SAP Cutover Manager (Pharmaceuticals background) - 12 months - 100% REMOTE

The SAP Cutover Manager (Pharmaceuticals) is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing all cutover activities for SAP implementations within a GxP-regulated pharmaceutical environment. This role ensures a controlled, compliant, and low-risk transition from Legacy systems to SAP while maintaining inventory integrity, warehouse continuity, and regulatory compliance., Cutover Strategy & Governance

• Define and own the cutover strategy and governance model aligned with pharmaceutical regulatory requirements (GxP).
• Develop detailed cutover plans and runbooks, including task sequencing, ownership, timing, and approvals.
• Define blackout period strategy, scope, duration, and operational constraints in collaboration with business and quality teams.
• Establish rollback and contingency plans that protect product availability and patient safety.

Stock Management & Inventory Integrity

• Plan and coordinate stock freeze, stock reconciliation, and stock release activities during cutover.

• Ensure accurate migration of:

• Unrestricted, blocked, and quality inspection stock

• Batch-managed and serialized materials

• Expiry dates, shelf life, and valuation data

Coordinate physical inventory counts and system reconciliations pre- and post-cutover.

Manage inventory adjustments in compliance with audit and validation requirements.

Warehouse Movement & Logistics Control

• Plan and manage warehouse movement restrictions during blackout periods.

• Coordinate inbound, outbound, and internal warehouse movements to minimize disruption.

• Align warehouse cutover activities across:

• Production supply

• Distribution centers

• Third-party logistics (3PL) providers

Ensure controlled restart of warehouse operations post-go-live.

Blackout Period Planning & Execution

• Define blackout window timing and enforce system and operational freezes.

• Coordinate with manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and distribution teams to:

• Halt or reroute critical movements

• Protect in-process, released, and quarantined stock

Manage exceptions and emergency movements under controlled procedures.

Lead command-center execution during blackout and go-live windows.

Execution & Readiness

• Lead mock cutovers and dress rehearsals, including stock freeze and warehouse simulations.
• Facilitate cutover readiness assessments and go/no-go decisions.
• Chair daily cutover execution calls and manage Real Time issue resolution.
• Track cutover KPIs, risks, and dependencies across all workstreams.

Compliance, Risk & Quality

• Ensure cutover activities comply with:

• GxP, GDP, GMP requirements

• Data integrity and audit trail expectations

Support validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ) as they relate to cutover.

Ensure appropriate documentation, approvals, and sign-offs are completed.

Post-Go-Live & Hypercare

• Coordinate transition from cutover to hypercare.
• Validate inventory accuracy and warehouse stability post-go-live.
• Capture lessons learned and contribute to continuous improvement for future releases.

• 7+ years of SAP program delivery experience, with hands-on cutover leadership.

• Proven experience delivering SAP cutovers in the pharmaceutical or life sciences sector.

• Direct experience managing cutovers involving:

• Stock management and inventory reconciliation

• Warehouse operations and logistics

• Blackout periods and operational freezes

SAP Functional & Technical Knowledge

• Strong SAP knowledge in:

• SAP MM (Materials Management)

• SAP WM and/or EWM

• Batch management and serialization

Experience with data migration and reconciliation for regulated inventory.

Familiarity with SAP S/4HANA (preferred).

Regulatory & Industry Knowledge

• Strong understanding of:

• GxP, GMP, GDP requirements

• Data integrity and audit readiness

Experience working with Quality, Validation, and Regulatory Affairs teams.

Soft Skills

• Exceptional coordination and leadership in high-pressure environments.
• Strong stakeholder management across business, IT, quality, and external partners.
• Excellent communication and decision-making skills.
• High attention to detail and risk awareness.

Tools & Methodologies (Preferred)

• SAP Solution Manager/Focused Build
• SAP Activate methodology
• Project and cutover tracking tools (eg, MS Project, Jira, Smartsheet)
• ITIL/Release Management frameworks

Education & Certifications (Preferred)

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, IT, or related field.
• SAP certification(s) in MM, WM/EWM, or S/4HANA.
• PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent project management certification.
• GxP or CSV training/certification (preferred).

Success Metrics

• Accurate and compliant inventory migration
• Zero or minimal disruption to pharmaceutical supply
• Successful execution of blackout period
• Audit-ready cutover documentation
• Stable warehouse operations post-go-live