Associate Manager , SAP

This role will serve as a critical business representative embedded within the SAP transformation program. Coming from a background in merchandising, category management, or buying, this individual brings deep business knowledge to ensure system designs, processes, and deliverables align with operational realities.

In this hybrid business–technology role, you will support project deliverables, represent the voice of the business, coordinate validations and follow‑ups, manage super users, and oversee key testing activities. The role includes people‑management responsibilities and direct oversight of analysts or super users assigned to the program.

• Contribute to the development, review, and refinement of SAP-related project deliverables including:
• Process Design Documents
• Functional Specifications
• System Testing preparation, execution, and defect management
• Training execution support
• Ensure business workflows and category management processes are accurately represented in design documents.
• Partner with IT, functional consultants, and system integrators to clarify business requirements.
• Serve as the primary bridge between the business (Category Management / Supply Chain) and the SAP Program Team.
• Coordinate feedback, follow‑ups, validations, and business sign‑offs for:
• Requirements
• Test results
• Ensure business impacts, downstream processes, and operational considerations are fully understood before approval.

• Manage, coach, and develop a team of business super users
• Oversee preparation of super users for project activities, including:
• Process walkthroughs / Design awareness
• Testing Preparation, Test Script Writing, and Test Execution
• Training Preparation
• Hands‑on practice in sandbox or test systems
• Serve as escalation point for functional questions raised by super users.

• Lead and support major test cycles, including system integration testing and user acceptance testing.
• Oversee and/or directly participate in:
• Writing test cases and scenarios
• Running test scripts
• Retesting and confirming resolutions
• Track issues to closure and communicate impacts back to business teams.

• Support business readiness activities including communications, training sessions, and cutover preparation.
• Help translate complex SAP concepts into clear, understandable messaging for business stakeholders.
• Champion adoption of new processes, tools, and ways of working.
• Directly manage functional SAP leads on SAP Project team
• Set priorities, assign tasks, and monitor workload.
• Provide coaching, performance feedback, and professional development support.
• Foster a collaborative, problem‑solving culture aligned with program goals.

• 3–7 years of experience in Merchandising, Category Management, Buying, or related business functions.
• Demonstrated understanding of retail processes such as item/vendor setup, pricing, procurement, inventory, or promotions.
• Prior leadership experience.
• Strong analytical and documentation skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate business needs into structured requirements.
• Comfort managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced transformation environment.
• Prior experience supporting UAT, SIT, or testing cycles.
• Exposure to SAP or other enterprise systems.
• Strong aptitude for process improvement and structured problem solving.

• Ability to sit/stand in front of a computer for long periods of time.
• Ability to adhere to the company’s four day in office requirement

The salary for this position is $100,000 to $170,000 annually. Placement in the salary depends on several factors, including experience, skills, education, geography, and budget considerations.

Wakefern is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and professional development of our Associates. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match, paid time off, holidays, and parental leave. Associates also enjoy access to wellness and family support programs, fitness reimbursement, educational and training opportunities through our corporate university, and a collaborative, team-oriented work environment.

Many of these benefits are fully or partially funded by the company, with some subject to eligibility requirements.