SAP PP/DS Consultant (Automotive)

Full Time, onsite
Signitives
On Site, United States of America

Salary undisclosed

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Role: SAP PP/DS Consultant (Plan to Produce - Pl2PR)

Location: Normal, IL

Work Arrangement: Onsite (Required from Day 1)

Job Type: Long-Term Contract

Industry: Automotive

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly experienced SAP PP/DS Consultant to join our team for a long-term, onsite contract engagement with our client, a leader in the automotive industry, located in Normal, IL. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in SAP Plan to Produce (Pl2PR) processes, specifically Production Planning (PP) and Production Planning/Detailed Scheduling (PP/DS), within an automotive manufacturing environment. You will lead the design, configuration, and implementation of complex SAP solutions, leveraging your extensive knowledge of repetitive and discrete manufacturing, Variant Configuration (VC), Model Mix Planning (MMP), and integration with APO, EWM, and MES.

Responsibilities:

Solution Design and Implementation:
- Lead the design, configuration, and implementation of SAP Plan to Produce (Pl2PR) processes, focusing on Production Planning (PP) and SAP PP/DS modules.
- Develop comprehensive end-to-end SAP solutions covering production planning, demand management, detailed scheduling, capacity planning, and shop floor control.
- Implement and optimize advanced planning techniques within PP/DS (e.g., heuristics, algorithms, Sequencing, Restriction Planning) to enhance production schedules, reduce lead times, and improve resource utilization.
- Collaborate closely with teams managing other SAP modules (MM, SD, QM, WM, FI/CO) and APO/SCM to ensure seamless end-to-end process integration.
Requirements Gathering and Analysis:
- Engage directly with Rivian's business stakeholders to thoroughly understand production planning, scheduling, and manufacturing requirements specific to the automotive context.
- Conduct process assessments, workshops, and fit-gap analyses to identify optimization opportunities within the SAP landscape.
- Translate complex business needs into detailed functional and technical SAP specifications.
Project Leadership and Management:
- Act as the lead consultant for SAP PP/DS and Plan to Produce project streams, managing scope, timelines, resources, and deliverables.
- Provide expert guidance and leadership to project team members.
- Develop project plans, manage risks, track progress, and ensure solutions meet quality standards, delivered on time and within budget.
- Serve as a key point of contact for client stakeholders.
System Configuration and Development:
- Perform hands-on configuration of SAP PP and PP/DS modules, including master data (BOMs, Routings, Work Centers, Production Versions, iPPE), MRP, capacity planning, heuristics, detailed scheduling strategies, MMP setup, Control Cycles, and Rapid Planning Matrix (RPM).
- Configure complex Variant Configuration (VC) models and Object Dependencies.
- Collaborate with ABAP developers on custom enhancements, reports, interfaces (RICEFW), and forms when standard solutions are insufficient.
Integration and Data Management:
- Design and manage integration points between PP/DS, ECC/S/4HANA, APO, EWM, and MES systems, including CIF error handling and resolution.
- Lead data migration activities for PP/DS relevant master and transactional data.
- Ensure robust integration supporting efficient data flow across the manufacturing and supply chain landscape.
Support and Optimization:
- Provide expert-level post-go-live support, troubleshooting complex issues related to production planning, scheduling, and execution (e.g., COGI errors, planning inconsistencies).
- Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventative actions.
- Continuously identify and implement optimizations within SAP PP/DS to improve performance, efficiency, and user experience.
Training and Knowledge Transfer:
- Develop and deliver training materials and sessions for end-users and project teams.
- Create comprehensive documentation (process flows, configuration rationale, functional/technical specifications).
- Facilitate knowledge transfer to client teams and internal support staff.

Qualifications & Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field.
Minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience in SAP PP and PP/DS configuration, implementation, and support.
Proven experience with at least 2-3 full life cycle SAP Plan to Produce (Pl2PR) implementations, covering all phases from blueprinting to post-go-live support.
Mandatory experience with SAP S/4HANA environments and the integration nuances of PP/DS within S/4HANA.
Strong experience in the Automotive industry is highly required. Specific experience in automotive assembly plants and inbound supply chain processes is a significant advantage.
In-depth understanding and configuration experience in both Repetitive Manufacturing (REM) and Discrete Manufacturing scenarios.
Demonstrable experience with Make-to-Order (MTO), Make-to-Stock (MTS), Engineer-to-Order (ETO), and Knock-Down Kit (KD Kit) manufacturing processes.

Key Technical Skills:

SAP Modules: PP, PP/DS, APO (SNP/DP knowledge beneficial), basic understanding of MM, QM, SD, EWM, FI/CO integration points.
PP Core: BOM, Routing/Recipe, Work Center, Production Version, MRP, Capacity Planning, Production Orders, Process Orders, Confirmations, Backflushing, COGI Error Resolution.
PP/DS: Core Interface (CIF) setup & monitoring, Heuristics, Optimization, Detailed Scheduling Planning Board, Master Data (Resources, PDS, PPM), Setup Matrix, Block Planning, Model Mix Planning (MMP) Setup, Rapid Planning Matrix (RPM), Sequencing, Restriction Planning.
Advanced: Variant Configuration (VC) including complex models and object dependencies, Integrated Product and Process Engineering (iPPE).
Industry Solution: SAP IS-AUTO (knowledge of FLO, ACT, PVS beneficial).
Integration: Experience integrating SAP PP/DS with MES systems and SAP EWM.
General: Master data management and migration, LSMW/Data Migration Cockpit, basic ABAP debugging skills are a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:

SAP certification in SAP PP and/or SAP S/4HANA Production Planning & Manufacturing, or SAP PP/DS.

Soft Skills:

Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
Proven ability to manage and balance senior stakeholder expectations.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Ability to lead and mentor junior consultants.
Experience defining and resourcing support team structures.

Employers have access to artificial intelligence language tools (“AI”) that help generate and enhance job descriptions and AI may have been used to create this description. The position description has been reviewed for accuracy and Dice believes it to correctly reflect the job opportunity.

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