The "S4 Summer" keeps going stronger, don't miss the train !!

The contracting and recruiting market, like the tides, ebbs and flows. There are times when clients and system integrators (SIs) tighten their belts, and hiring freezes become the norm. However, even during these challenging periods, there's one consistent trend in 2024: the unwavering demand for S4 skills.

I recently reached out to several people in my network to gauge the current market sentiment. Despite the abundance of ECC installations, it's S4 that's driving hiring decisions. Here's a snapshot of what I could gather of an estimate of S/4 demand from my recent set of interactions: Showing what %age of SAP roles are based on S4 etc

UK Roles Contract 85% S4 Permanent 70% S4

Germany 90% S4

Middle Easy 85% S4

Poland 70% S4

This surge in S4 demand makes sense. While many organizations are still running ECC, they're often doing so in maintenance mode, either deciding on their S4 migration path or implementing the new solution. So, despite the chatter about the vast amount of ECC out there, if you're looking for an SAP job in 2024, S4 is undoubtedly the way to go.

Now, this got me curious about the compensation. S4 skills command a premium of around 15% in terms of daily or hourly rates and advertised jobs. But if you possess niche S4 expertise, such as IBP, TMS, or a rare S4 skill, that premium can skyrocket to 50% or more compared to traditional ECC roles. This trend extends beyond functional modules to BTP and RISE management, not just functional modules. Think of it as the "S4 Gold Rush" for talented professionals.

Program and project management roles, along with overall solution architects, have always been highly valued. With the increasing number of large-scale S4 projects, the demand for talent with S4 experience is soaring and as experienced by most of my contacts- this demand is driving up salaries and rates, particularly when combined with industry expertise.

The final question I asked was if there is still a demand for specialized ECC skills, and the answer was Yes. While there are still some niche areas in demand, they're becoming increasingly rare. Many of these roles are filled by seasoned professionals who are nearing retirement and seeking to maximize their earnings before hanging up their hats, say Tax and Revenue Management or other such skills. These individuals often have deep domain expertise and established client networks, making them highly sought after. However, it's important to note that this isn't a long-term career strategy.

Another interesting trend I've observed is the growing number of large internal teams, both locally and in low-cost centers, embarking on S4 projects. Many of these teams are faced with a crucial decision: do they train their existing staff on S4 and outsource support, or do they maintain their ECC expertise? While some organizations may choose to support their legacy ECC systems for a few years, there's a clear preference among internal teams to transition to S4. This makes sense from both a career and business perspective, as these teams often possess invaluable process and business knowledge that no external/3rd party could. Of course, there will always be individuals who aren't interested in the nature of challenges and emotional investment required for S4 projects. However, these are becoming the exceptions rather than the rule. It's essential for organizations to have strategies in place to retain their top talent and attract capable third-party providers to support their S4 journey.

Some may take a view (especially beginners), that ECC roles are steppingstone to S4 (which I suspect is quite likely for anyone that is ambitious but needs to learn more ERP skills) to gain valuable experience before making the transition. That’s hard to argue with because there are gateway challenges for those embarking on a career in SAP and any commercial experience is better than none. While this is a valid approach, it’s clear that the future lies with S4. Many aspiring SAP professionals recognize this and are eager to acquire S4 skills as quickly as possible.

All in all, despite the ongoing discussions about ECC's longevity, the staffing market is telling a different story. S4 is the future of SAP careers, and those who embrace this trend will be well-positioned for success. So, if you're ready to avoid the 'FOMO' ('Fear Of Missing Out' as the cool ones of today call it) on the S4 trend, it's time to level up your skills and join the party.