Overview
We are looking for a seasoned SAP leader to establish and operate our SAP Centre of Excellence (CoE) during a major transformation programme. The SAP CoE Lead will be responsible for the design, governance, and execution of the SAP roadmap - supporting the transition from a Transitional Services Agreement (TSA) environment and building a future-ready enterprise platform. This role will manage both internal SAP capability and external delivery partners to ensure functional alignment, technical readiness, and ongoing SAP support excellence.
Requisition ID: 60128
Workplace Arrangement
About the role: We are looking for a seasoned SAP leader to establish and operate our SAP Centre of Excellence (CoE) during a major transformation programme. The SAP CoE Lead will be responsible for the design, governance, and execution of the SAP roadmap - supporting the transition from a Transitional Services Agreement (TSA) environment and building a future-ready enterprise platform. This role will manage both internal SAP capability and external delivery partners to ensure functional alignment, technical readiness, and ongoing SAP support excellence.
About Kerry Dairy Ireland we offer a flexible working policy.
What will I be doing?
* Define and govern the SAP roadmap in alignment with business and ICT strategy, business goals, and TSA exit timelines.
* Lead the mobilisation and performance of SAP delivery teams, including internal staff and external partners.
* Oversee SAP solution design, ensuring adherence to fit-to-standard principles and integration best practices.
* Manage the delivery of objects and data migration in collaboration with technical and data leads.
* Ensure SAP is fully integrated with enterprise platforms.
* Establish and operate a scalable and efficient SAP Target Operating Model and post-go-live CoE support structure.
* Drive stakeholder engagement across business functions, ICT, and third-party vendors.
* Enforce governance for SAP change management, testing, and release cycles.
* Ensure compliance with licensing, security, and audit requirements.
* Promote continuous improvement and enhancement governance across the SAP landscape.
* Ownership of the SAP programme roadmap and delivery outcomes.
* Governance of SAP solution design, integration, and data quality.
* Performance management of System Integrators and third-party vendors.
* Definition and operation of the SAP Target Operating Model.
* Leadership of the SAP CoE, including internal capability development and support structures.
* Alignment of SAP capabilities with evolving business needs and ICT architecture.
* Risk, compliance, and audit readiness across the SAP landscape.
What do I need to be successful?
In Kerry Dairy Ireland we understand that people have very different career trajectories and experiences. To be successful in this role we would be looking for the right competencies and aptitudes as well as your proven track record of success in a similar role and environment.
* Leadership & Governance: Ability to lead cross-functional teams and govern complex SAP landscapes.
* Strategic Thinking: Skilled in aligning SAP capabilities with business strategy and ICT architecture.
* Programme Delivery: Deep experience in managing SAP lifecycles including data migration, and cutover.
* Vendor Management: Strong track record of managing System Integrators and third-party partners.
* Integration Expertise: Knowledge of integrating SAP with Enterprise platforms.
* Change Management: Experience implementing structured change, release, and testing processes.
* Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent communication and influencing skills across business and technical audiences.
* Continuous Improvement: Commitment to driving post-go-live optimisation and support excellence.
* Bachelor\'s Degree in IT (or related field) or BS in Computer Science.
* Proven experience leading large-scale SAP programmes, ideally in a post-TSA or transformation context.
* Strong understanding of SAP architecture, integration, and fit-to-standard implementation approaches.
* Experience of working as a member of a team to deliver change and continuous improvement.
* Experience of building and leading an SAP Technical Team.
What will I get in return?
At Kerry Dairy Ireland, we believe in giving talented, curious people the opportunity to make a difference. We work as a team, searching for the best ways to inspire food and nourish life. We are a community of innovators, working across disciplines to solve global food challenges with a fresh approach. We want you to achieve whatever you put your mind to.
We Also Offer
* 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
* Hybrid working
* Health Care allowance
* Matched pension scheme
* Benefits platform offering discounts and cashback on major retailers.
About Kerry Dairy Ireland
Kerry Dairy Ireland is a vertically integrated farm-to-fork business with a substantial consumer foods presence and a leading nutritional and dairy ingredients division, delivering high-quality dairy solutions with a focus on sustainability and innovation. From partnering with local family farms to producing world-class dairy products, we ensure every step of our value chain reflects our commitment to excellence.
Headquartered in Tralee, Co. Kerry, we operate multiple manufacturing facilities in the southwest of Ireland, including Listowel, Charleville, Newmarket, and Farranfore. We manage 29 Farm & Home stores throughout the region, with presence in Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom at Portadown, Coleraine, and Ossett.
Globally, Kerry Dairy Ireland employs over 1,600 professionals across Ireland, the UK, USA, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and China. In 2024, we achieved a turnover of approximately €1.3 billion.
Get in touch
Our recruitment, selection and assessment process are based on the skills and competencies of the specific roles and merit. We are committed to diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate based on gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. We also warn about scams and outline how to identify legitimate communication from Kerry Dairy Ireland.
Posting Type: LI
Location: Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland
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