Lead Consultant - SAP S/4HANA - AI Development

Role Title: Lead Consultant - SAP S/4HANA - AI Development

Location: Chennai

We are one purpose-led global organisation. The enablers and innovators, ensuring that we can fulfil our mission to push the boundaries of science and discover and develop life-changing medicines. We take pride in working close to the cause, opening the locks to save lives, ultimately making a massive difference to the outside world.

AstraZeneca (AZ) is in a period of strong growth and our employees have a united purpose to make a difference to patients around the world who need both our medicines and the ongoing developments from our science.   In this journey AZ must continue to work across borders and with partners and new colleagues in a fast and seamless way.  The ambition, size and complexity of the organisation, coupled with the opportunities afforded by new technology, has led the Board to approve a large-scale transformation programme – Axial.

The Axial Programme will be powered by S/4HANA a new ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system which will be implemented right across the organisation and will provide our business with standardised processes, enhanced financial management, common data and real time reporting, transforming the way we work through our entire supply chain - from bench to patient.

The new system will be used by more than 20,000 employees daily, is foundational to all AZ entities and is central to most core business processes.  This is a once in a generation programme for AstraZeneca and will shape our ways of working globally for many years to come.

The Axial programme needs the best talent to work in it.  Whether it’s the technical skills, business understanding or change leadership, we want to ensure we have the strongest team deployed throughout.  We are aiming to deliver a world class change programme that leaves all employees with a fuller understanding of their role in the end-to-end nature of our global company.  This programme will provide AZ with a competitive edge, to the benefit of our employees, customers and patients.

What you’ll do

We are seeking a strategic and technically adept Lead AI Implementation Architect to spearhead the integration of AI tools into our SAP S/4HANA landscape. This pivotal role will drive the design, development, and deployment of intelligent solutions that enhance business processes, leveraging SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) and AI/ML capabilities.

You will lead the implementation of AI tools to accelerate the SAP software development lifecycle.  The tools implemented will be applicable to all SAP technologies in use at AZ.  The role involves both proof of concept work and embedding AI technology in validated systems.

• AI Solution Design & Integration: Architect and implement AI-driven solutions within the SAP S/4HANA environment, utilizing SAP BTP, SAP AI Core, and SAP AI Foundation to enhance business processes

• Technical Expertise & Innovation: Stay abreast of emerging AI technologies and methodologies, evaluating their applicability to SAP environments and driving innovation in AI tool integration, (e.g. SAP Joule, GitHub CoPilot)

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with development colleagues in ECS SAP and DevOps as well as the wider Axial programme.  Promote AI tools and increase awareness and usage outside the development community.

• Governance & Compliance: Establish and enforce best practices for AI development, ensuring solutions adhere to data governance, security, and ethical standards

• Performance Monitoring & Optimization: Implement monitoring frameworks to assess the performance of AI solutions, driving continuous improvement and scalability.

Essential for the role

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field

• Professional Experience: Minimum of 10 years in SAP development and implementation, with at least 3 years focused on S/4 HANA, AI/ML integration within SAP ecosystems.

• Technical Proficiency: Hands-on experience with SAP BTP, SAP AI Core, SAP AI Foundation, and AI/ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn

• Programming Skills: Proficiency in programming languages including Python, JavaScript (UI5/React), and ABAP.

• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Desirable for the role

• Certifications: SAP S/4HANA certification or equivalent.

• Industry Experience: Experience in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, or pharmaceuticals, where SAP S/4HANA is extensively utilized.

• Leadership: Proven track record of mentoring and leading technical teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.

Why AstraZeneca?

At Astrazeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

So, what’s next?

• Are you already imaging yourself joining our team? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you.

• Are you ready to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available and hope its yours

• If you’re curious to know more then we welcome your application no later than

Where can I find out more?

Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/1603/

Follow AstraZeneca on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers/

Follow AstraZeneca on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/astrazeneca_careers/?hl=en