At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead testing activities for SAP S/4HANA Payroll implementation, ensuring quality and governance.
- Company: Major organisation driving a large-scale SAP transformation programme.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid work model, and opportunity to shape testing strategy.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.
- Why this job: Own the testing function and make a significant impact on a high-visibility project.
- Qualifications: Proven Test Management experience in SAP S/4HANA Payroll implementations is essential.
Rate: Up to £475 per day - Outside IR35
Duration: 6 Months
Location: Edinburgh - Hybrid (3 days on site per week)
Requirement: Proven Test Management experience on SAP S/4HANA Payroll implementations (Non-Negotiable)
Only candidates with hands-on Test Management experience across full-scale SAP S/4HANA Payroll implementations will be considered. You must be comfortable owning testing end-to-end - from strategy through to go-live and hypercare.
Optimal are delighted to be partnering exclusively with a major organisation delivering a large-scale SAP transformation programme. This is a high-visibility contract where you'll own the entire test function across a complex, multi-supplier payroll implementation - shaping quality, governance and delivery from the ground up.
Role Overview
As Test Manager, you'll lead the planning, coordination and delivery of all testing activities across the SAP S/4HANA Payroll implementation. Working across business, technical and third-party teams, you'll ensure testing is delivered to agreed quality standards, risks are actively managed, and the solution is ready for a clean, confident deployment.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and own the overall test plan across all phases - SIT, UAT, Regression, Data Migration and Dress Rehearsals
- Coordinate testing across multiple workstreams, suppliers and business teams
- Manage test environments, test data, defect triage and reporting
- Ensure entry/exit criteria and quality gates are met before progression between phases
- Provide regular status reporting, risk management and governance updates to programme leadership
- Support business users through UAT planning, execution and sign-off
- Work closely with the Payroll SME, Project Manager and technical teams through to successful go-live and hypercare
- Shift-left quality approach and Test Strategy
- Integrated Test Plan and Automation Blueprint
- Governance Model, RACI and Quality Gates
- Ways of Working, enablement and knowledge transfer
- KPI catalogue, baseline and reporting
- AI usage, guardrails and governance
- Execution reporting templates and delivery / adoption roadmap
What You'll Bring
- Proven experience as a Test Manager on enterprise SAP programmes - specifically SAP S/4HANA Payroll
- Strong command of the full test lifecycle across SIT, UAT, Regression, Data Migration and Dress Rehearsals
- Experience managing test environments, data, defect triage and reporting at scale
- Confident owning quality gates, entry/exit criteria and phase governance
- Excellent stakeholder management across business, technical and third-party teams
- Strong reporting, risk and governance skills at programme level
- Excellent written and spoken English, and able to work UK hours on site 3 days p/w in Edinburgh
Nice to Have
- Payroll or wider HR transformation programme experience
- Experience introducing automation and AI into a test function
- Background delivering within formal, gated programme governance
SAP Test Manager | SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll (ECP) employer: Optimal
Join a leading organisation in Edinburgh that values innovation and excellence, offering a dynamic work culture where your contributions directly impact large-scale SAP transformation programmes. With a focus on employee growth, you will have access to continuous learning opportunities and the chance to shape quality and governance in a high-visibility role. Enjoy the benefits of a hybrid working model, allowing for flexibility while collaborating with diverse teams to deliver exceptional results.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SAP Test Manager | SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll (ECP)
✨Join SAP Communities
Get involved in SAP-focused forums and communities like SAP Community Network or even local SAP user groups. It’s a great way to connect with professionals already in the field who can offer insights and potentially point you towards temporary roles like a SAP Test Manager | SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll (ECP) at Optimal.
✨Showcase Your Skills Through Projects
Since this is a temporary gig, consider showcasing your SAP knowledge with a hands-on portfolio. Work on small projects or documentation that you can present in interviews to immediately demonstrate your skills and understanding of SAP systems. This can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Temporary Opportunities
Use LinkedIn to filter for temporary roles within the SAP-ERP field. Follow companies that interest you, like Optimal, and express your eagerness in your profile summary. Recruiters often look for passionate candidates ready to dive into roles quickly.
✨Directly Reach Out to Recruitment Agencies
Many temporary positions are filled through specialised recruitment agencies. Make a list of agencies that focus on SAP roles and send them your details. They often have access to roles before they’re even advertised, giving you a competitive edge.
We think you need these skills to ace SAP Test Manager | SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll (ECP)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your SAP Skills:When applying for an SAP ERP systems role, it's crucial to showcase your experience with specific SAP modules and tools in your CV. Be sure to mention any relevant projects or systems you've worked on that demonstrate your technical prowess in this field.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Given that this role is temporary, your CV should reflect not just your technical skills but also your flexibility and ability to pick up new tasks quickly. Highlighting any previous short-term roles or contracts can show that you adapt well in a fast-paced environment.
Use Real-Time Results:If you’ve managed to implement any solutions or processes within SAP that resulted in tangible improvements, make sure to include those results in your application. Quantifying your achievements can really set you apart from the crowd and show potential employers like Optimal the value you can bring.
Express Your Enthusiasm for Temporary Roles:In your cover letter, it's a good idea to express your excitement about the temporary nature of the position. Share how this fits into your career goals and willingness to immerse yourself in a project even if it's short-term. This can really resonate with hiring managers who value commitment, even in a limited timeframe.
How to prepare for a job interview at Optimal
✨Show Your ERP Expertise
Make sure you brush up on your SAP ERP systems knowledge. Be prepared to discuss specific modules you've worked with, like FI or MM, plus any systems integrations you've tackled. This role will likely involve technical assessments, so expect an interview format focusing on practical, hands-on scenarios.
✨Temporary Role Mindset
Since this is a temporary position, show your enthusiasm for quick learning and adaptability. Highlight past experiences where you've picked up new skills or tools rapidly—this could give you the edge, showing that you can hit the ground running at Optimal!
✨Prepare for Case Studies
You might face case studies or problem-solving questions tailored to real-life SAP scenarios. Practice breaking down issues logically and framing your thought process clearly. Employers want to see how you apply your knowledge, so articulate your reasoning well.
✨Portfolio of Your Projects
Have a portfolio ready if applicable! Even in SAP, showcasing completed projects or case studies that demonstrate your contributions to past employers can be a game-changer. Talk about your role and the impact your work had on the organisation—quantify it if possible!
