SAP Programme & Release Manager
Location: Antwerp, Belgium
Duration: 12-Month Contract
Industry: Manufacturing
Role Overview
As the SAP Programme & Release Manager, you will hold a critical role in orchestrating the deployment of complex SAP solutions and their integrated ecosystems across my clients operations in Antwerp. You will be responsible for the strategic oversight and tactical execution of approximately 6 to 7 major releases annually.
This is not a traditional "hands-off" management role. You will be expected to dive deep into various substreams—ranging from core SAP modules to critical edge applications—ensuring that multiple third-party providers deliver in sync and on time within a highly regulated environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Release Orchestration: Manage the end-to-end release lifecycle for the SAP programme, ensuring seamless integration between the core SAP landscape and tiered substreams (Interfaces, Document Management, Integrity, Permit to Work, etc.).
* Ecosystem Management: Oversee a wide and complex landscape of multiple applications, ensuring all interfaces and integrations remain stable during deployment.
* Third-Party Oversight: Lead and manage external service providers and third-party delivery teams to ensure their contributions are synchronised with the master release schedule.
* Substream Synchronisation: Proactively "dive into" technical substreams to identify dependencies, mitigate risks, and ensure all streams are aligned for a unified go-live.
* Quality & Compliance: Maintain rigorous standards for release integrity, particularly concerning safety-critical systems like Permit to Work, within the constraints of a regulated industrial environment.
* Stakeholder Communication: Provide clear, data-driven overviews of release readiness to senior hiring managers and programme leadership.
Required Qualifications & Experience
* Professional Experience: Proven track record in SAP Programme Management or SAP Release Management within a large-scale, complex IT environment.
* Industry Background: Extensive experience in a regulated industry is mandatory (e.g., Petrochemical, Automotive, Pharma, or Heavy Manufacturing).
* Technical Breadth: Strong understanding of SAP ecosystems, including the management of interfaces and non-SAP integrated applications.
* Leadership Style: A "hands-on" manager who is comfortable navigating technical details while maintaining a strategic view of the entire programme.
* Language Skills: Full professional fluency in both Dutch and English is essential for this location.
Personal Attributes
* Grit & Rigour: You possess a "can-do" attitude and the persistence to drive results in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
* Clarity: Ability to simplify complex technical landscapes into actionable release plans.
* Accountability: You take ownership of the "seamless release" and do not shy away from managing difficult provider relationships to ensure success.