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redglobal.com
Supercharge your career
with S/4HANA:
Step into the future of SAP consulting with confidence!
In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, SAP
professionals are faced with a crucial decision: the migration
to S/4HANA. Driven not only by the S/4HANA 2027 deadline,
but also by the increasing adoption of cloud-based
technologies, the need for real-time data analytics, and the
demand for scalable and flexible ERP systems, this shift has
become an imperative for businesses worldwide. As
organisations strive to unlock the full capabilities of this
advanced ERP system, the demand for skilled S/4HANA
talent has soared to unprecedented heights.
The S/4HANA Career Toolkit is here to equip SAP
professionals with the knowledge, tools, and resources
they need to confidently navigate this transition, seize
new opportunities, and embark on a rewarding career
path in the thriving world of S/4HANA.
We recently surveyed SAP consultants to find out what
their burning questions were regarding the transition to
the S/4HANA jobs market.
The team at RED Global has observed a 20% rise in
S/4HANA job openings in 2022 compared to 2021, followed
by a remarkable 30% increase in the first quarter of 2023
compared to the previous year.
At RED Global
With over two decades of experience in
the technology market, we are experts in
matching SAP talent to their dream
roles.
SAP recruitment specialists across:
• APAC
• Benelux
• Central & Eastern Europe
• DACH region
• Middle East
• North America
• Scandinavia
• Southern Europe
• UK
In this toolkit, you’ll find your top questions answered:
1,600+
1. What S/4HANA certifications do I need?
4. How do I enter the S/4HANA jobs market without experience?
SAP professionals in current roles
2. How to leverage SAP ECC 6.0 skills to move
into an S/4 role?
5. What career paths are available in S/4HANA?
40,000+
3. Will the pay rate increase if I move into
an S/4HANA role?
SAP professionals placed into over
70 countries.
You’ll also find practical career advice:
6. Create a CV that makes an impression.
8. Build your network.
We fill a tech role every
7. Interview like a pro.
9. Soft skills for a successful career in tech.
25 minutes
working day.
01
1. What S/4HANA
certifications do I need?
Although you don’t necessarily need an S/4HANA certification to get into your
first S/4HANA role, there are some undeniable benefits to get certified and build
your knowledge.
End to end process
view is important.
Project experience
first, then go to
certifications.
Senior Consultant Sales & Service Cloud (CX/C4)
Benefits of getting S4 certified.
•
More opportunities: some employers are looking for S4 certified candidates.
•
Enhanced credibility: an official certification demonstrates your level of knowledge.
•
Career advancement: upskilling will make you a suitable candidate for new job
opportunities.
•
Get ahead of the talent competition: keeping yourself up-to-date with the latest
innovations will put you one step ahead and could be what clinches the deal for you.
Top S/4HANA certifications clients ask about.
•
SAP S/4HANA Certified Application Associate: basic understanding of S/4HANA,
how the product works, and a general knowledge of the business processes it
supports.
•
SAP S/4HANA Certified Application Specialist: advanced knowledge of S/4HANA
and hands-on and practical experience using the software.
•
SAP S/4HANA Finance Certification: financial aspects of SAP S/4HANA.
•
SAP S/4HANA Sales Certification: sales and distribution aspects of SAP S/4HANA.
To learn more about S/4HANA certifications,
click below:
2023's most popular SAP S/4HANA training & certifications.
02
2. How to leverage SAP ECC 6.0
skills to move into an S/4 role?
As the industry transitions from ECC 6.0 to S/4HANA,
many ECC 6.0 consultants are actively seeking
opportunities to make a seamless shift to S/4HANA
roles. The big question is whether they have the
necessary experience to do so.
By leveraging their existing knowledge and upskilling
themselves in S/4HANA, ECC 6.0 consultants can
position
themselves
as
highly
sought-after
professionals who can bridge the gap between legacy
systems and the future of SAP. Their expertise and
adaptability make them well-equipped to navigate the
complexities of S/4HANA and drive successful
implementation and transformation projects.
Identify transferable skills from ECC
to S/4HANA
While there are several differences between
ECC and S/4HANA, many of the core skills
required for successful SAP consulting are
transferable. It’s essential that you identify and
highlight these transferable skills to position
yourself as a strong candidate for S/4HANA
consulting roles.
Build an S/4HANA professional network
A strong professional network has proved to be
one of the key aspects of a successful transition
to an S/4HANA role for the majority of our ECC
Consultants. For more information on how to build
a professional network, check out the “Build your
network” section.
