SAP CoE Lead

About the role

We are looking for a seasoned SAP leader to establish and operate our SAP Centre of Excellence (CoE) during a major transformation programme. The SAP CoE Lead will be responsible for the design, governance, and execution of the SAP roadmap - supporting the transition from a Transitional Services Agreement (TSA) environment and building a future-ready enterprise platform. This role will manage both internal SAP capability and external delivery partners to ensure functional alignment, technical readiness, and ongoing SAP support excellence.

At Kerry Dairy Ireland we offer a flexible working policy.

What will I be doing?

• Define and govern the SAP roadmap in alignment with business and ICT strategy, business goals, and TSA exit timelines.
• Lead the mobilisation and performance of SAP delivery teams, including internal staff and external partners.
• Oversee SAP solution design, ensuring adherence to fit-to-standard principles and integration best practices.
• Manage the delivery of objects and data migration in collaboration with technical and data leads.
• Ensure SAP is fully integrated with enterprise platforms.
• Establish and operate a scalable and efficient SAP Target Operating Model and post-go-live CoE support structure.
• Drive stakeholder engagement across business functions, ICT, and third-party vendors.
• Enforce governance for SAP change management, testing, and release cycles.
• Ensure compliance with licensing, security, and audit requirements.
• Promote continuous improvement and enhancement governance across the SAP landscape.
• Ownership of the SAP programme roadmap and delivery outcomes.
• Governance of SAP solution design, integration, and data quality.
• Performance management of System Integrators and third-party vendors.
• Definition and operation of the SAP Target Operating Model.
• Leadership of the SAP CoE, including internal capability development and support structures.
• Alignment of SAP capabilities with evolving business needs and ICT architecture.
• Risk, compliance, and audit readiness across the SAP landscape.

What do I need to be successful?

In Kerry Dairy Ireland we understand that people have very different career trajectories and experiences. In order to be successful in this role we would be looking for the right competencies and aptitudes as well as your proven track record of success in a similar role and environment.

These include:

• Leadership & Governance: Ability to lead cross-functional teams and govern complex SAP landscapes.
• Strategic Thinking: Skilled in aligning SAP capabilities with business strategy and ICT architecture.
• Programme Delivery: Deep experience in managing SAP lifecycles including data migration, and cutover.
• Vendor Management: Strong track record of managing System Integrators and third-party partners.
• Integration Expertise: Knowledge of integrating SAP with Enterprise platforms.
• Change Management: Experience implementing structured change, release, and testing processes.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent communication and influencing skills across business and technical audiences.
• Continuous Improvement: Commitment to driving post-go-live optimisation and support excellence.
• Bachelor's Degree in IT (or related field) or BS in Computer Science.
• Proven experience leading large-scale SAP programmes, ideally in a post-TSA or transformation context.
• Strong understanding of SAP architecture, integration, and fit-to-standard implementation approaches.
• Experience of working as a member of a team to deliver change and continuous improvement.
• Experience of building and leading an SAP Technical Team.

What will I get in return?

At Kerry Dairy Ireland, we believe in giving talented, curious people the opportunity to make a difference. We work as a team, searching for the best ways to inspire food and nourish life. We are a community of innovators, working across disciplines to solve global food challenges with a fresh approach. We want you to achieve whatever you put your mind to.

We also offer:

• 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
• Hybrid working
• Health Care allowance
• Matched pension scheme
• Benefits platform offering discounts and cashback on major retailers.

About Kerry Dairy Ireland

Kerry Dairy Ireland is a vertically integrated farm-to-fork business with a very substantial consumer foods presence and a leading nutritional and dairy ingredients division, delivering high-quality dairy solutions with a focus on sustainability and innovation. From partnering with local family farms to producing world-class dairy products, we ensure every step of our value chain reflects our commitment to excellence.

With over 50 years’ experience in milk processing, dairy and nutritional technology advancement, and product innovation, we are a key stakeholder in the global food industry and creators of a strong portfolio of market leading dairy brands including Cheestrings, Charleville and Coleraine Cheese, Dairygold, Golden Cow and our new SMUG range. Our from food, for food culture and deep-rooted connection to our 2,800 milk suppliers differentiates our business and offers captivating opportunities for our customers and consumers.

Our dairy comes from some of the world’s richest grazing land and is produced by a network of Irish family farms that have one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world. Through a combination of expertise, innovation, and sustainability, Kerry Dairy Ireland is proud to shape the future of dairy while meeting the diverse needs of our farmers, customers, and communities.

Headquartered in Tralee, Co. Kerry, we operate multiple manufacturing facilities in the southwest of Ireland, including Listowel, Charleville, Newmarket, and Farranfore. Additionally, we manage 29 Farm & Home stores throughout the region, ensuring comprehensive coverage and service. In Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom, our presence extends to key locations in Portadown, Coleraine, and Ossett.

Globally, Kerry Dairy Ireland employs over 1,600 dedicated professionals across Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK, USA, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and China. In 2024, we achieved a turnover of approximately €1.3 billion, reflecting our commitment to excellence and growth.

Get in touch today!

In Kerry Dairy Ireland we benefit from the knowledge of our colleagues who bring a diverse range of cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles and experiences. One team fostering an inclusive culture that, above all, inspires food and nourishes life. One culture where everyone brings their unique perspectives and experiences to help make us better, together. We are committed to nurturing an environment of positivity and inclusiveness, where everyone can be at their best, both personally and professionally.

Our recruitment, selection and assessment process are based on the skills and competencies of the specific roles and based entirely on merit. We are committed to and value Diversity and Inclusion in all recruitment processes within Kerry and do not discriminate based on gender, race, class, economic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, age, political beliefs, veteran status, marital status or any other protected characteristic.