This role is a key part of the Enterprise Core Services team that collaborates closely with the Business Teams, ERP Sustain & Operations Team & the ERP Transformation team to prepare Cutover and Release plans for all the deployments. You will work alongside business stakeholders, enterprise architects, functional and technical consultants, and third-party vendors to make sure we have a robust plan in place.
Let Me Tell You About The Role
The Cutover and Release Manager is responsible for the end-to-end planning, coordination, and execution of all cutover and release management activities in the SAP estate. This role ensures a smooth transition from legacy SAP systems (ECC or other) and non-SAP landscapes into the new S/4HANA environment, minimizing downtime and business disruption during go-live.
What You Will Deliver
Cutover Planning & Execution
Develop detailed cutover strategies, timelines, and checklists for SAP project go-lives (including ECC, S/4HANA, BW, CRM, or other modules).
Coordinate with functional, technical, infrastructure, and business teams to ensure readiness for go-live.
Identify and manage dependencies, risks, and resource requirements across teams.
Manage mock cutovers, dress rehearsals, and final cutover execution activities.
Track and report cutover status and issues in real-time during go-live weekends.
Release Management
Define and manage SAP release schedules, including integration points with non-SAP systems.
Oversee transport management, sequencing, and approvals across environments.
Ensure compliance with change and release management governance standards.
Coordinate with Basis and development teams for release packaging and deployment.
Transition Planning & Governance
Develop and own the SAP transition strategy, approach, timeline, and governance model.
Define transition scope, RACI matrix, and detailed project/transition plans.
Establish KPIs, SLAs, acceptance criteria, and quality standards for a smooth handover.
Ensure all transition activities comply with organizational and audit requirements.
Define and manage the knowledge transfer framework (KT phases, documentation standards, shadowing/hypercare).
Ensure detailed documentation is created for business processes, functional/technical specs, integrations, operations, and support models.
Validate recipient team readiness (AMS team, internal IT, or new vendor).
Communication & Coordination
Serve as the single point of contact for cutover and release activities.
Communicate cutover and release plans, readiness, and status updates to stakeholders and leadership.
Facilitate cutover war rooms and ensure alignment across global or regional teams.
Risk & Issue Management
Identify potential risks related to cutover and release activities and develop mitigation plans.
Lead post-cutover reviews and lessons-learned sessions to continuously improve processes.
Documentation & Governance
Maintain cutover and release documentation, including run books, rollback plans, and issue logs.
Ensure all releases adhere to organizational compliance, audit, and security standards.
What You Will Need to Be Successful (Experience and Qualifications)
Essential
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related discipline.
Master's degree preferred.
Experience
10+ years of experience in SAP project delivery, with at least 3 years in a cutover and/or release management role.
Hands-on experience with SAP S/4HANA, ECC, and/or SAP Cloud platforms.
Proven track record managing complex, multi-system cutovers in large enterprise environments.
Technical Skills
Strong understanding of SAP transport management, CTS/CTS+, Solution Manager, and/or ChaRM.
Familiarity with integration tools (PI/PO, CPI, IDocs, etc.) and infrastructure components (HANA DB, OS-level activities).
Knowledge of SAP landscape strategy, migration methods, and downtime optimization techniques.
Soft Skills
Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder management skills.
Strong analytical, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to perform under pressure and manage multiple priorities during go-live weekends.
Desired
SAP Certified Technology Associate or SAP S/4HANA certification.
ITIL v4 Foundation or equivalent Change/Release Management certification.
