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Practical guide · ERP sponsors, programme managers, HR and IT leaders.

SAP Recruitment in New Zealand: Start with the Workstream

By ANZ Talent Hub · Published 13 October 2026 · Updated 13 October 2026

The short answer: Specify the SAP products, business processes, implementation stage and deliverables before looking at CVs. A functional consultant, ABAP developer, integration specialist and ERP programme manager solve different problems.

ERP projects depend on the connection between process design, technology, data, people and governance. A vague requirement such as “senior SAP expert” can create confusion and slow down recruitment.

Identify the stage

Is the organisation preparing for S/4HANA, implementing a module, supporting a migration, managing cutover or improving an existing landscape? Which other applications exchange data with SAP? What does the specialist need to deliver during the engagement?

Define the specialism

Functional expertise might centre on Finance (FI/CO), Materials Management (MM), Sales and Distribution (SD), Production Planning or another business domain. Technical needs may involve ABAP, SAP BTP, Basis, security or integration. Data migration, testing and project leadership are separate capability areas.

Test implementation experience

Ask candidates which product versions and project phases they worked on; what they personally configured, built or led; and how their team handled integration defects, data issues, testing or go-live.

“Worked on an S/4HANA transformation” is a starting point, not enough evidence on its own. Probe ownership, obstacles and outcomes.

Consider business process understanding

The strongest functional specialist connects system configuration to the organisation’s actual workflow. Ask how a design decision affects finance controls, purchasing, inventory, customer fulfilment or reporting where relevant.

SAP brief template

  • Product and version:
  • Module or functional domain:
  • Programme phase and milestone:
  • Required personal deliverables:
  • Integration and data dependencies:
  • Location, duration and reporting line:

Planning an SAP or ERP hire? Share the workstream context with ANZ Talent Hub: https://www.anztalenthub.com/contact

Explore the relevant ANZ Talent Hub service or contact our Auckland team.