Learn the basics of S/4HANA
S/4HANA has a range of unique features and
capabilities. It is fundamental that you
understand its data architecture and how you
can leverage its tools and functionalities.
Get involved in S/4HANA projects
Gaining the first experience is the steppingstone
in your S/4HANA career. It is paramount that you
seek out opportunities through your employer and
your professional network.
Get S/4HANA trained
There are a variety of SAP S/4HANA courses
available. Getting trained will enable you to
gain the basic knowledge and confidence to
transition into your first S4 role.
Practice, practice, practice
A safe way to practice your knowledge is the
S/4HANA sandbox environment.
Curious and confident-minded consultants
will succeed in HANA as they did in ECC.
SAP CRM Functional Consultant
To learn more about how you can
transfer your ECC 6.0 skills and how
to successfully upskill to move into
your first S4 role, read the blog below.
Leveraging your ECC experience: A guide
to transitioning into an S/4HANA Consultant role.
03
3. Will my pay rate increase
if I move into an S/4HANA role?
Pay rate/ salary increase when moving into an S/4HANA role:
The pay rate for S/4HANA roles is contingent upon various factors, including the
specific job position and your level of experience. To gain insights into how pay
rates have been influenced by transitioning into S/4HANA roles, we conducted a
survey among our S/4HANA candidates who’ve recently made the shift.
Less than 10%
43%
The results revealed that over 40% of respondents reported a pay increase of up
to 10% upon transitioning to S/4HANA positions.
10 - 19%
22%
22% had received a 10-19% uplift in pay and 14% received a 20–29% increase., with
14% receiving 20-39%.
20 - 29%
14%
This data highlights the potential for enhanced compensation as professionals
make the shift to S/4HANA, indicating the growing value and demand for expertise
in this domain.
30 - 39%
14%
40 - 49%
0,00%
Over 50%
7%
Make a move without
hesitation. It will pay off.
SAP MM Senior Consultant
04
4. How do I enter the S/4HANA
jobs market without experience?
1/3 of our respondents
found their first S/4HANA
job opportunity through
their employer.
There are multiple pathways you can take to get into your first S/4HANA role.
Here are five different ways you can pave your way into an exciting S/4HANA
position.
The journey to your first S/4HANA role may vary, but with determination,
continuous learning, and strategic moves, you can land that dream position.
1. Through the employer
Get as much
practical training
as possible.
SAP MM /PP Consultant
•
Check if your employer offers any internal training programs or resources related to
S/4HANA. Express your interest in transitioning to S/4HANA roles to your manager and
inquire about opportunities to learn and contribute in that area. Seek guidance from
colleagues or superiors who have already made the transition.
•
Demonstrate your enthusiasm and motivation to work with S/4HANA. Highlight any
relevant experience or projects you have worked on that align with S/4HANA, even if
they are not directly related. Emphasize your ability to quickly learn new technologies
and adapt to changing environments.
•
Look for opportunities to collaborate with teams involved in S/4HANA projects or
initiatives. Offer your assistance, even if it's in a support capacity initially. This exposure
will allow you to gain practical experience and demonstrate your value to the
S/4HANA team.
05
2. Taking SAP training
3. Through a consultancy
4. Through a recruitment company
Pursuing SAP certifications related to S/4HANA not
only enhances your knowledge but also provides
credibility and demonstrates your commitment to
continuous learning and professional development.
After you get your certification you can take further
steps to ensure that you land your first S4 role:
•
•
Look for recruitment agencies that specialise in
placing candidates in the SAP sector. Research
their track record, client base, and the types of
roles they typically handle.
•
•
•
Update your professional profiles on platforms
such as LinkedIn, highlighting your S/4HANA
certification, skills, and experience. Connect with
recruiters specialising in SAP and S/4HANA roles.
•
Reach out to recruiters who specialise in SAP and
S/4HANA roles. Introduce yourself, mention your
S/4HANA certification, and express your interest in
finding a role.
•
Recruitment agencies may have a range of
S/4HANA roles available, including permanent,
contract, or temporary positions. Be open to
different types of opportunities, as they can
provide valuable experience.
Reach out to colleagues and industry
acquaintances who may have connections in the
S/4HANA sector. Let them know about your
certification and your desire to find a role.
Referrals can often be a great way to get your foot
in the door.
•
Tailor your CV to highlight your S/4HANA
certification and any relevant experience you
have. Focus on showcasing your understanding of
S/4HANA concepts and the value you can bring.
