Head of SAP Application Management Services (AMS) (m/f/d)Madrid

Join Liebherr, a global leader in engineering and manufacturing, as we advance our digital transformation journey. We are looking for an experienced Head of SAP Application Management Services (AMS) (m/f/d) to build and lead our future global SAP application management capability from our IT Shared Service Centre in Madrid.

This is a unique opportunity to build a global SAP AMS organization from the ground up as Liebherr transitions from its S/4HANA greenfield transformation into sustainable global operations. You will define the operating model, establish the organization and governance, and create a scalable service combining Liebherr's internal SAP expertise with external Application Management Services providers.

You will be accountable for global Level 2 and Level 3 functional SAP application services, from the transition out of implementation and Hypercare through stable operations and continuous improvement. This includes building and developing the internal SAP operations team, defining the sourcing and service delivery model, managing external providers, and establishing the processes, service levels, KPIs, and governance required to deliver a high-quality global service.

The working location for this position will be in Madrid city, where we operate a hybrid model, requiring at least 40% of the working time spent on-site on a weekly basis.

Creating passion: your responsibilities

• Build and lead Liebherr's global SAP Application Management Services (AMS) capability from the ground up, establishing scalable Level 2 and Level 3 functional application services.
• Define and implement the SAP AMS operating and sourcing model, combining internal SAP capabilities with external service providers to deliver an effective and scalable global service.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing internal SAP operations team across key functional domains, fostering ownership, collaboration, and continuous development.
• Lead the transition from implementation and Hypercare into stable operations, defining operational readiness criteria and ensuring effective knowledge transfer and service acceptance.
• Select, onboard, govern, and manage external AMS providers, ensuring service quality, contractual performance, effective collaboration, and clear accountability across internal and external teams.
• Establish end-to-end service governance, including service levels, escalation models, operational KPIs, capacity management, reporting, and performance reviews.
• Ensure effective management of incidents, service requests, problems, and business-critical issues while driving root-cause resolution and sustainable improvements.
• Collaborate with Solution Architects, Business Process Owners, technical teams, and transformation programs to ensure an effective flow between operations, continuous improvement, and solution evolution.
• Drive service excellence through standardization, automation, knowledge management, and continuous improvement, leveraging platforms such as ServiceNow and SAP Cloud ALM.

Contributing your strengths: your qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in SAP Application Management, SAP Operations, AMS, or related SAP leadership roles within complex international environments.
• Proven experience building, transforming, or leading SAP Application Management Services organizations, preferably supporting SAP S/4HANA environments.
• Strong experience designing AMS operating and sourcing models, combining internal capabilities with external service providers or managed services.
• Proven experience selecting, governing, and managing SAP AMS providers, system integrators, or other strategic technology partners against defined service levels and performance expectations.
• Strong understanding of SAP application lifecycle management, Level 2/Level 3 support, Hypercare, transition to operations, incident and problem management, and continuous improvement.
• Broad understanding of SAP-enabled business processes across areas such as Finance, Supply Chain, Sales, Service, and Manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of IT Service Management principles and relevant platforms such as ServiceNow and SAP Cloud ALM; ITIL experience is highly valued.
• Strong leadership and people development capabilities, combined with the ability to influence senior business, IT, and external partner stakeholders in an international environment.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with a strong service orientation and the ability to build structures and capabilities in a developing environment.
• Fluent in English; additional languages such as German or Spanish and certifications such as ITIL, SAP, PMP, or Agile are considered an advantage.
• Ability to travel (up to 20%) to Liebherr locations worldwide to support operational transitions, service establishment, and key stakeholder engagements.

Our commitment to you: your benefits

At Liebherr, we believe people are at the heart of our success. As part of our international team, you’ll enjoy a secure role in a family-owned company that values innovation, collaboration, and long-term career growth:

• Competitive compensation and benefits package that recognizes your expertise
• Flexible and hybrid working model
• Creative freedom and responsibility to shape processes and solutions in our global transformation
• Continuous learning and development with tailored training and certification opportunities
• Meal vouchers
• Life and accident insurance
• Option to include a premium private health insurance package as part of the flexible remuneration
• A safe, stable and international workplace within a trusted family business that invests in people

Please only use the online application option.

Please note that we do not accept applications via recruitment agencies for this position.

Have we awoken your interest? Then we look forward to receiving your online application. If you have any questions, please contact Karoliina Rissanen.

One Passion. Many Opportunities.