Job Description: SAP GTS Functional Lead
Role Overview
The **SAP Global Trade Services (GTS) Functional Lead** leads the architecture, implementation, and optimization of international trade compliance and logistics execution systems. This role serves as the key functional expert bridging Global Trade Compliance, Customs, Supply Chain Operations, Legal, and Enterprise IT—ensuring seamless compliance with cross-border trade regulations, automated customs filings, screening, and robust integration between SAP S/4HANA (OTC/P2P) and SAP GTS.
Primary Responsibilities
Solution Architecture & Global Trade Process Design
Lead design workshops with Global Trade Compliance, Customs, Logistics, and Legal stakeholders to define cross-border trade processes, compliance policies, and customs clearance workflows.
Architect end-to-end SAP GTS solutions covering Compliance Management (Sanctioned Party List screening, Embargo, Legal Control/Licensing), Customs Management (Import/Export declarations, AES/ACE integration), and Trade Preference Management (Free Trade Agreements/FTAs).
Design integration Touchpoints between SAP GTS and SAP S/4HANA (Sales & Distribution, Materials Management, Logistics Execution) as well as external customs broker interfaces and government gateways.
Configuration & Functional Delivery
Hands-on configuration of SAP GTS modules: Partner Functions, Legal Regulations, License Determination Procedures, SPL screening algorithms, Product Classification (HS/HTS codes, ECCN), and Customs Duty calculations.
Draft detailed Functional Specification Documents (FSDs) for RICEFW objects, custom customs message interfaces (EDI/XML), custom screening logic, and regulatory reports.
Lead integration testing, user acceptance testing (UAT), cutover planning, master data migration (Business Partners, Tariff Codes, Trade Master Data), and post-go-live hypercare.
Modernization & Regulatory Optimization
Drive continuous improvements in screening performance, false-positive reduction, automated license assignment, and real-time order-block resolution.
Ensure systems are updated and configured to handle evolving global regulations, tariff changes, and trade agreements.
Support enterprise cloud transformations and S/4HANA integration roadmaps (e.g., S/4HANA GTS integration / SAP GTS edition for SAP S/4HANA).
Key Qualifications & Experience
Category Qualifications
Experience 8+ years of hands-on functional experience in SAP GTS (Compliance, Customs, and Trade Preference), with at least 2 full-lifecycle SAP GTS implementations in a Lead capacity.
Technical Depth Deep knowledge of Sanctioned Party List (SPL) screening, Embargo checks, Export/Import License Determination, HTS/ECCN Classification, Customs Declarations, and Preference Processing
ERP Integration Deep expertise in GTS integration with core SAP S/4HANA / ECC modules—specifically Order-to-Cash (SD) and Procure-to-Pay (MM/PP)
Technical Aptitude Proficiency in reading ABAP code, debugging GTS user exits/BAdIs, troubleshooting iDocs/XML customs messages, and configuring SAP Fiori interfaces for GTS.
Domain Knowledge Strong understanding of international trade laws, EAR, ITAR, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, automated export systems (AES), and global trade frameworks
Preferred Qualifications
Experience migrating to or implementing **SAP GTS, edition for SAP S/4HANA**.
Hands-on experience with customs broker integration protocols and third-party restricted party screening engines.
SAP GTS Certification.