Development Manager (f/m/d) Infrastructure Platforms with Focus on IBM DBs & OSs

We help the world run better. At SAP, we keep it simple: you bring your best to us, and we'll bring out the best in you. We're builders touching over 20 industries and 80% of global commerce, and we need your unique talents to help shape what's next. The work is challenging – but it matters. You'll find a place where you can be yourself, prioritize your wellbeing, and truly belong. What's in it for you? Constant learning, skill growth, great benefits, and a team that wants you to grow and succeed.

What you’ll do

We're looking for a Development Manager to lead the IBM co‑engineering team within the BTP ABAP Infrastructure Platforms unit. You will coordinate engineers from SAP and IBM to integrate IBM Db2 and IBM operating systems (AIX, Linux on Power, IBM Z, z/OS) into SAP technology stacks (NetWeaver, ABAP platform, HANA). The joint work includes maintenance and development support related activities for many high‑profile customers with large and complex SAP installations. The situation requires a strong focus on end‑to‑end quality and performance, especially for the integration layers.

In this role, you will be reporting to the head of the BTP ABAP Infrastructure Platforms. Your work location is St. Leon‑Rot, Germany. We are explicitly open to people that complement the team with their diverse background and add new perspectives to the team.

Your tasks and responsibilities

• Lead a dynamic team of engineers focused on database and operating system development, maintenance, and support tasks.
• Oversee all technical aspects related to the certification, maintenance, and support of IBM databases and operating systems within SAP’s product portfolio.
• Foster a strong, collaborative relationship with IBM development counterparts while executing SAP’s strategic initiatives.
• Advise on and contribute to partner contracts (development cooperation, commercial terms, joint maintenance/support, certification), collaborating with legal and 3rd‑party licensing teams.
• Represent SAP and act as liaison at IBM user groups and conferences (e.g., DSAG, ASUG) and in customer meetings.
• Promote an inclusive, collaborative team culture; coach team members and help them broaden skills across the BTP ABAP scope.

What you bring

• 4+ years’ experience in infrastructure platform engineering or a related technical leadership role.
• Experience with IBM technologies (Db2 and/or IBM OSs) and familiarity with SAP BTP ABAP infrastructure unit and platform partner relationships.
• Strong leadership and people management skills: trust, empathy, empowerment, clarity, accountability, and execution focus.
• Strong strategic thinking and negotiation skills are necessary, along with the ability to maintain a trustworthy relationship with IBM while ensuring discretion regarding intellectual property matters.
• A broad network among SAP stakeholders across various board areas is beneficial.
• Excellent communication skills are required for interactions with customers, partners, and internal teams.
• Fluency in both English and German is essential for this role.

#SAPABAPCareers

Bring out your best. SAP innovations help more than four hundred thousand customers worldwide work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively. Originally known for leadership in enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, SAP has evolved to become a market leader in end‑to‑end business application software and related services for database, analytics, intelligent technologies, and experience management. As a cloud company with two hundred million users and more than one hundred thousand employees worldwide, we are purpose‑driven and future‑focused, with a highly collaborative team ethic and commitment to personal development. Whether connecting global industries, people, or platforms, we help ensure every challenge gets the solution it deserves. At SAP, you can bring out your best.

We win with inclusion. SAP’s culture of inclusion, focus on health and well‑being, and flexible working models help ensure that everyone – regardless of background – feels included and can run at their best. We believe we are made stronger by the unique capabilities and qualities that each person brings to our company, and we invest in our employees to inspire confidence and help everyone realize their full potential. We ultimately believe in unleashing all talent and creating a better world.