SAP Cutover Manager (m/f/d)

Job description

Fresenius is running a business-led transformation, enabled by technology, supporting #FutureFresenius strategy. The IT Business Transformation organization partners with business teams to deliver cutting-edge IT solutions, leveraging SAP S/4HANA and other related solutions to create a scalable, unified and future-ready digital foundation. Our mission is to architect, plan and implement standardized solutions supporting harmonized end-to-end processes that streamline operations and enable data-driven decision-making. By fostering collaboration and utilizing the advanced capabilities of ERP solutions, we drive delivery of transformative progress across enterprise architecture, strategic roadmaps, SAP functional and technical solutions. Delivery is done to meet quality and compliance needs in a highly regulated environment. We are seeking an experienced SAP Cutover Manager to plan, coordinate, and lead end-to-end cutover activities for the ELEVATE programme rollout (multi-wave go-lives). Your responsibilities: Define and own the end-to-end rollout cutover strategy, governance, and wave deployment approach across SAP S/4HANA and all in-scope applications, interfaces, and data migrations. Create and maintain standard cutover templates (runbook, readiness checklists, communications, governance cadence) and tailor them for each deployment wave/site while ensuring consistency and compliance. Build and manage integrated deployment wave cutover plans and detailed runbooks (activities, dependencies, owners, timings, checkpoints, rollback/contingency steps), aligned to the release calendar and regional time zones. Lead wave/site cutover workshops to confirm prerequisites, sequencing, environment readiness, data migration approach, access/roles, and communications (including business blackout periods and local operating model changes). Plan, coordinate, and facilitate mock cutovers / rehearsals for each wave, capturing lessons learned and driving continuous improvement to reduce cycle time and execution risk. Establish and track wave readiness metrics, entry/exit criteria, and go/no-go governance; report wave status, risks, issues, and decisions to ELEVATE leadership and drive timely resolution. Ensure cutover activities comply with program quality standards and CSV/validated (GxP) requirements for every wave, including appropriate documentation, approvals, and traceability of critical actions. Partner with the Data Migration Lead to integrate the data cutover plan into each wave runbook (timings, prerequisites, reconciliations, sign-offs), and manage cross-team dependencies and decision points. Coordinate technical cutover tasks per wave including transport/import sequencing, batch/job scheduling, interface enablement, monitoring, and integrations with upstream/downstream systems, managing freeze windows and parallel activities. Lead cutover execution for each wave go-live, chairing cutover governance checkpoints, coordinating stakeholder communications, securing wave go/no-go approvals, and handing over to hypercare/operations with clear wave-specific success criteria and documentation. Your qualifications: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Information Technology, Business, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience). At least 8 years of experience delivering SAP programmes, including minimum 3 years leading rollout/wave cutovers and go-lives for SAP S/4HANA (or ECC) across multiple sites/regions. Experience delivering in CSV/validated (GxP) environments, with strong documentation and quality discipline. Strong understanding of SAP S/4HANA architecture, environments, transports, interfaces/integrations, and end-to-end business processes impacted by go-live. Hands-on experience building cutover plans/runbooks and managing dependencies using common tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, JIRA, Azure DevOps, SAP Solution Manager/Cloud ALM). Experience working closely with data migration teams/leads to align cutover sequencing, prerequisites, reconciliation/sign-off points, and overall wave readiness. Strong leadership, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple teams under time-critical conditions. Proven track record of leading successful go-lives, including managing cutover risk, contingency planning, and decision governance (go/no-go). Ability to work collaboratively in a global, multicultural environment, including effective coordination with external system integrators and service providers. Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and attention-to-detail skills, with a calm, structured approach under pressure. Join us in shaping the future of Fresenius, where IT is a strategic enabler for long-term success.