Michael Foods, Inc. is a leader in the food processing and distribution industry with business in egg products, refrigerated grocery and potato products. We offer exciting job possibilities throughout our organization where you can enhance your career, sharpen your talents and make an impact. Join our company and be part of an innovative team that’s First in Food.

Hopkins, MN is home to our Michael Foods, Inc. corporate headquarters. Hopkins is located 7 miles west of Minneapolis, boasting natural surroundings in a suburban environment that also provides quick access to major travel ways and local restaurants that give our community a distinct character. Located in the Excelsior Crossing building where employees are provided with beautifully landscaped walking paths and water features creating an optimal environment for outdoor and walking meetings, along with the opportunity to take a relaxing walk or outdoor lunch before, within, or after your work day.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Principal IT Business Analyst plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between enterprise-level business requirements and SAP system capabilities. This individual possesses extensive SAP and functional business expertise, providing both strategic direction and technical leadership across the IT Applications landscape. They oversee large-scale SAP initiatives, drive process optimization, and mentor technical resources, ensuring that solutions align with organizational objectives and long-term technology strategy.

The Principal IT Business Analyst also identifies and champions next-generation solutions, whether developed internally or acquired from the market—while staying current with industry trends, SAP best practices, and emerging technologies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Business and Functional Expertise

• Demonstrate expert-level functional and business knowledge across multiple SAP modules, translating enterprise requirements into effective, scalable solutions.
• Partner with senior leadership to shape IT and SAP strategies that align with organizational goals.
• Advise on business processes, policies, and practices, ensuring solutions deliver measurable business value.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to business units, department heads, and project sponsors.

SAP Configuration and Technical Leadership

• Lead design, configuration, and integration of SAP ECC, S/4 HANA, and related modules.
• Oversee technical compliance with SAP standards, ensuring system scalability, efficiency, and alignment with best practices.
• Review and approve programming specifications, guide ABAP development, and perform debugging as needed.
• Manage complex data conversions, data loads, interfaces, and cross-platform integrations.

Strategic Planning and Process Optimization

• Analyze enterprise-wide business processes, identifying opportunities for automation, standardization, and optimization using SAP technology.
• Develop multi-year SAP roadmaps and ensure timely, cost-effective implementation of initiatives.
• Recommend and evaluate system upgrades, patch strategies, and new module deployments.

Team Collaboration and Leadership

• Provide technical leadership to SAP teams, including developers, functional analysts, and external consultants.
• Mentor team members across functional and technical areas, fostering skill development and knowledge sharing.
• Lead large-scale, cross-functional projects from planning to execution, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery.
• Participate in talent acquisition, onboarding, and performance coaching for IT staff.

Vendor and Stakeholder Management

• Manage relationships with SAP vendors and third-party providers, ensuring suitable services and functionality are offered and delivered to Michael Foods.
• Oversee vendor performance and ensure alignment with internal technology standards.
• Build strong partnerships with key stakeholders to facilitate collaboration and change adoption.

Compliance and Security

• Ensure SAP systems meet all compliance standards and data security protocols.
• Partner with cybersecurity teams to implement and maintain robust security controls.

Systems and Tools Proficiency

• Expert-level proficiency in SAP ECC, S/4 HANA, BW, and relevant modules (EWM, MM, PP, APO, IBP)
• Proficiency with Microsoft productivity tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio).
• Advanced understanding of ABAP, data modeling, and reporting tools.
• Strong working knowledge of IT project methodologies and governance frameworks.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align SAP capabilities with long-term organizational goals.
• Leadership: Proven track record of mentoring teams, driving large-scale projects, and influencing stakeholders.
• Problem Solving: Expert in resolving complex technical and configuration challenges.
• Collaboration: Builds strong cross-functional relationships to achieve business objectives.
• Innovation: Identifies and implements emerging SAP technologies to enhance operational efficiency.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in IT, Computer Science, Business, or related field.
• 10+ years of SAP implementation, configuration, and support experience, including multi-module leadership.
• Proven track record in SAP EWM and SAP ECC modules WM, MM, and QM
• Demonstrated experience in large-scale, enterprise-wide SAP projects.
• Strong business acumen with ability to influence senior leadership.
• Experience managing vendor relationships and third-party service providers.
• Effective communicator with strong leadership, mentoring, and presentation skills.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS:

• SAP certifications in relevant modules.
• Experience with SAP rollouts to new locations or acquisitions.
• Familiarity with BW data modeling, queries, and reporting.
• Knowledge of APO-PPDS, IBP, and other advanced planning tools.
• Food manufacturing or regulated industry experience.
• Experience in S/4HANA implementation