Process Functional Consultant and Solution Architect - SAP Master Data Governance

Introduction

A career in IBM Consulting is rooted by long-term relationships and close collaboration with clients across the globe. You'll work with visionaries across multiple industries to improve the hybrid cloud and AI journey for the most innovative and valuable companies in the world. Your ability to accelerate impact and make meaningful change for your clients is enabled by our strategic partner ecosystem and our robust technology platforms across the IBM portfolio.

The Process Functional Consultant and Solution Architect - SAP Master Data Governance is a senior-level expert responsible for leading the design, implementation, and deployment of best-in-class Master Data Governance solutions using SAP MDG for major clients or internal initiatives. This role requires a strong blend of functional consulting, deep technical-functional knowledge of SAP MDG, and the leadership skills to guide project teams, advise executive stakeholders, and drive end-to-end data governance and master data management strategies.

Your role and responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

1. Solution Strategy and Design Leadership

• Lead client workshops and discovery sessions to define, document, and analyze complex master data requirements across various domains (e.g., Material, Customer/Business Partner, Supplier/Vendor, Finance).
• Design and architect comprehensive, end-to-end SAP MDG solutions, including data models, process models, UI models, validation and derivation rules (e.g., using BRFplus), and integration points.
• Serve as the Solution Architect for MDG implementations, ensuring the design aligns with the overall enterprise data strategy, governance policies, and business objectives.
• Drive the definition and implementation of data quality and data governance frameworks within the SAP MDG environment, including data cleansing, validation, and enrichment strategies.

• Lead the hands-on configuration and customization of the SAP MDG platform (e.g., configuration of Change Request types, Workflow customization using SAP Business Workflow or Fiori).
• Oversee the techno-functional aspects of the implementation, coordinating with ABAP developers for custom enhancements (BAdIs, Exits) and integration teams (e.g., for Data Replication Framework - DRF, BODS, PI/PO, or Web Services).
• Lead data migration, data cleansing, and cutover strategies, ensuring data accuracy and consistency during the transition to the MDG and/or SAP S/4HANA environment.
• Manage and lead the Unit Testing, System Integration Testing (SIT), and User Acceptance Testing (UAT) phases.

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior management and executive stakeholders, providing thought leadership on SAP MDG capabilities, data governance best practices, and the roadmap for master data management.
• Provide expert guidance on the integration of SAP MDG with SAP S/4HANA (e.g., CVI integration for Business Partner) and other legacy or non-SAP systems.
• Lead cross-functional teams (Business, IT, Developers, Functional Consultants) to ensure alignment and successful project delivery.
• Support pre-sales activities, including presenting solution demos, estimating effort, and contributing to proposal development.

• Serve as the Lead Consultant on large-scale MDG projects, managing project scope, timelines, deliverables, and resource allocation.
• Mentor and coach junior or mid-level MDG consultants, contributing to the development of the team's SAP MDG and data governance capabilities.
• Develop high-quality project documentation, including blueprint documents, functional specifications, training materials, and post-go-live support plans.

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 15+ years of professional experience in SAP Consulting, with a focus on Master Data Management and Data Governance.
  • Minimum of 10+ years of dedicated, hands-on experience with SAP Master Data Governance (MDG).
  • Proven experience leading multiple full lifecycle MDG implementations for various data domains (e.g., Material, Customer, Vendor, Financial).
  • Experience in an SAP S/4HANA environment and familiarity with its data model and master data concepts (e.g., Business Partner/CVI).
• Technical/Functional Skills:
  • In-depth knowledge of SAP MDG technical and functional configuration: Data Modeling, UI Modeling, Process Modeling, Workflow configuration (BRFplus and/or Fiori-based), and Data Replication Framework (DRF).
  • Strong understanding of related SAP technologies: SAP Business Workflow, ABAP Objects, BAdIs, Web Services, and Data Services (BODS).
  • Deep understanding of core master data concepts across multiple SAP functional modules (e.g., MM, SD, FI/CO).
• Consulting and Soft Skills:
  • Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.
  • Superior verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present complex technical topics to both technical teams and business executives.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead project teams and manage client relationships in a consultative capacity.

• SAP MDG Certification.
• Experience with other data quality and data integration tools (e.g., Informatica, Syniti).
• Familiarity with cloud-based master data solutions or hybrid integration scenarios.
• Experience in a specific industry or sector.