SAP APO Business Analyst

Configures, implements, maintains and upgrades Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) application modules (e.g., Human Resources, Finance, Supply Chain Management). Analyzes user requirements to determine ERP system configuration and customization. Provides ongoing ERP system support. May be involved in the requirements definition and software vendor selection phase.

Role:

The successful Business Analyst in the area of SAP APO/IBP candidate will work within the high-performance Supply Chain Planning & Manufacturing IT Team. Exceptional teamwork is critical to the success of the individual and the achievement of business results.

Responsibilities:
• Work closely with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Analytical teams to understand business processes and planning requirements.
• Collaborate with the Bayer Business Network to develop and support enterprise planning solutions that reduce operating costs and improve supply chain performance.
• Lead the planning, design, configuration, testing, training, and deployment of SAP APO modules (DP, SNP, PP/DS) and SAP IBP capabilities (Demand, Supply, Inventory, S&OP, Control Tower).
• Provide production support for global planning and manufacturing operations using APO, including integrations with MES, ECC/S4, and external systems.
• Configure and maintain APO/IBP master data: BOMs, resources, PDS/PPM, location-product, classifications, and batch-related structures.
• Develop and maintain interfaces between APO/IBP and ECC/S4 using CIF, OData services, and integration middleware.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and enhance planning capabilities across global manufacturing sites.
• Create Functional Design Specifications and detailed documentation to support custom enhancements, BI/Analytics, and performance improvements.
• Partner with FI/CO, MM, PP, QM, Security, Basis, ABAP, and Operations teams to resolve technical and process issues.
• Troubleshoot integration issues between SAP APO/IBP and ECC/S4 (MM, PP, SD, FI/CO).
• Identify process improvement opportunities using new SAP functionalities and optimization methods.
• Research and apply SAP OSS Notes and best practices to maintain system reliability and performance.
Required Skills & Qualifications
• Minimum 8 years hands-on SAP APO configuration experience (DP, SNP, PP/DS) or SAP IBP experience (Demand, Supply, Inventory, S&OP).
• At least 2 full lifecycle APO and/or IBP implementations.
• Expertise in APO functionalities such as statistical forecasting, SNP heuristics/optimization, PP/DS detailed scheduling, supply heuristics, and inventory optimization.