Solution Architect – SAP Production Planning (PP) / Manufacturing

Solution Architect – SAP Production Planning (PP) / Manufacturing

Role Summary

• The SAP Production Planning (PP) / Manufacturing Solution Architect is responsible for the end‑to‑end solution design of the Manufacturing and PP workstream based on business, functional, and technical requirements from enterprise‑scale customers within the Retail, Fashion & Lifestyle, and Consumer Products industries.
• The Solution Architect ensures that SAP PP and Manufacturing solutions across SAP S/4HANA (PP, PP‑DS, MRP, Manufacturing Integration, Variant Configuration, MES integration) are designed to support efficient, flexible, and scalable manufacturing operations while meeting customer business objectives, timelines, and budgets.
• This role requires deep expertise in manufacturing business processes, including demand‑driven planning, production execution, capacity planning, subcontracting, quality integration, and end‑to‑end supply chain alignment.

Key Responsibilities

• Solution Ownership & Design
• Own the overall SAP PP / Manufacturing solution architecture, including:
• Demand management and MRP/MRP Live
• Production planning, scheduling, and capacity planning
• Make‑to‑Stock, Make‑to‑Order, and Engineer‑to‑Order scenarios
• Subcontracting, repetitive manufacturing, and variant configuration
• Design scalable manufacturing solutions aligned with Retail and Fashion manufacturing models, including seasonal production, high‑SKU/variant complexity, outsourced manufacturing, and global plants.
• Ensure seamless integration of PP with SAP MM, SD/OTC, EWM, QM, CO, APO/PP‑DS (where applicable), and MES/third‑party shop floor systems.
• Translate complex manufacturing requirements into robust SAP PP solutions that optimize throughput, cost, and service levels.
• Customer Engagement & Advisory
• Act as a trusted advisor for SAP Manufacturing and PP best practices by:
• Leading strategic manufacturing workshops (Explore, Fit‑to‑Standard, Design Thinking).
• Advising customers on production planning strategies, capacity optimization, and scheduling approaches.
• Helping customers balance flexibility, cost efficiency, and service levels in dynamic demand environments.
• Clearly articulate manufacturing concepts, constraints, and design decisions to business, operations, and IT stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for manufacturing optimization, automation, and digital enablement across the production lifecycle.

Delivery & Governance

• Oversee all PP and Manufacturing design and delivery activities across one or more projects.
• Work with Project Managers and Consulting Managers to:
• Define scope, effort, timelines, and resourcing for the manufacturing workstream.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to plant complexity, master data readiness, and production dependencies.
• Ensure manufacturing solutions are delivered on time, within scope, and at high quality, supporting KPIs such as schedule adherence, capacity utilization, production cost, and inventory optimization.
• Validate alignment between demand planning, production execution, and financial outcomes.

Pre‑Sales & Practice Contribution

• Participate in pre‑sales engagements by:
• Shaping SAP Manufacturing and PP solution roadmaps.
• Contributing to proposals, delivery estimates, and manufacturing transformation strategies.
• Demonstrating thought leadership in manufacturing modernization discussions.
• Partner closely with Rizing Sales to translate manufacturing challenges into structured consulting engagements with clear business value.

Leadership & People Development

• Provide functional leadership for the SAP PP / Manufacturing workstream.
• Mentor and coach PP consultants, production planners, and solution leads.
• Identify skill gaps and recommend training in advanced PP, PP‑DS, S/4HANA Manufacturing, and digital shop‑floor integration.
• Provide clear, actionable feedback on individual and team performance.
• Act as a role model in solution quality, governance, and customer engagement.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Stay current with SAP Manufacturing innovations, including:
• S/4HANA manufacturing capabilities
• PP‑DS, advanced MRP, and manufacturing analytics
• SAP Digital Manufacturing (DM)
• Automation and Industry 4.0 enablers
• Research emerging tools and accelerators to streamline PP solution delivery.
• Champion Rizing methodologies and suggest process improvements to enhance manufacturing project outcomes.
• Document and disseminate manufacturing knowledge through playbooks, templates, and enablement sessions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• 10–12+ years of SAP functional and solution architecture experience, with deep expertise in SAP PP and Manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience delivering manufacturing solutions for Retail, Fashion, or Consumer Products organizations.
• Strong understanding of cross‑functional integration with MM, SD/OTC, CO, QM, EWM, and shop‑floor systems.
• Hands‑on experience leading at least 2 full SAP S/4HANA or ECC implementations in an Architect or Lead role.
• Knowledge and experience with attune implementation methodology or similar structured delivery frameworks.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities (KSAs)

• Advanced expertise in:
• SAP PP (MRP, Production Orders, Capacity Planning)
• Variant Configuration and complex BOM/Routing scenarios
• Integration with MES and plant systems
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with an operational mindset.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills across business and technical audiences.
• Proven leadership, stakeholder management, and influencing capabilities.
• Results‑oriented mindset with strong customer focus.
• Ability and willingness to adopt new manufacturing technologies and delivery approaches.

Work Environment & Special Considerations

• Professional office, plant, or client environment.
• Routine business travel, including visits to manufacturing locations.
• Regular use of standard office and collaboration tools.