SAP PLM Architect (Lead) at Mars in Chicago, IL

Job Description: Join Our Team as a Core Product Lifecycle Management (cPLM) Functional Architect

Mars Inc. is embarking on a major transformation of our global Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) capabilities as part of our broader Digital Core initiative. We are implementing SAP PLM as our enterprise‑wide solution and seeking a SAP PLM Functional Architect to play a critical role in shaping, designing, and delivering our next‑generation corporate PLM platform.

This is a unique opportunity to influence enterprise PLM capabilities in Food & Nutrition Business Segment and to contribute to a strategic programme that will redefine how product innovation and lifecycle processes operate globally.

As our SAP PLM Functional Architect, you will serve as a subject‑matter expert responsible for interpreting business needs, shaping solution in PLM, and guiding the end‑to‑end implementation and optimisation of the SAP PLM solution for Food & Nutrition business segment.

This position is project-based and as a result, has an anticipated program end date of 3 years. As we approach the project end date, we will collaborate with you to explore other employment opportunities within the Mars family of companies. If a suitable alternative role is not available at that time, your employment will end and you may be eligible for a redundancy package in line with Company policies and practices.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking passionate individuals who are eager to innovate and excel in a collaborative environment.

Here’s what you need to bring to the table:

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in IT, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in SAP with a strong background in PLM, Digital R&D, or product development systems.
• Hands‑on configuration experience with SAP PLM components such as Recipe Development, Specifications Management, and related modules.
• Strong understanding of S/4HANA, SAP BTP, and RISE environments, including cloud‑based integration models.
• Strong understanding and hands on experience of Syniti Data Migration Tool

Technical & Functional Skills

• Strong ability to convert complex business requirements into clear functional architecture and solution designs.

Solid experience in:

• Functional data models
• Workflow design
• APIs and middleware‑based integrations
• Deep understanding of PLM processes within CPG, food manufacturing, or process industries.
• Integrating PLM with SAP ERP, MDG, and other product‑related systems.

Exposure to:

• SAP Test Automation tools
• Deployment and release management tools
• Data encryption and data masking
• SAP Cloud ALM

Personal Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Able to work in a fast‑moving, global, matrixed environment.
• A mindset of innovation, continuous improvement, and technical craftsmanship.

What will be your key responsibilities?

Functional Architecture & Design

• Act as Functional Design Authority for SAP PLM within the Core PLM programme.
• Lead end‑to‑end functional architecture and solution design across SAP PLM capabilities including recipes, specifications, change management, and compliance.
• Translate business and R&D requirements into robust functional designs, fit‑to‑standard solutions, and configuration approaches.
• Define functional guardrails, design standards, and scalable templates for global rollout.

SAP PLM Solution Delivery

• Configure and optimise SAP PLM modules such as:

  • Recipe Development
  • Specifications Management
  • Change Records / Product Change Management

• Own functional solution alignment with SAP S/4HANA (Private Cloud, RISE) and SAP BTP.

• Partner with technical and integration teams to ensure clean, supportable functional designs.

Data, Integration & Governance

• Lead functional data modelling and harmonisation across PLM, ERP, and downstream systems.
• Provide functional leadership for data migration, including hands‑on experience with Syniti tool and ensure data quality validation.
• Define functional integration touchpoints with SAP ERP, MDG, label management, innovation, CAD, and other product‑related systems.
• Ensure compliance with enterprise governance, data security, masking, and audit requirements.

Global Deployment & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Support country and regional deployments, including fit/gap, localisation, testing, and go‑live support.
• Help cPLM Program Delivery Manager in the planning process for country and regional deployments
• Work closely with R&D, Regulatory, Supply, Quality, and Digital Core teams across regions.
• Guide system integrators and delivery partners, ensuring functional consistency and quality.
• Serve as the bridge between business teams and technical teams, ensuring clarity, feasibility, and alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support testing phases (SIT, UAT, regression), Test Automation by defining scenarios, resolving defects, and enabling smooth deployment.
• Contribute to change management, training support, and Service Introduction activities to ensure successful adoption and transition to steady state operations.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, optimise system performance, and enhance user experience.
• Bring forward best‑practice technical approaches suitable for a global Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) environment.

What Can You Expect from Mars?

• Work with over 140,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus

Salary: $134,000 to $168,000

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