Cutover Manager

Job type: Contract
Job ref: 32923
Published: 8 days ago

Job Type: Contract 6+ Months rolling

Location: Dubai (Onsite)

Role Purpose:

The SAP S4Hana 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 S4Hana 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 S4Hana systems, meticulous planning skills, and excellent communication abilities to coordinate across multiple teams and stakeholders.

Role Details – Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

Cutover Planning and Execution:

  • Develop, refine, and document the ERP cutover plan, including timelines, activities, and dependencies.

  • Coordinate and oversee all pre-cutover, cutover, and post-cutover activities to ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption to business operations.

  • Ensure alignment with the overall ERP project timeline, adjusting cutover plans as necessary to accommodate changes.

Stakeholder and Team Coordination:

  • Work closely with technical, functional, and business teams to align on data migration, testing, validation, and contingency planning.

  • Communicate cutover strategies, updates, and progress to key stakeholders, including executive sponsors, project managers, and department heads.

  • Facilitate cutover meetings, including readiness checkpoints and go/no-go decision-making processes.

Risk Management and Issue Resolution:

  • Identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with the cutover activities and provide rapid response to any issues encountered during the process.

  • Develop and implement contingency plans to handle potential cutover setbacks, ensuring minimal impact on the business.

  • Conduct root cause analysis for any cutover issues and implement corrective actions as needed.

Documentation and Compliance:

  • Ensure all cutover activities are documented according to project standards and regulatory requirements.

  • Provide detailed post-cutover analysis, capturing lessons learned and documenting any process improvements for future implementations.

Post-Implementation Support:

  • Oversee stabilization efforts and ensure a seamless handover to the support team for ongoing maintenance.

  • Support the business in troubleshooting any post-cutover issues and refine transition processes for continuous improvement.

Other Context (if applicable):

Functional/Technical Competencies

Certification in Project Management (PMP, PRINCE2) or ERP-specific certifications.

Familiarity with ITIL practices and knowledge of data integrity and regulatory compliance.

Experience in Agile or Waterfall methodologies for project execution.

 Personal Characteristics and Required Background: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Business Administration, or a related field (master’s degree preferred).

  • 10+ years of experience in ERP implementation, cutover management, or a related field.

  • Proven experience in managing cutover activities for large-scale ERP implementations, ideally with systems like SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics.

  • Strong understanding of ERP system functions, data migration, and business process requirements.

  • Excellent project management, organizational, and leadership skills, with a track record of meeting deadlines.

  • Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and influence cross-functional teams.

  • Experience with risk management, issue resolution, and contingency planning.