About the Role
We are seeking an experienced SAP Implementation Lead / Project Manager to serve as the internal owner of an SAP S/4HANA implementation. This role will lead the program from design through go-live and stabilization, acting as the central connector between business stakeholders, IT, and external implementation partners.
This individual will drive cross-functional execution across Finance, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, and other key functions—translating business requirements into system solutions and leading decision-making throughout the enterprise transformation.
The ideal candidate brings proven, hands-on experience leading complex SAP implementations, preferably within Food & Beverage manufacturing environments, and thrives in highly collaborative, fast-paced settings.
Key Responsibilities
SAP Program Ownership
- Own and lead the end-to-end SAP S/4HANA implementation, including planning, execution, testing, go-live, and post-go-live stabilization.
- Act as the primary internal owner of the SAP program and main point of contact for all SAP-related initiatives.
- Partner closely with executive leadership to ensure alignment with business strategy and operational goals.
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Serve as the central point of coordination across Finance, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, IT, and other functional teams.
- Drive alignment between business stakeholders and system design.
- Facilitate cross-functional workshops, design sessions, and decision forums.
- Resolve conflicts, manage trade-offs, and drive timely decision-making.
Implementation & Delivery
- Lead all phases of the SAP implementation lifecycle (discovery, design, build, testing, deployment, hypercare).
- Manage scope, timelines, risks, dependencies, and issue resolution.
- Oversee system integration points and ensure end-to-end process integrity.
- Ensure business readiness, user adoption, and operational continuity.
Partner & Stakeholder Management
- Act as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders and external SAP implementation partners.
- Manage consulting partner performance, deliverables, and service-level expectations.
- Provide regular program updates to executive leadership and steering committees.
Change Management & Adoption
- Drive change management efforts, including communication, training, and process standardization.
- Ensure SAP solutions are embedded into business operations and deliver measurable business value.
- Support post-go-live optimization and continuous improvement initiatives.
Success in This Role Looks Like
First 90 Days
- Build strong relationships with key stakeholders and implementation partners.
- Develop working knowledge of the current SAP landscape, business processes, and project roadmap.
- Independently manage assigned project phases or workstreams with minimal escalation.
After 12 Months
- Consistent delivery of SAP initiatives on schedule and within approved scope.
- Strong stakeholder confidence in execution and communication.
- Measurable improvements in system adoption, process efficiency, and operational outcomes.
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in ERP or SAP program/project management, preferably in manufacturing environments.
- Proven experience leading at least one full-cycle SAP S/4HANA implementation as the primary program or project lead.
- Strong understanding of project management methodologies (Waterfall, Agile, or hybrid).
- Experience working cross-functionally with business, IT, and external vendors.
- Proficiency with project management tools and documentation standards.
Preferred Qualifications
- PMP, PRINCE2, or SAP-related certifications.
Physical & Work Environment
- Ability to work onsite at the Elma, NY facility.
Top Skills
What We Do
Steuben Foods is a leading food and beverage manufacturer producing high-quality, innovative products for some of the most recognized brands in the industry.
Steuben specializes in aseptic and extended-shelf-life products including dairy, plant-based beverages, creamers, nutritional drinks, and ready-to-drink formulations. We partner with both established and emerging brands to bring products from concept to shelf at scale.
Steuben Foods is also the parent company of Elmhurst 1925, a nationally recognized consumer brand known for its clean-label plant-based beverages and innovative approach to alternative dairy. Through Elmhurst, we operate at the intersection of manufacturing, brand development, and food innovation.
What differentiates Steuben is our end-to-end model — combining R&D, engineering, quality, operations, and supply chain expertise under one organization. This allows us to move quickly, maintain exceptional quality standards, and continuously improve how food products are developed and manufactured.
As the company continues to grow, Steuben is investing in process optimization, automation, and modern enterprise systems to support scalable, data-driven operations across the business.
Why Work With Us
Steuben Foods offers a dynamic, hands-on environment where your work has real impact. Teams collaborate across manufacturing, engineering, technology, and supply chain to build smarter systems, improve processes, and shape the future of food through innovation and continuous improvement.
