SAP S/4 Hana - Testing & Cutover Lead

We are looking to hire SAP S/4 Hana Lead - Testing & Cutover who will be responsible for leading, planning, execution and support the implementation of SAP S/4Hana for our client based in Dubai, a leading Semi-Government entity in the UAE and a global leader in its industry. This position is a long-term contract role with an initial duration of 18 months and is renewable. The role sits within the Digital Transformation Team. We are looking for a passionate Testing & Cutover Lead with a strong background in SAP programs, focused on ensuring quality assurance across system integration, user acceptance, regression testing, planning, governance of all testing phases, cutover and risk-free transition to SAP S/4HANA. You should also have extensive experience in managing testing streams and cutover planning for large-scale ERP transformations. Key Responsibilities: • Take ownership of planning and coordinating all testing-related efforts throughout the SAP program lifecycle, serving as the main point of contact for testing activities. • Design and drive the testing approach across various stages including unit testing, system integration (SIT), user acceptance (UAT), regression, and performance testing. • Work closely with external partners to ensure test planning, scheduling, and execution meet project standards, timelines, and quality expectations. • Oversee the setup and consistent use of testing tools, templates, and documentation; ensure test outcomes meet predefined quality benchmarks. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to validate that all key business processes are sufficiently covered by detailed test scripts. • Organize and lead regression testing initiatives and regular review sessions to monitor progress and resolve issues promptly. • Assist in defining test scenarios and coordinating test data requirements to ensure readiness for SIT and UAT phases. • Lead the cutover planning and execution process, supporting the transition from legacy SAP ECC to the S/4HANA environment. • Establish clear protocols for governance, communication, rollback, and success measurement during cutover activities. • Manage trial runs (mock cutovers) and final cutover execution while ensuring all stakeholders are aligned and contingency plans are in place. • Support post-go-live stabilization, addressing any immediate issues and ensuring a smooth handover to operational support teams. Knowledge, Skills & Experience: • A degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a closely related discipline is required. • Minimum of 8 years’ hands-on experience in SAP implementations, including at least three full-cycle projects with S/4HANA. • Proven success in overseeing testing and cutover tracks within large-scale SAP transformations, preferably across multiple regions or business units. • Deep understanding of automation testing and familiar with performance testing and smoke testing. • Strong command of SAP functional areas and familiarity with end-to-end process flows such as Order-to-Cash (OTC), Procure-to-Pay (P2P), and Record-to-Report (RTR). • Skilled in working with tools such as SAP Solution Manager, JIRA, Azure DevOps, HP ALM, Excel, and MS Project. • Strong organizational, leadership, and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders. • Experience in managing risks, dependencies, and escalations under tight deadlines and complex delivery models. Preferred Certifications: • SAP S/4HANA Testing or Project Management certification is highly desirable • ISTQB or equivalent software testing qualification • PMP or PRINCE2 certifications are a plus • Familiarity with SAP Activate methodology and hybrid/agile delivery environments is preferred Availability: • Preference will be given to candidates available immediately.