SAP HCM Support Manager

At AVI, our Shared Services teams keep the engine running for some of South Africa's most-loved brands. Our IT Shared Services division is a key part of that engine ensuring our SAP landscape is stable, innovative, and always ready for the next leap forward. 

We are looking for an SAP HCM Support Manager who brings deep technical credibility, strong SAP configuration expertise, and the potential to grow into a broader leadership role. This is the ideal opportunity for someone who still enjoys hands-on SAP work yet has the appetite to guide people, shape solutions, and influence future HR technology strategy across the Group. 

Why This Role Matters

Our SAP HR environment is complex, highly customised and business-critical, covering weekly and monthly payrolls, multiple time management approaches, self-service platforms, workflows, and third-party integrations. Your role will be to make sure every part of that machine runs smoothly, sustainably, and compliantly, while leading a small team of Technical and Functional Consultants. You'll work closely with HR Shared Services and the ITSS leadership team to ensure that system changes, support, and enhancements land with precision. 

If you enjoy problem-solving, guiding others, and translating business needs into stable technical design, this may be your next step. 

Where You'll Make an Impact

Lead & Deliver SAP HR Projects

• Manage enhancements, implementations, and support packs across all SAP HCM modules.
• Coordinate internal/external resources for on-time, high-quality delivery.
• Ensure governance, documentation quality, and compliance processes are upheld. 

Be the Technical Authority

• Act as the Group's subject matter expert across:
  • Payroll
  • Time
  • OM
  • PA
  • PD
  • ESS/MSS
  • CATS
  • Training & Events and
  • Workflow
• Own system health, configuration standards, and continuous improvement.
• Validate, interpret, and implement SAP Notes, Support Packs, and Legal Change Packs. 

Guide and Support Users

• Ensure prompt resolution of SAP HR incidents with a "zero-tolerance" mindset for backlogs.
• Provide training input and promote effective use of SAP solutions.
• Translate technical concepts into clear business language when needed. 

Hands-On System Support

• Dive into configuration when required especially in Payroll and Time schemas, rules, and integrations.
• Oversee documentation, technical quality, and change lifecycle processes.
• Advise on HR technology strategy and roadmap for the Group. 

What You Need to Bring

Essential Experience

• 8+ years SAP HCM hands-on configuration (Payroll & Time expertise is non-negotiable).
• 5+ full lifecycle implementations across SAP HCM.
• Strong understanding of customised SAP environments, statutory compliance, and schema development.
• Experience with third-party integrations (ALE/PI).
• Exposure to Shared Services environments. 

Leadership Potential

You don't need decades of management experience but you do need:

• The ability to coach, guide, and uplift others.
• Confidence in prioritising workloads and managing stakeholders.
• A calm, structured approach when under pressure. 

Qualifications

• SAP HCM Certification (current version) Essential.
• Tertiary qualification in IT preferred.
• Project Management certification is advantageous. 

Nice to Have

• SAP ECC
• S/4HANA HXM / SuccessFactors exposure
• Knowledge of ABAP concepts and Workflow design principles 

What Sets You Apart

• You enjoy being hands-on but equally value the bigger picture.
• You think commercially. Making decisions that balance risk, cost, and long-term sustainability.
• You can hold your own in technical discussions while still connecting effectively with HR stakeholders.
• You're comfortable stepping into a leadership role and helping others excel. 

Why Grow Your Career with Us

• Work at the centre of a Group-wide HR technology landscape.
• Shape how AVI evolves its SAP HR platform over the next 3–5 years.
• Collaborate with a supportive, knowledgeable team of specialists.
• Influence meaningful improvements that impact the entire organisation. 

If you're ready to bring your technical expertise into a role with broader influence and step confidently toward leadership we'd love to hear from you.