SAP PLM Architect (Lead)

Join Our Team as a Core Product Lifecycle Management (cPLM) Functional Architect. Mars Inc. is embarking on a major transformation of our global Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) capabilities as part of our broader Digital Core initiative. We are implementing SAP PLM as our enterprise‑wide solution and seeking a SAP PLM Functional Architect to play a critical role in shaping, designing, and delivering our next‑generation corporate PLM platform. This is a unique opportunity to influence enterprise PLM capabilities in the Food & Nutrition Business Segment and to contribute to a strategic programme that will redefine how product innovation and lifecycle processes operate globally.

As our SAP PLM Functional Architect, you will serve as a subject‑matter expert responsible for interpreting business needs, shaping solutions in PLM, and guiding the end‑to‑end implementation and optimisation of the SAP PLM solution for the Food & Nutrition business segment. This position is project‑based and has an anticipated program end date of 3 years. As we approach the project end date, we will collaborate with you to explore other employment opportunities within the Mars family of companies. If a suitable alternative role is not available at that time, your employment will end and you may be eligible for a redundancy package in line with Company policies and practices.

What are we looking for?

• We are seeking passionate individuals who are eager to innovate and excel in a collaborative environment.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in IT, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in SAP with a strong background in PLM, Digital R&D, or product development systems.
• Hands‑on configuration experience with SAP PLM components such as Recipe Development, Specifications Management, and related modules.
• Strong understanding of S/4HANA, SAP BTP, and RISE environments, including cloud‑based integration models.
• Strong understanding and hands-on experience of Syniti Data Migration Tool.

Technical & Functional Skills

• Strong ability to convert complex business requirements into clear functional architecture and solution designs.
• Solid experience in functional data models, workflow design, APIs, and middleware‑based integrations.
• Deep understanding of PLM processes within CPG, food manufacturing, or process industries.
• Integrating PLM with SAP ERP, MDG, and other product‑related systems.

Exposure To

• SAP Test Automation tools.
• Deployment and release management tools.
• Data encryption and data masking.
• SAP Cloud ALM.

Personal Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Able to work in a fast‑moving, global, matrixed environment.
• A mindset of innovation, continuous improvement, and technical craftsmanship.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Functional Architecture & Design: Act as Functional Design Authority for SAP PLM within the Core PLM programme. Lead end‑to‑end functional architecture and solution design across SAP PLM capabilities including recipes, specifications, change management, and compliance. Translate business and R&D requirements into robust functional designs, fit‑to‑standard solutions, and configuration approaches. Define functional guardrails, design standards, and scalable templates for global rollout.
• SAP PLM Solution Delivery: Configure and optimise SAP PLM modules such as Recipe Development, Specifications Management, Change Records / Product Change Management. Own functional solution alignment with SAP S/4HANA (Private Cloud, RISE) and SAP BTP. Partner with technical and integration teams to ensure clean, supportable functional designs.
• Data, Integration & Governance: Lead functional data modelling and harmonisation across PLM, ERP, and downstream systems. Provide functional leadership for data migration, including hands‑on experience with Syniti tool and ensure data quality validation. Define functional integration touchpoints with SAP ERP, MDG, label management, innovation, CAD, and other product‑related systems. Ensure compliance with enterprise governance, data security, masking, and audit requirements.
• Global Deployment & Stakeholder Collaboration: Support country and regional deployments, including fit/gap, localisation, testing, and go‑live support. Help cPLM Program Delivery Manager in the planning process for country and regional deployments. Work closely with R&D, Regulatory, Supply, Quality, and Digital Core teams across regions. Guide system integrators and delivery partners, ensuring functional consistency and quality. Serve as the bridge between business teams and technical teams, ensuring clarity, feasibility, and alignment throughout the project lifecycle. Support testing phases (SIT, UAT, regression), Test Automation by defining scenarios, resolving defects, and enabling smooth deployment. Contribute to change management, training support, and Service Introduction activities to ensure successful adoption and transition to steady state operations.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline processes, optimise system performance, and enhance user experience. Bring forward best‑practice technical approaches suitable for a global Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) environment.

What Can You Expect from Mars?

• Work with over 140,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose-driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best‑in‑class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in‑house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.