•
Brush up on your technical and functional
knowledge related to S/4HANA. Be prepared to
answer questions about your certification,
demonstrate your understanding of key S/4HANA
modules, and share how you can contribute to an
organisation's S/4HANA journey.
•
Highlight your transferable skills in your CV: Even
if you don't have direct S/4HANA experience,
emphasize transferable skills that can be valuable
in an S/4HANA role.
Research consultancy firms that focus on
S/4HANA implementations. Look for reputable
firms with a strong track record in delivering
successful projects. Research their clients,
industry focus, and the types of roles they typically
offer. Introduce yourself to them.
Be flexible and open to entry-level roles.
Consultancy firms may have entry-level positions
available to individuals with S/4HANA certifications.
Consider starting at a lower-level to gain practical
experience and develop your consulting skills
within the S/4HANA domain. This can open up
opportunities for growth.
5. Through networking
As networking plays such a key role in the success of
landing your first S4 role, we have a whole section
dedicated to it with expert tips on how to build a strong
professional network. Check out section 8 for more
information.
06
5. What career paths
are available in S/4HANA?
With the advent of S/4HANA, businesses worldwide have embarked on transformative
journeys to optimise their operations and unlock new possibilities.
Most common career paths in S/4HANA:
•
SAP S/4HANA Functional Consultant: The role of a functional consultant is to
work with the client to identify their business needs and translate those needs
into functional requirements for the S/4HANA system.
•
SAP S/4HANA Technical Consultant: The role of a technical consultant is to
configure and customise the technical aspects of the S/4HANA system.
•
SAP S/4HANA Project Manager: The role of a project manager is to ensure
that the project is delivered on time, and within the budget by managing the
implementation teams and communicating with stakeholders.
•
SAP S/4HANA Business Analyst: The role of the Business Analyst is to
analyse and document the business processes of the client and recommend
ways on how to improve those processes using S/4HANA.
•
SAP S/4HANA Data Analyst: The role of the Data Analyst is to provide
insights and recommendations to clients based on that data.
Consequently, a diverse range of career paths has emerged, offering SAP
professionals the opportunity to specialise and excel in specific areas.
The allure of these career paths lies not only in the chance to shape the future of
enterprise technology but also in the excitement of working on projects that have the
potential to revolutionse businesses and drive innovation. Embracing a career in
S/4HANA opens doors to captivating opportunities and enables professionals to
contribute their expertise to the ever-evolving world of SAP.
Click here to read more about the key differences
between functional and technical roles in S/4HANA.
View S/4HANA jobs on the RED Global website now!
The roles within S/4HANA – functional vs technical
07
6. Create a CV that makes
an impression.
Don’t underestimate the importance of a standout CV.
It’s the most valuable self-marketing tool at the
beginning of your job search. It’s quite often the first
look a potential employer gets at your background
and skills. The sole purpose of your CV is to get you an
interview. Follow our advice to ensure your CV
impresses.
1
Tailor your profile
2
Structure and flow
Tailor your profile for the role you’re
applying for. Outline your current situation
and mention your long-term goals.
Make it easy for the potential employer to
scan your CV and see what’s important to
them quickly. Use the following structure to
make your CV flow:
•
Personal profile
•
Skills summary
•
Work experience
•
Education/certifications
3
Less isn’t always more
4
Honesty is the best policy
5
Attention to detail
You need to include all the specific technical
details of your skills and past roles, whilst at the
same time keeping it clear and concise.
Lying on a CV is never a good idea. Instead,
make the most of what you have and show
you’re keen to learn.
If you can’t get your CV right, questions will be
raised around the quality of work you do. If
grammar and punctuation are not your strong
point, use an online tool or get a trusted friend to
review it.
For more detailed CV advice, click below:
CV writing tips
The do’s and don’ts of CV writing
How to tailor your SAP CV
08
7. Interview like a pro.
A CV might open the door to your dream organisation, but an interview is where you can really make an impression
and get invited back. Confidence in a job interview is critical. And the best way to gain confidence is to be
prepared. Follow our tips and learn how to interview like a pro.
1
2
3
Do your homework
Ensure you understand the exact skills and
experience required for the role. Then do
your research on the company and the
interviewers.
Practice, practice, practice
Know your CV inside and out and practice
answering questions beforehand. Get a
friend to role play an interview with you for
that extra practice session.
Hold your head up high
Confidence is key. Remember to smile,
keep good eye contact and have open
body language.
