Principal Specialist - SAP MDG

Job Summary

Introduction: A Career at Harman Automotive

We're a global, multi-disciplinary team putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. At Harman Automotive, we give you the keys to fast-track your career.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Principal Architect - SAP MDG with deep expertise in SAP Master Data Governance (MDG) to lead and support enterprise-wide master data management initiatives. This role is focused on the Finance, Business Partner, and Material data domains within SAP MDG and is critical to ensuring consistent, well-governed, and high-quality master data across the organization.

As part of the Master Data Management organization, the Principal Architect will collaborate closely with business stakeholders and Digital teams to design, configure, manage, and continuously enhance SAP MDG processes and solutions. The role plays a key part in driving data governance standards, improving data quality, and enabling effective master data management practices that support business objectives

What You Will Do

SAP MDG - Techno-Functional Ownership

• Act as a techno-functional SME for SAP MDG across Finance, Business Partner, and Material domains
• Design and support MDG data models, UI models, and process models
• Configure and maintain change request workflows, validations, derivations, and BRF+ rules
• Translate business requirements into functional designs and system configurations
• Manage Data Replication Framework (DRF) and downstream system integrations
• Ensure alignment of configuration settings across landscapes (DEV, QA, PROD)
• Support master data governance processes across MM, SD, FICO, and PP

Technical & Integration Responsibilities

• Develop custom enhancements using ABAP (OO ABAP, BADIs, Enhancements, Reports)
• Enhance Web Dynpro / FPM-based MDG applications
• Configure SAP Workflow and BRF+ applications
• Set up and manage SOA Manager for Web Service configuration
• Design, publish, and consume SOAP-based Web Services
• Develop and support interfaces using ALE/IDOC, RFC, BAPI, and Web Services
• Support IDOC enhancements and custom IDOC developments
• Support integration with SAP S/4HANA and SAP ECC
• Optimize ABAP code and troubleshoot performance issues

Master Data Governance & Collaboration

• Work closely with business data owners, data stewards, and Digital teams
• Ensure compliance with master data governance standards, policies, and controls
• Support definition, maintenance, and governance of Critical Data Elements (CDEs)
• Perform impact analysis for changes to master data models, processes, and integrations
• Support audit, compliance, and governance reviews related to master data

Data Quality (Added Advantage)

• Support data quality rule execution, monitoring, and analysis
• Assist with data profiling, cleansing, and remediation activities
• Collaborate with Data Quality leads on issue prioritization and resolution
• Contribute to data quality dashboards, scorecards, and reporting

Operations, Migration & Continuous Improvement

• Support data migration, mass maintenance, and harmonization initiatives
• Participate in S/4HANA transformations, rollouts, and global deployments
• Support defect resolution, root-cause analysis, and ongoing MDG operations
• Identify opportunities to improve data quality, process efficiency, and governance maturity
• Support master data migration activities using SAP S/4HANA Migration Cockpit (LTMC)
• Perform data migration using LSMW, BDC, and custom upload programs
• Develop and support mass upload templates and utilities
• Support data cleansing, transformation, and validation activities
• Participate in mock loads, reconciliation, and cutover planning
• Support master data consolidation and harmonization initiatives

Testing, Documentation & Support

• Convert functional specifications into technical designs
• Prepare Technical Design Documents (TDD)
• Perform unit testing and support SIT/UAT cycles
• Provide production support and incident resolution
• Ensure adherence to ABAP development standards
• Participate in upgrades, releases, and system improvements

What You Need to Be Successful

• 8+ years of experience in SAP MDG / Master Data Management
• Strong hands-on experience with SAP MDG Finance, Business Partner, and Material domains
• Proven techno-functional expertise (configuration + business process understanding)
• Experience working in complex, global SAP landscapes with Digital teams
• Strong understanding of master data lifecycle, governance, and controls

Bonus Points if You Have

• Bachelor s degree in Information Technology, Business, Finance, or equivalent experience
• Experience with Data Quality tools and frameworks (e.g., SAP Information Steward, SAP Data Services, Microsoft Purview)
• Exposure to data profiling, DQ rule definition, and remediation workflows
• Knowledge of SAP MDG integrations (DRF, IDocs, service-based replication)
• Experience in manufacturing, automotive, or large enterprise environments
• Familiarity with data governance operating models
• Business-fluent English (German is a strong advantage)