Senior SAP Consultant

Senior SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products) Consultants are employed by companies who want to personalize their SAP software according to the business requirements. The Consultants are responsible for catering to the client's demand by identifying business opportunities and customizing the SAP software and system designs.

Some of the roles played by Senior SAP Consultants in varied capacities are:

• Functional Consultant: Designs, Configures, implements, and maintains the technical functionalities concerning software and applications as per the requirements of the clients.
• SAP Basis Consultant: Overseeing the proper administration of the SAP Database using networking and Information Technology (IT) skills.
• Business and Sales Consultant: Analyses the business in terms of its position in the market, risk handling potential, competition analysis, accurate financial position, business forecasts, etc.
• SAP Technical Consultant: Design and develop customized SAP systems as per the business's requirements and its existing IT infrastructure.

Various responsibilities taken up by a Senior SAP Consultant include:

• Develop the software using the programming languages like Java, Scala, Python, C++, etc.; Manage and administer the database.
• Training the newly joined SAP Consultants in applying the knowledge related to SAP Modules.
• Assessing the needs of the business for further support and assistance; analyzing the business's potential to take risks; evaluating the company's financial position.
• Analysing the existing IT infrastructure if they need improvements; designing, configuring, and maintaining the functional technicalities related to software, applications, and networking.

Major educational qualifications required for Senior SAP Consultant are:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or similar preferred.
• Specialization in finance, project management, business administration, or a related field will be advantageous.
• SAP-accredited certification.
• Current knowledge of SAP systems, deployment, and integration.
• Great collaboration, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Superb analytical and problem-solving abilities.

The career progression of a Senior SAP Consultant takes about eight to eleven years to reach the highest position in the organizational pyramid of the Application Development Director. The midway positions in the hierarchy include Lead Consultant, Team Leader, Solutions Architect, Project Manager, Business Systems Analyst, Project Analyst, Senior Manager, Applications Development Manager, Implementation Manager, Business Systems Manager, Technical Delivery Manager, Application Manager, Infrastructure Manager, and Principal Technologist. Various alternative job profiles available to a Senior SAP Consultant at the time of transiting to another job include the following:

• Financial Manager: Oversees financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis, ensuring optimal financial performance.
• Supply Chain Manager: Manages the efficient flow of goods and services, from procurement to delivery, to optimize supply chain operations.
• Human Resource Manager: Leads the development and implementation of HR strategies and policies to attract, retain, and develop a skilled workforce.
• Freelance Business Consultant: Provides expert advice and guidance to businesses on various aspects, including strategy, operations, and market expansion.
• IT Systems Architect: Designs and oversees the implementation of complex IT systems, ensuring they align with business goals and requirements.
• Database Administrator (DBA): Manages and maintains databases, ensuring data security, integrity, and performance for efficient data management.
• Incident Manager: Coordinates and resolves IT incidents to minimize business disruption and ensure timely restoration of service.
• Network Engineer: Plans, implements, and maintains computer networks, ensuring reliable connectivity and optimal network performance.

SAPs have been the world's largest Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) vendors since 2021. All small and medium-sized companies to large conglomerates are increasingly using SAP software for Design and Business. It would give an edge to the ones with SAP certifications to get jobs.
More than 28,000 new employment opportunities are to be generated by 2025. India is one of the SAP market's largest hubs, attracting investments worth $500 million. It has been more than 25 years since SAP has been driven in India.
The careers for Senior SAP Consultants are bright and promising because many companies, manufacturing units, and enterprises are mushrooming in India. It would hike the demand for SAP Consultants in the future as well.