Senior SAP S/4HANA Architect (Retail Transformation)
Location: Krefeld office (commutable from Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Essen)
Start: ASAP
Company & Context
Our client is a leading retail organisation (~20,000 employees) undergoing a significant SAP transformation programme.
The SAP team is currently in a high-growth phase, led by Frank with one direct team member in place and four additional hires planned immediately, creating a rare opportunity to join at a formative stage and shape the architecture landscape from the ground up.
This is a high-impact, fast-paced transformation environment, not a BAU support function.
Role Overview
We are looking for a highly experienced SAP S/4HANA Architect with strong end-to-end architecture design capability across integrated SAP landscapes.
This is a hands-on architecture and design role, requiring someone who can operate at both strategic and detailed technical levels, taking ownership of complex SAP transformation decisions across the programme.
The ideal candidate will be comfortable working across multiple SAP modules and ensuring cohesive, enterprise-wide architecture design rather than isolated functional or support-driven work.
Key Requirements
- Proven SAP S/4HANA architecture experience in large-scale transformation programmes
- Strong capability in end-to-end solution architecture design (not just configuration or governance)
- Deep understanding of integrated SAP systems and cross-module dependencies
- Strong experience beyond BTP/security or technical enablement roles – this is business-functional architecture focused
- Ability to translate business requirements into scalable SAP architecture solutions
- Experience working in complex enterprise environments (retail experience is a plus, not essential)
- Fluent English required; German is beneficial but not mandatory
Important Distinction (What We Are NOT Looking For)
We are specifically not seeking purely BAU, support, or enablement-focused profiles.
Candidates whose experience is primarily:
- SAP run/support or governance-only roles
- Limited to BTP, security, or technical specifications without broader architecture ownership
- Functional support roles without real end-to-end architecture or programme-level design responsibility
…will not be suitable for this position.
We are instead targeting individuals who have demonstrable experience in driving architecture decisions across full SAP landscapes and business processes.
Personal Attributes
- High-energy, proactive and self-driven
- Comfortable operating in a fast-moving transformation programme
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- Able to work independently with high autonomy (“own and drive”)
- Collaborative, professional, and adaptable in evolving environments
Responsibilities
- End-to-end ownership of SAP solution architecture across the transformation programme
- Design and alignment of integrated SAP landscapes across modules
- Close collaboration with business and technical stakeholders
- Contribution to key architectural decisions in a rapidly scaling SAP environment
- Supporting the shaping of a future SAP Centre of Excellence
Development & Progression
This role offers clear progression opportunities into senior leadership roles such as:
- Head of IT
- SAP Competence Centre Lead
- SAP Finance / Transformation Lead
Working Model
- 3 days onsite (Krefeld region)
- 2 days remote
- Flexible remote working available (up to 1 week blocks where required)
- Onsite presence expected during critical phases (e.g. data migration, cutover)
Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
Luchian Van Der Merwe