Unilever’s global SAP S/4HANA transformation programme, Project Mirai, is a strategic transformation initiative aimed at harmonising, simplifying, and modernising Unilever’s core business operations through the implementation of a single ERP system, standardised business processes, and the integration of Agentic AI.

The S/4HANA Controls Design Senior Manager is accountable for the end to end design, governance, and implementation of internal controls embedded within SAP S/4HANA-enabled business processes. The role ensures controls are preventive, automated where possible, audit ready, and sustainable, supporting compliance requirements while enabling efficient and scalable business operations.

This role acts as a critical bridge between business process owners, SAP delivery teams, and assurance functions, embedding controls by design across global S/4HANA transformation programs.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Controls Strategy & Design

Define and own the S/4HANA controls design framework, aligned to SOX / ICFR, COSO, and relevant regulatory requirements.
Design end‑to‑end business process controls across core cycles, including:
Record‑to‑Report (R2R)
Order‑to‑Cash (O2C)
Source‑to‑Pay (S2P)
Make-to-deliver(MTD)
Treasury, Payroll and Tax (as applicable)
Drive the transition from manual and detective controls to automated and preventive controls using standard S/4HANA functionality.

SAP S/4HANA Integration

Partner with SAP functional, technical, and security leads to ensure controls are embedded into:
Process design
System configuration
Workflow and approval models
Reporting and analytics
Assess control implications of design decisions, including:
Standard vs custom SAP solutions
Data model changes (e.g. Universal Journal)
System integrations and interfaces

Governance, Audit & Stakeholder Management

Act as the single point of accountability for controls design within the S/4HANA program.
Engage and manage senior stakeholders across:
Finance and business leadership
Internal Audit
External Audit
Compliance and Risk functions
Lead risk and controls forums, design authorities, and decision-making bodies.
Proactively manage audit expectations throughout the transformation lifecycle.

Testing, Go‑Live & Sustainability

Define the controls testing strategy (design and operating effectiveness).
Ensure controls are tested during system integration testing and user acceptance testing.
Support go‑live readiness assessments and hypercare activities.
Ensure controls are documented, operationalized, and sustainable post go‑live.

Leadership & People Management

Lead and develop a team of controls managers and analysts.
Provide subject‑matter coaching on SAP controls, risk management, and audit readiness.
Contribute to overall program leadership and transformation governance.

Essential Experience

Significant experience in controls design within large ERP or SAP S/4HANA implementations.
Strong knowledge of SOX / ICFR and internal control frameworks.
End‑to‑end understanding of core finance and business processes.
Experience working with auditors during major transformation programs.

Technical & Functional Knowledge

Strong SAP S/4HANA knowledge (FI/CO essential; MM/SD desirable).
Understanding of SAP security, roles, and SoD concepts.
Experience with SAP GRC Access Control (preferred).

Leadership & Behavioural Competencies

Proven senior stakeholder management capability.
Ability to challenge design decisions and influence outcomes.
Strong judgment in balancing risk, compliance, cost, and user experience.
Clear, confident communicator with both technical and non‑technical audiences.

Success Measures

Controls embedded effectively at design stage with minimal post go‑live remediation.
Reduction in manual and compensating controls.
Positive audit outcomes during and after implementation.
Strong stakeholder confidence in controls governance.

LEADERSHIP BEHAVIOURS

Care Deeply

Focus on What Counts

Stay Three Steps Ahead

Deliver with Excellence

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

GCAD (Risk & Controls, Reporting) and Control Service Centre (CSC)

Technology Platforms & Product Owners; Cyber Security (ISOC)

Process Excellence & Capabilities (PEC); Data Governance

Market Finance/Tech teams; Internal Audit; External Auditors

TRAVEL

Limited global travel depending on portfolio needs.