4
5
Ask questions
An interview is a conversation. It’s your
chance to understand more about the
company and the role. Asking questions
also shows the interviewer you are truly
interested in the role.
Always follow up
It sounds obvious but only 24% of
candidates
send
follow
up
communications to say thanks. Get
ahead of the competition by doing so.
For more detailed CV advice,
click below:
Job interview tips
Impress in a video interview
Stay up to date
with the new SAP
development in the
specific area.
SAP CRM Functional Consultant
Avoid these common interview mistakes
09
8. Build your network.
Networking has proven to be the most prevalent
pathway for our S4 candidates to transition into an S4
role, emphasizing the paramount significance of
cultivating a strong professional network.
1
Developing a professional network requires both time
and consistency. To assist you in constructing your
network, here are some valuable expert tips.
2
Attend industry events
Attending
industry
events, whether
in-person or online, is an excellent way to
network with professionals, stay updated on
industry trends, and showcase your
knowledge and ideas. By actively
participating in these events and following
up with connections afterward, you can
expand your professional network and
foster ongoing relationships with industry
peers.
Leverage LinkedIn
Professional organisations are a good
source not only of resources, such as
training programs and job opportunities,
but also a mean to network with industry
peers and establish yourself as a credible
leader in your field, which will ultimately
create long-term benefits and career
opportunities.
3
4
Join professional organisations
Social media platforms offer networking and
personal brand building in tech. Consistency
is key: engage regularly, share insights, and
stay updated to establish thought
leadership and build relationships.
Seek mentorship
Mentorship offers guidance, support, and
feedback to navigate the evolving industry of
SAP. Mentors provide insight on trends,
advice on challenges, and perspective on
career growth. You can find mentors through
events, conferences, and online communities.
Click below to learn how to build a strong professional network.
Skyrocket your tech career with the art of networking
10
9. Soft skills for
a successful career in tech.
When you’re in the process of making
your next career move and competing
for the best SAP job roles, having
strong soft skills may be the
advantage that will set you apart from
the other candidates. My advice is to
objectively assess your soft skills and
work on improving them. You can use
our tips on how to develop and
improve the 5 most desired soft skills
most of our clients are requesting.
Paul Emmett,
Practice Director UK & Scandinavia
Click the below link to our blog for advice
on how you can improve on the most
sought-after soft skills:
The top 5 most desired soft skills for tech and IT roles.
Did you know that 67% of employers have held back a job offer because the candidate lacked the right
soft skills for the role?
Brush up on these skills and land that dream job.
Adaptability
Proactiveness
Adaptability is one of the most critical
soft skills in the SAP industry. It’s the
ability to respond positively and quickly
to changes in circumstances and stay
agile. As most SAP projects will not go
as planned or require amendments, as
an SAP candidate, you must be able to
show how well you respond to these
changes.
Proactiveness is an essential soft skill in
any SAP role because it means you can
self-motivate, work on your own initiative,
and require less “management.” Being
proactive enables a more productive work
environment, resolves minor issues (before
they become more complex problems),
encourages innovation, and produces
faster results.
Collaboration
Communication
Collaboration is the ability to work
efficiently with your colleagues to
achieve a specific business outcome
or goal. Having good collaboration skills
is of the utmost importance in any SAP
project.
Almost every employer requests this skill.
You might be able to “speak code”. But how
good are you at communicating complex
technical ideas or data insights to other
stakeholders? We’ll you respond to these
changes.
Critical thinking
Critical thinking enables you to identify
and approach challenges from various
perspectives and deal with problems
with a creative mindset, leading to
innovative solutions.
11
redglobal.com
Final
word.
The demand for S/4HANA professionals is skyrocketing,
making it a clear choice to take your career to new heights
in this industry.
Whether you're just starting your S4 career venturing into
the world of S/4HANA or a seasoned expert ready for the
next big leap, or even if you just need some SAP career
advice, don't hesitate to reach out to us for a casual chat.
Our team of experienced consultants is dedicated to
helping you land your dream role.
www.redglobal.com | info@redglobal.com
If you’re looking for roles in Europe, please contact
the below office:
London | +44 (0) 207 107 7600
If you’re looking for roles in the DACH region please
contact the below offices:
Upload your CV
Frankfurt | +49 (69) 9517 9060
Köln
| +49 221 6894 3030
Munich
| +49 89 2019 4180
Zurich
| +41 (0) 44508 7221
If you’re looking for roles in North or South America,
please contact the below office:
New Jersey | | +1 201 685 9595
For all other regions, please contact the London office.
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