Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an SAP Developer

šŸ’° $95,000 - $170,000+

Information TechnologySoftware DevelopmentERPSAPEnterprise Applications

šŸŽÆ Role Definition

At its core, the SAP Developer is a specialized software engineer who designs, builds, and maintains applications and solutions within the SAP ecosystem. This role is the technical backbone of an organization's enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, responsible for translating complex business requirements into robust, efficient, and scalable code. An SAP Developer ensures that the company's critical business processesā€”from finance and logistics to human resources and customer relationsā€”are effectively supported and enhanced through custom development and system optimizations. They are problem-solvers, innovators, and guardians of the technical integrity of the SAP landscape.

šŸ“ˆ Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior/Associate Developer
  • IT Support Analyst with SAP exposure
  • Technical Business Analyst

Advancement To:

  • Senior or Lead SAP Developer
  • SAP Technical Architect
  • SAP Project Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • SAP Functional Consultant (specializing in a business module like FICO, SD, or MM)
  • SAP Integration Specialist (PI/PO, CPI)
  • Business Intelligence (BI/BW) Developer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Design, develop, code, and test complex objects within the SAP landscape, primarily using ABAP, to resolve system defects or implement new functionality.
  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive portfolio of RICEF-W objects (Reports, Interfaces, Conversions, Enhancements, Forms, and Workflows) across various SAP modules.
  • Create and manage technical specification documents, ensuring they are thorough, clear, and accurately reflect the development work to be performed.
  • Implement and enhance modern SAP solutions utilizing S/4HANA technologies, including the creation of Core Data Services (CDS) views and ABAP Managed Database Procedures (AMDP).
  • Build and extend SAP Fiori applications using SAPUI5, JavaScript, and HTML5 to deliver an intuitive and modern user experience.
  • Develop and support RESTful APIs and OData services to facilitate seamless integration between SAP and non-SAP systems.
  • Execute in-depth performance analysis and tuning of existing ABAP code to optimize system response times and ensure application efficiency.
  • Debug and troubleshoot complex, mission-critical production issues, providing timely and effective resolutions to minimize business disruption.
  • Engage directly with functional consultants and business analysts to thoroughly understand business requirements and translate them into detailed technical designs.
  • Implement robust data migration and conversion strategies using tools like LSMW, BAPIs, and custom programs for system upgrades or new implementations.
  • Design and configure complex workflow solutions using SAP Business Workflow to automate and streamline business processes.
  • Create and modify sophisticated forms using SAPscript, Smart Forms, and Adobe Forms to meet specific business output requirements.
  • Manage and support integration scenarios using ALE (Application Link Enabling) and IDocs (Intermediate Documents), including configuration, monitoring, and error handling.
  • Conduct rigorous code reviews and quality assurance checks for peer-developed objects to ensure adherence to coding standards and best practices.
  • Implement and manage modifications and enhancements using various enhancement techniques, such as User Exits, Customer Exits, BAdIs, and the Enhancement Framework.
  • Provide expert-level technical support for SAP module implementations, upgrades, and migrations, particularly for S/4HANA transitions.

Secondary Functions

  • Develop proof-of-concepts for new SAP technologies and present findings to technical and business stakeholders.
  • Mentor junior developers, providing guidance on best practices, code standards, and complex technical challenges.
  • Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for all developed solutions, including user guides and operational manuals.
  • Collaborate with the Basis and security teams to ensure proper system administration, performance, and authorization controls are in place for custom solutions.
  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • ABAP Development: Expert-level proficiency in classic and object-oriented ABAP (ABAP OO) for developing custom SAP solutions.
  • S/4HANA Development: Strong experience with the S/4HANA programming model, including CDS Views, AMDP, and in-app/side-by-side extensibility.
  • SAP Fiori/UI5: Proficiency in developing and extending Fiori applications using SAPUI5, HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript.
  • Integration Technologies: Deep knowledge of integration tools and methods such as OData services, BAPIs, RFCs, ALE/IDocs, and SOAP/REST services.
  • Enhancement Framework: Expertise in utilizing BAdIs, User Exits, Customer Exits, and implicit/explicit enhancements to modify standard SAP functionality.
  • Forms Development: Skill in creating and modifying documents using SAP Smart Forms, SAPscript, and particularly Adobe Interactive Forms.
  • Workflow Management: Ability to design, develop, and troubleshoot complex business processes using SAP Business Workflow.
  • Performance Tuning: Competency in using tools like SQL Trace (ST05), ABAP Runtime Analysis (SE30), and Code Inspector for performance optimization.
  • Module Knowledge: Functional understanding of core SAP modules such as Finance (FI), Controlling (CO), Sales and Distribution (SD), or Materials Management (MM).
  • Database Knowledge: Familiarity with database principles and experience writing efficient Open SQL and native SQL statements, especially for SAP HANA.

Soft Skills

  • Analytical & Problem-Solving: Exceptional ability to analyze complex technical and business problems and devise effective solutions.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: A collaborative mindset with a proven ability to work effectively in a team environment with developers, analysts, and business users.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure code quality, accuracy, and adherence to specifications.
  • Adaptability: Ability to learn new technologies quickly and adapt to changing project requirements and business needs.
  • Business Acumen: A strong understanding of business processes and the ability to align technical solutions with business goals.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a relevant technical or business field.

Preferred Education:

  • Masterā€™s Degree or official SAP certifications (e.g., SAP Certified Development Associate - ABAP).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Computer Science
  • Information Technology
  • Software Engineering
  • Business Information Systems

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3 - 10+ years of hands-on experience in SAP ABAP development.

Preferred:
Demonstrated experience in at least two full-cycle SAP implementations or one large-scale S/4HANA migration project. Experience within a specific industry (e.g., Manufacturing, Retail, Public Sector) is highly valued.

Explore More Careers