lead architectural impact assessments for Mergers & Acquisitions, including distribution center onboarding from SAP perspective, harmonization, TSA understanding, and post‑merger integration.

• Establishes CENCORA’s Reference Model for Supply Chain Capability and Technology as the critical architecture artefact and owns stewardship duties

• Articulates Supply Chain capability gaps, brings outside-in best practice and delivers the CENCORA perspective of capability realization strategy to business

• Acts as a critical tie breaking partner in crossroads situations leveraging the patterns, principles and standards laid out by Enterprise Architecture team

• Continuously scans the Technology Landscape to find differentiated technology solutions to increase CENCORA’s competitive advantage

• Serves as an Alliance point to Supply Chain Technology providers delivering continuous awareness & education of Technology choices.

Pharmaceutical Industry Expertise:

• Design solutions for pharma inventory management, including lot-level accuracy, expiration control, FEFO/serial tracking, consignment, controlled substances, and cold-chain requirements.

• Define allocation logic for backorders, constrained products, and customer prioritization aligned with commercial and regulatory policies.

• Good understanding of Model distribution operations including receiving, put away, replenishment, picking, packing, shipping, VAS services, and returns/reverse logistics.

• Apply deep knowledge of GxP, DSCSA/serialization, DEA and needed regulatory requirements, and associated documentation/workflows.

• Apply knowledge of Privacy and Encryption requirement

Distribution Center & Logistics Integration:

• Build and govern cross-platform architectures integrating SAP with WMS/TMS, automation systems (ASRS, conveyors, robotics), carrier systems, 3PL partners, and cold-chain logistics platforms.

• Design robust handoffs between EWM and native/3rd‑party WMS for inventory, HU/SSCC, task management, and exception handling; define SLA-backed integration contracts and monitoring.

• Leverage SAP BTP including API-led connectivity, Integration Suite/CPI, API Management, Event Mesh, and workflow automation.

• Ensure full traceability from warehouse operations to financial postings through strong Supply Chain–Finance integration.

Planning, Analytics & Insights Integration:

• Integrate Demand Planning systems (e.g., SAP IBP or 3rd‑party) with S/4 HANA for forecast consumption, safety stock policies, collaboration, and supply response—closing the loop to allocation and order promising.

• Connect to Analytics platforms (e.g., Databricks, SAP Datasphere, and enterprise BI) for operational dashboards, OTIF, inventory turns, and exception analytics; define data models and event-driven telemetry for near‑real‑time insights.

• Establish data quality, governance, and master data alignment (MDG/MDM) across planning, execution, and finance.

AI, Automation & Value Realization:

• Identify and architect SAP-enabled AI and automation use cases for pharma distribution (demand sensing, dynamic allocation, predictive fulfillment, anomaly detection, automated exception management).

• Utilize SAP BTP AI Core, Launchpad, SAP Build automation, and enterprise AI platforms.

• Develop business cases, cost-benefit analyses, and ROI modeling to quantify value and support investment decisions.

Delivery Leadership & Governance:

• Produce architectural blueprints, integration designs, overall data flows, and solution diagrams.

• Lead solution design reviews and governance with operations, quality, compliance, and finance stakeholders.

• Mentor product and delivery teams to uplift engineering standards and drive reusable integration patterns.

• Build strong partnership with Enterprise Architects, Product Management, BU IT Leadership and Business Solution Teams to serve business ‘As One’

Additional responsibilities may include:

• Lead Proof of concept or similar projects.

• Manage the performance of managers/professional staff through goal setting, ongoing assessment and experienced coaching

• Leverages the performance management cycle to motivate subordinates and support achievement of objectives; coaches other team members

• Accountable for the risk and issue management of one or more related disciplines through subordinate managers and team

• Any other related duties as assigned

Experience & Educational Requirements:

• At least 10+ years of Business Technology experience, including at least 3 years leading large scale Technology Driven Business Transformation

• Minimum of 5 years of IT or Business leadership experience. Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or other related field or equivalent work experience.

Minimum Skills, Knowledge & Ability Requirements:

• Required: Deep hands-on SAP S/4HANA experience across distribution and supply chain modules.

• Demonstrated expertise in GxP, DEA, DSCSA/serialization, GMP-lite environments, and validation/CSV processes.

• Strong experience in SAP modules relevant to distribution: SD, MM, EWM, ATTP, QM, IBP, and FI/CO.

• Proven experience integrating with Warehouse Management Systems for picking, packing, shipping/manifesting, and transportation execution.

• Proven experience integrating Demand Planning systems (IBP or 3rd‑party) and Analytics platforms (SAC, Datasphere, enterprise BI) with clear KPIs and data governance.

• Expertise in inventory management, allocation strategies, serial/lot tracking, and regulated distribution environments.

• Hands-on SAP BTP and API-led integration experience.

• Experience supporting or leading M&A distribution network integrations.

• Strong financial acumen including budgeting, value delivery, and ROI calculation.

• Excellent communication skills with executive presence.

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