Technical Application manager
Role description
Senior SAP Application Specialist / ERP Application Manager
Location: Bilthoven, Netherlands (Hybrid – minimum 3 days onsite)
Industry: Life Sciences / GMP-regulated environment
Build the digital foundation of an international life sciences organisation
For an international organisation within the life sciences industry, we are looking for an experienced Senior SAP Application Specialist / ERP Application Manager who will play a key role in managing, optimising, and further developing the SAP ERP landscape.
In this position, you will take ownership of critical SAP applications and act as the bridge between business stakeholders, IT teams, and external partners. You will ensure that SAP remains reliable, efficient, and aligned with business needs in a complex production environment.
Your role
As Senior SAP Application Specialist, you will be responsible for the functional and technical management of the SAP environment. You will work closely with departments including Finance, Procurement, Supply Chain, Operations, and HR to improve processes and deliver sustainable SAP solutions.
This role is ideal for someone who combines strong SAP technical knowledge with business understanding and enjoys taking ownership of application improvements, troubleshooting, and continuous optimisation.
Key responsibilities
- Manage and optimise SAP ERP applications within a complex business environment.
- Act as SAP Subject Matter Expert (SME) for business stakeholders and users.
- Translate business requirements into scalable SAP solutions.
- Perform analysis, troubleshooting, and root-cause investigation of SAP issues.
- Support SAP configuration, customisation, integrations, and system enhancements.
- Coordinate incidents, change requests, releases, and testing activities.
- Collaborate with external SAP partners and internal IT teams.
- Support SAP upgrades, implementations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Contribute to validation, compliance, and audit activities within a regulated environment.
What we are looking for
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
- 5+ years of experience working with SAP ERP in a complex organisation.
- Strong hands‑on experience with SAP application management.
- Experience with SAP configuration/customising and technical troubleshooting.
- Knowledge of SAP ECC and/or SAP S/4HANA.
- Experience with SAP modules such as PP, MM, SD, FI/CO or related areas.
- Understanding of integrations, interfaces, and SAP technical environments.
- Experience with incident, change, and release management.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work with multiple stakeholders.
Nice to have
- Experience within manufacturing, pharma, biotech, or another GMP-regulated environment.
- Experience with SAP validation and compliance requirements.
- Knowledge of AFAS or other HR/business applications.
- Experience with SAP debugging or technical development.
What we offer
- A key position within an international life sciences organisation.
- The opportunity to take ownership of a critical SAP environment.
- A collaborative environment with close interaction between business and IT.
- Hybrid working model with a strong focus on teamwork and innovation.
- Competitive salary and attractive secondary employment benefits.
- Opportunity to contribute to digital transformation within a company supporting global healthcare.
