SAP Hypercare Manager

Our client, a leading Global Pharmaceutical Company, is seeking an experienced SAP Hypercare & Cutover Manager to oversee post–go-live stabilisation and system transition activities for a recent ERP program supporting an M&A initiative across multiple markets. Reporting to the Head of Strategic Onboarding, this individual will lead the end-to-end cutover process from legacy systems (Oracle EBS, iTrent, Integra, etc.) to the new ERP landscape, while managing Hypercare operations to ensure smooth stabilisation post–go-live. The role sits at the Program Manager level, requiring someone with strong ERP delivery expertise, stakeholder management skills, and the ability to perform under pressure in a global, fast-paced, and highly regulated pharmaceutical environment. This is a contractual position through the end of 2026. The selected Candidate is required to work onsite at the client's office located in the Trenton, New Jersey area. Responsibilities: • Own and maintain the integrated cutover runbook, sequencing and timestamping all tasks with clear ownership. • Lead command centre operations, including rota planning, escalation management, and live dashboard monitoring. • Coordinate activities across Finance, Supply Chain, Tax (Transfer Pricing), Order Management, Product Costing, Testing, and Go-Live workstreams. • Oversee system blackout periods, ensuring configuration freeze, data validation, and access provisioning are properly controlled. • Monitor entry and exit criteria, validating readiness evidence before progression. • Manage cutover rehearsals and dress runs, validating sequencing and ensuring go-live readiness. • Ensure all transition activities are executed efficiently within tight timeframes to prevent dual-system dependencies. • Activate and manage the Hypercare model post–go-live, ensuring structured monitoring, issue management, and rapid defect resolution. • Track, prioritize, and report on defect backlogs, ensuring proper triage, scheduling, and execution of fixes. • Oversee day-to-day operations during Hypercare, ensuring performance stability and smooth transition to steady-state support. • Conduct lessons learned sessions, embedding continuous improvement for subsequent releases. • Act as a central liaison between Business Readiness Leads, Functional Area Owners, Data Migration Leads, and Technical Cutover Leads. • Partner with Supply Chain, Finance, Tax, and Master Data teams to align all workstreams under unified program governance. • Manage senior stakeholder expectations across the global organization, providing clear communication and calm leadership during high-pressure periods. • Drive M&A integration deliverables, including onboarding new materials, extending them across legal entities, and evolving the financial supply chain in coordination with tax and supplier collaboration teams. • Ensure compliance with program governance, budget control, and ERP standards throughout delivery. • Maintain end-to-end visibility of project risks, dependencies, and issue escalations. • Lead reporting on system readiness, cutover progress, and Hypercare performance metrics. • Manage financial oversight during Hypercare and cutover phases, ensuring efficiency and cost control. • Ensure adherence to compliance and quality standards in a regulated pharmaceutical environment (GxP). Requirements • 7+ years of ERP experience managing large-scale projects or transitions (SAP preferred, Workday or Oracle EBS acceptable). • Proven experience in cutover management, hypercare stabilization, or post–go-live support within enterprise environments. • Strong understanding of ERP integration, testing, and go-live management across multiple business functions (Finance, Supply Chain, Tax, COSI, OMS, etc.). • Demonstrated success managing defect tracking, backlog resolution, and live command centre operations. • Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to handle demanding clients and maintain composure in high-pressure scenarios. • Experience in the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry is highly preferred. • Strong grasp of project management frameworks (PMP, PRINCE2, Agile, ITIL) — certifications a plus. • Excellent communication, coordination, and presentation skills. • Highly organized, structured, and solution-oriented with a strong focus on execution. Key Attributes: • Resilient and thick-skinned ability to keep tough clients confident and satisfied. • Strong program oversight and command-centre leadership. • Calm, composed decision maker during high-stakes cutover and go-live events. • Strategic yet hands-on, capable of leading both planning and delivery phases. • Collaborative, empathetic leader with excellent stakeholder and team management skills.