SAP Principal Enterprise Architect, S/4HANA & Digital Platforms

What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know? Or all of humanity?At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realize health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients.Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person, in every role, has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people, inspiring leaders, and world changing projects, you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible.Location - Please Read Before ApplyingSan Diego HQ - Hybrid.Must currently reside in the San Diego metropolitan area or be able to commute independently. This role will require being onsite for all workshops, which will be extensive.Position SummaryThe SAP S/4HANA & Digital Platforms Enterprise Architect provides strategic and hands-on architectural leadership for enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives, with SAP S/4HANA as the digital core, integrated with best-of-breed platforms such as Salesforce (SFDC), MES, LIMS, Vertex, SAP VIM, and other ERP and non-ERP systems.This role is responsible for defining the future-state enterprise architecture, governing solution design, and ensuring alignment between business strategy, process design, data, integration, security, and technology platforms. Success in this role requires equal strength in technical architecture, stakeholder partnership, and influence-based leadership across business and IT.Key Responsibilities1. Enterprise Architecture & Strategy LeadershipOwn and evolve enterprise architecture vision, principles, standards, and roadmaps across business, application, data, and technology domainsDevelop future-state architecture and associated transition roadmaps aligned with business growth objectivesServe as a trusted advisor to business and IT leadership on architectural trade-offs, sequencing, and investment decisionsLead and participate in architecture governance forums (Design Authority, Architecture Review Boards)2. SAP S/4HANA as the Digital CoreDefine and govern SAP S/4HANA target-state architecture as the enterprise ERP backboneEnforce clean-core principles, extensibility strategies (in-app vs side-by-side), and SAP best practicesProvide architectural guidance across SAP domains including Finance, Sales, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, EAM, and EHSBuild and maintain the ERP strategy and roadmap, including ECC-to-S/4 or multi-ERP coexistence scenarios3. Boundary Systems & Ecosystem ArchitectureProvide architectural oversight and integration strategy for enterprise platforms, including but not limited to:Salesforce (SFDC) – CRM, Service, CPQ, Order-to-Cash integrationsManufacturing Execution Systems (MES) – shop-floor execution, material consumption, genealogyLaboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) – quality, compliance, lab workflowsVertex – tax calculation and complianceSAP VIM – invoice automation and document managementLegacy, regional, or niche ERPs during coexistence or transitionEnsure:Clear system-of-record ownershipScalable and resilient integration patternsData consistency, reconciliation, and error-handling strategies4. Integration, Data & Reporting ArchitectureDefine enterprise integration strategy (API-led, event-driven, middleware-based)Govern integration platforms such as SAP BTP, CPI, MuleSoft, or equivalentLead ERP-related integration rationalization and optimizationDefine master data ownership, governance models, and reporting strategies (real-time vs operational)Ensure alignment with analytics, AI/ML, and data platform needs (e.g., data lakes)5. Solution Delivery & Transformation EnablementPartner with PMO, delivery leads, and system integrators across Design, Build, Test, and DeployReview and approve solution artifacts (HLDs, FSDs, TSDs, integration and security designs)Establish and promote business capability models linking strategy, processes, systems, and dataIdentify architectural risks early and recommend mitigation strategiesEnsure adherence to quality standards across solution design and delivery6. Security, Compliance & Non-Functional ArchitectureEnsure solutions meet security, SOX, GxP, data privacy, and regulatory requirementsDefine and govern non-functional requirements: performance, scalability, availability, and disaster recoveryGuide system retirement, data retention, and audit readiness strategies7. Stakeholder, Vendor & Partner LeadershipBuild strong, trust-based relationships with business, functional, infrastructure, procurement, and IT teamsProvide architectural direction to system integrators and SaaS vendorsEvaluate and challenge vendor proposals and RFP responses to ensure alignment with enterprise standardsResearch and assess emerging technologies for fit within the enterprise application portfolioEducation & ExperienceTypically requires 18+ years of experience in enterprise IT architecture and solution delivery with a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experienceProven experience leading large-scale digital and ERP transformation programsDeep hands-on and architectural experience with SAP S/4HANA in enterprise environmentsCore Technical & Architecture ExpertiseSAP S/4HANA architecture, extensibility, and integrationEnterprise integration patterns (API, middleware, event-driven)Experience with:Salesforce (SFDC)MES and LIMS platformsFinance solutions (Vertex, SAP VIM)Master data management and reporting systemsLegacy and co-existing ERP environmentsCloud platforms (SAP BTP, Azure, AWS, or GCP)Leadership & Business Architecture SkillsStrong expertise in TOGAF, Zachman, or equivalent EA frameworksHands-on experience with business capability modelingAbility to translate business strategy into executable architectureExcellent communication, influence, and consensus-building skillsStrong analytical