Data Platforms Principal Engineer (SAC-Planning) - BI & Reporting

Overview
Waters is seeking a highly experienced SAC-P Administrator & Senior SAC -P Developer to manage and optimize the SAP Analytics Cloud (Planning) platform. This role is responsible for ensuring platform stability, data integrity, performance optimization, and secure access management while supporting enterprise-wide planning processes. The role will also act as a key liaison with SAP and internal stakeholders to drive operational excellence.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
Data Integration & Operations Management- Must Have
Monitor data loads and perform error remediation to ensure data accuracy and completeness
Conduct reconciliation of data before and during planning cycles
Review, troubleshoot, and remediate batch jobs to ensure uninterrupted operations
Manage integration between SAC and boundary/source applications
Manage and monitor Data Action executions, Multi Actions, and Planning Process workflows to ensure successful cycle completion.
Coordinate and validate master data and hierarchy updates across planning models.
Implement and maintain automated data validation and exception reporting processes.
Support period-end, forecast, and annual planning cycle cutover activities.
Ensure adherence to SLAs for data refreshes, batch processing, and issue resolution.
Development & Delivery of SAC Components – Good to Have
Oversee and contribute to development of SAC Stories and input templates
Lead design and build of visualization dashboards and analytical reports
Drive backend and UI enhancements for global reporting solutions
Ensure high performance and usability across SAC deliverables
Lead development of SAC Analytic Applications using scripting and advanced user interaction capabilities.
Design and implement planning workflows using SAC Calendar, Task Chains, and Process Management features.
Establish development standards, coding guidelines, and peer review processes for SAC deliverables.
Create reusable templates, widgets, and reporting components to accelerate solution delivery.
Ensure accessibility, usability, and responsive design standards across all planning applications.
Expertise in SAC Analytic Applications and JavaScript scripting .
Strong experience with Advanced Formulas, Data Actions, Multi Actions, and Calendar Processes .
Advanced Calculations & Data Actions- Good to Have
Design and implement complex calculation logic within SAC models
Lead development of Data Actions to automate planning processes
Optimize performance and ensure accuracy across planning scenarios
Establish development standards and conduct quality reviews
Design and optimize Advanced Formula scripts for complex planning, allocation, and forecasting requirements.
Develop Multi Actions to automate end-to-end planning and approval processes.
Build driver-based planning, top-down and bottom-up forecasting models.
Implement allocations, currency conversion, intercompany eliminations, and spreading logic.
Conduct performance tuning of Data Actions, calculations, and planning models to minimize processing time.
System Performance & Stability - Must Have
Monitor overall SAC system performance and proactively identify issues
Analyze system bottlenecks and implement performance improvement measures
Work closely with SAP on OSS notes, incident resolution, and follow-ups
Apply recommended OSS notes and server-level configurations to enhance system efficiency
Conduct capacity planning and usage analysis to support platform scalability and growth.
Monitor model size, data volumes, and planning performance to ensure optimal system responsiveness.
Lead root cause analysis (RCA) activities for critical incidents and implement preventive measures.
Validate SAC quarterly releases and assess impact on planning models, integrations, and security.
Coordinate regression testing and production readiness activities for platform enhancements.
Security & Access Management- Must Have
Manage role-based access controls (RBAC), including defining who can view or edit forecasts
Implement and maintain data-level security (e.g., region and product-level restrictions)
Administer user roles, permissions, and assignments across SAC environments
Ensure compliance with enterprise security and governance standards
Periodically review user access and role assignments to ensure compliance with audit requirements.
Manage Single Sign-On (SSO), identity provider integrations, and authentication configurations.
Support internal and external audits by providing access reviews, security evidence, and compliance documentation.
Establish segregation of duties (SoD) controls and monitor compliance with governance policies.
Platform Governance & Continuous Improvement - Good to Have
Establish and enforce SAC administration best practices and governance frameworks
Ensure data integrity, auditability, and compliance with planning policies
Partner with IT, Finance, and business teams to support planning cycles and resolve issues
Drive continuous improvement in system performance, reliability, and user experience
Define and maintain SAC administration standards, naming conventions, and operational procedures.
Manage platform change requests, release schedules, and promotion activities across Development, QA, and Production environments.
Develop and maintain operational dashboards and KPIs for platform health monitoring.
Identify opportunities to leverage new SAC Planning capabilities and drive adoption across business teams.
Maintain comprehensive documentation of models, integrations, security configurations, and operational processes.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Management - Must Have
Act as the primary point of contact for SAC administration and operational support
Collaborate with SAP, integration teams, and internal stakeholders to resolve complex issues
Support global users and provide guidance on system usage and best practices
Facilitate planning readiness reviews and hypercare support during critical planning and forecasting cycles.
Partner with Finance, FP&A, and business users to translate operational requirements into platform improvements.
Lead knowledge-sharing sessions, user training, and administrator enablement programs.
Coordinate with SAP product teams regarding roadmap features, enhancements, and platform best practices.
Provide leadership and mentorship to junior administrators and support team members.
Environment & Release Management- Must Have
Manage transport and deployment activities between Development, Test, and Production environments.
Perform impact assessments and coordinate testing for SAC quarterly releases and platform upgrades.
Maintain backup, recovery, and business continuity procedures for planning operations.
Establish release governance processes and change management controls.
Ensure production changes are documented, approved, tested, and communicated to stakeholders.
Additional Preferred Skills & Qualifications
Experience with SAP Datasphere, BW/4HANA, SAP Integration Suite, and SAP Cloud Identity Services.
Knowledge of SAC Data Actions, Multi Actions, Calendar Processes, and Advanced Formulas.
Experience with ITIL-based incident, problem, and change management processes.
Experience defining and tracking platform operational KPIs and SLAs.
Strong understanding of enterprise planning, forecasting, budgeting, and workforce planning processes.
These additions elevate the role from a pure administrator position to a Senior/Lead SAC Planning Platform Owner, which is typically what enterprises expect for global SAC Planning implementations.
Required Skills & Qualifications - Must Have
Strong hands-on experience with SAP Analytics Cloud (Planning Administration)
Proven experience in data load monitoring, reconciliation, and batch job management
Expertise in system performance monitoring and optimization
Experience working with SAP OSS notes and support processes
Strong knowledge of role-based access control and data security models
Familiarity with data integration (APIs, flat files, enterprise systems)
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills
Ability to manage operations in a global, cross-functional environment
Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications- Must Have
Experience in enterprise SAC Planning implementations and support models
Familiarity with SAP ecosystem (S/4HANA, BW, Datasphere, etc.)
Exposure to financial planning cycles and processes
Experience supporting onshore/offshore delivery models
SAC Planning certification preferred
Company Description
Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT) is a global leader in life sciences and diagnostics, dedicated to accelerating the benefits of pioneering science through analytical technologies, informatics,

Work arrangement
No