SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO) Functional Consultant
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced SAP APO Functional Consultant to join our team and lead the implementation and optimization of advanced planning solutions. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in supply chain planning, demand forecasting, and production planning optimization using SAP APO modules to drive strategic business decisions and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
APO Module Implementation & Configuration :
- Configure and implement SAP APO modules including Demand Planning (DP), Supply Network Planning (SNP), Production Planning / Detailed Scheduling (PP / DS), and Global Available-to-Promise (GATP)
- Design and optimize planning scenarios for demand forecasting, capacity planning, and material requirements planning
- Configure master data objects including products, resources, transportation lanes, and planning areas
- Set up planning procedures, planning books, and key figure schemes for comprehensive planning cycles
- Implement exception-based planning and alert management for proactive issue resolution
Supply Chain Planning & Optimization :
Design end-to-end supply chain planning processes from demand sensing to production executionImplement advanced forecasting models using statistical forecasting, machine learning, and causal factorsConfigure supply network optimization including multi-site planning, distribution planning, and transportation optimizationSet up capable-to-Match (CTM) and Available-to-Promise (ATP) scenarios for order fulfillment optimizationDevelop planning strategies for seasonal demand, promotional planning, and new product introductionsIntegration & Data Management :
Ensure seamless integration between APO and SAP ECC / S4HANA systems using Core Interface (CIF)Configure and maintain master data distribution and transactional data exchangeDesign and implement integration with external planning systems, demand sensing tools, and business intelligence platformsSupport real-time data synchronization and delta management between planning and execution systemsManage planning data archival, purging, and performance optimizationBusiness Process Analysis & Optimization :
Conduct business process workshops to understand current planning challenges and future state requirementsAnalyze supply chain KPIs including forecast accuracy, service levels, inventory turns, and planning cycle timesDesign planning hierarchies, planning levels, and aggregation strategies for scalable planning processesImplement collaborative planning processes with suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholdersDevelop planning governance frameworks and establish planning review cyclesReporting & Analytics :
Configure APO planning books, data views, and interactive planning interfacesDevelop custom planning reports and dashboards for executive visibilityImplement planning analytics including forecast accuracy measurement, bias analysis, and demand pattern recognitionCreate exception reporting and alert mechanisms for supply-demand imbalancesDesign planning simulation scenarios for what-if analysis and contingency planningRequired Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, or related field5+ years of hands-on experience with SAP APO implementation and supportDeep understanding of supply chain planning concepts including demand planning, supply planning, and production planningExperience with APO configuration tools and planning proceduresStrong analytical skills with ability to translate business requirements into technical solutionsKnowledge of statistical forecasting methods and demand planning best practicesExperience with APO-ECC integration and master data managementPreferred Qualifications
SAP APO certification or other relevant SAP supply chain certificationsExperience with S / 4HANA embedded planning (IBP integration) and transition projectsKnowledge of SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP) for Supply ChainAdvanced degree in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, or MBA with supply chain focusExperience in utilities, energy, manufacturing, or process industriesProject management experience or PMP certificationKnowledge of optimization algorithms and mathematical modelingTechnical Skills
APO Functional Expertise :
Demand Planning (DP) configuration and statistical forecastingSupply Network Planning (SNP) and deployment optimizationProduction Planning / Detailed Scheduling (PP / DS) and capacity optimizationGlobal Available-to-Promise (GATP) and order fulfillmentTransportation Planning and Logistics (TP / LS)Planning & Analytics :
Statistical forecasting models and demand sensingSupply chain optimization and mathematical modelingPlanning KPI development and performance measurementScenario planning and simulation modelingCollaborative planning and demand consensus processesIntegration & Technical Knowledge :
Core Interface (CIF) configuration and troubleshootingMaster data management and data quality processesAPO LiveCache administration and performance tuningBasic understanding of ABAP for functional specificationsExperience with planning automation and batch processingThis role offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge planning technologies while driving significant business value through optimized supply chain operations, improved forecast accuracy, and enhanced customer service levels across our energy operations.