SAP S/4HANA Jobs: Why Java Developers Are Your Next Strategic Advantage
Is your SAP S/4HANA position unfilled for over 90 days? Each sprint is costing you real money and jeopardising your project deadlines.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The shortage of skilled professionals for SAP S/4HANA is forcing companies to rethink their recruitment strategies.
Modern S/4HANA extensions on the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) are often based on Java, not just ABAP.
By specifically searching for Java developers, companies can fill vacancies for SAP S/4HANA jobs more quickly and securely for the future.
<p>For many companies in the German-speaking region, transitioning to SAP S/4HANA is unavoidable by 2027. However, the market for experienced SAP specialists is depleted, resulting in a significant skills shortage. Many CTOs and HR managers focus exclusively on traditional ABAP skills in their search, overlooking a crucial component: Modern S/4HANA landscapes often require specialised Java developers for extensions and integrations. This article shows you how a strategic shift in perspective can help you fill your open SAP S/4HANA positions more quickly and future-proof, while also accelerating your transformation projects.</p>
The S/4HANA Market in Numbers: Your Opportunities and Risks
Content
The Invisible Brake: Why Traditional Recruiting Approaches Fail
Many companies are looking for the one SAP expert who can do it all – from ABAP development to process consulting. This search is like looking for a needle in a haystack and ignores the reality of modern system landscapes. One of the biggest challenges in S/4HANA implementation is the complexity of data migration and the scarcity of resources in the specialist departments. A single consultant can rarely fill this gap. Focusing on an outdated requirement profile leads to months of vacancies. Instead, companies need to recognise that S/4HANA projects are teamwork, involving a blend of different specialisations. A crucial, often overlooked area is application development and extension. This is precisely where the connection to modern programming languages comes into play.
The Java Bridge: How to Modernise Your S/4HANA System Extensively
Modern S/4HANA implementations utilise the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) to flexibly extend systems without altering the core. On the BTP, the SAP Cloud Application Programming Model (CAP) is the standard for developing cloud-native applications and services. This model supports Node.js, but primarily Java as the main development language. What this means for you specifically:
Side-by-side extensions: Develop custom applications in Java that seamlessly communicate with your S/4HANA core via APIs.
Process automation: Use Java-based microservices to automate complex workflows and increase efficiency.
Integrations: Cleanly integrate third-party systems with your SAP system without complex ABAP developments.
Modern UIs: Create sophisticated Fiori apps whose backend logic is built on robust Java services.
Instead of searching for months for an ABAP developer with cloud experience, you can often achieve initial results within weeks with an experienced Java developer. A specialised SAP headhunter can help you bridge this gap. The solution for your SAP S/4HANA jobs may therefore lie in a different technology stack.
Your 4-step plan for filling critical SAP project roles
To quickly and precisely fill your open SAP S/4HANA positions, you need a clear strategy that goes beyond traditional approaches. With this plan, you'll find the right experts in record time:
Analyse your true requirements: Do you really need a pure ABAP developer, or a Java specialist for an extension on the SAP BTP? A precise needs analysis can save you up to 50% of the search time.
Create a modern requirement profile: Clearly state which technologies (e.g. SAP BTP, CAP, Java) and methods (e.g. agile project management) are critical for success. This will attract the right candidates.
Expand your search radius: Don't limit yourself to the traditional SAP community. Many excellent Java developers have the potential to quickly adapt to the SAP world if the conditions are right.
Partner with a specialised recruiter: Work with a partner who understands both the SAP and Java worlds. At Nova Search, we present you with the first handpicked candidate profiles in just five days.
This structured process helps you set the right course and avoid jeopardising your project goals further.
The job profile: The modern SAP developer is not purely an ABAP programmer
The requirements for SAP S/4HANA job experts have changed drastically. A top candidate today possesses a combination of business process understanding and modern technological skills. Successful consultants understand that the solution often lies outside the SAP core. In addition to deep knowledge in one or more SAP modules, the following competences are crucial today:
SAP BTP knowledge: Understanding the architecture and services of the Business Technology Platform.
Programming skills: Solid skills in ABAP are still important, but knowledge of Java or JavaScript (for UI5/Fiori) is a significant advantage.
API management: Experience with handling OData and REST APIs for connecting external systems.
Cloud-native development: Practical experience with environments like Cloud Foundry or Kyma.
Agile methods: Ability to work in sprints and deliver prototypes quickly.
A candidate with this profile can bridge the gap between your business department and IT, ensuring the success of your S/4HANA transformation.
Close the gap in your SAP team now
Staffing SAP S/4HANA jobs doesn't have to be a months-long struggle. By broadening your focus and recognising the crucial role of Java developers in modern SAP architectures, you open up a completely new talent pool. You not only gain speed but also flexibility and future-proofing for your IT landscape. With the right partner by your side, you fill your vacancies in days, not months. Nova Search specialises in placing highly qualified, German-speaking Java developers and understands the requirements of modern SAP projects. We find the experts who will lead your S/4HANA project to success. If you need to quickly fill a vacancy for an SAP consultant with a remote option or another position, we are the right contact. Let's realign your recruitment strategy together.
More useful links
The WBS Group offers a study on the current job market for IT professions in Germany, providing insights into the demand for IT specialists and salary developments.
The German-speaking SAP User Group (DSAG) provides a recommendation for SAP HANA, offering guides and best practices for implementation and use.
A Lünendonk study analyzes the market for IT consulting and IT services in Germany, highlighting market developments, players, and trends.
Another Lünendonk study from 2019 offers insights into the market for IT consulting and IT services in Germany.
Bitkom, the Federal Association for Information Technology, Telecommunications, and New Media, informs about the current shortage of IT professionals in Germany.
The Federal Employment Agency provides statistical information on the professional group of computer scientists in Germany.
KPMG Germany offers publications and information on SAP S/4HANA, focusing on strategic planning and implementation.
FAQ
What skills does a modern SAP S/4HANA consultant need?
A modern SAP S/4HANA consultant requires a blend of business process knowledge, expertise in SAP modules, basic ABAP skills, as well as modern competencies in SAP BTP, API management, and ideally programming experience in Java for cloud-native extensions.
Does Nova Search also provide traditional SAP ABAP developers?
Our core focus is on providing highly qualified, German-speaking Java developers. We are the ideal partner if your SAP S/4HANA projects require modern extensions, integrations, or automations on the SAP BTP that need Java expertise.
How does side-by-side development differ from classic ABAP development?
In traditional ABAP development, changes are made directly within the core of the SAP system. Side-by-side development on the SAP BTP utilises external applications connected via APIs (often written in Java) to keep the system core clean and update-safe.
What is the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP)?
The SAP BTP is a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solution from SAP. It enables businesses to develop applications, integrate systems, and analyse data without directly altering the core processes of their SAP systems. It is the strategic platform for extensions and innovations.
How does the placement process with Nova Search work?
Our process is quick and efficient: After a free strategy call to thoroughly assess your needs, we begin our targeted search. Thanks to our specialized network, we present you with the first handpicked and vetted candidate profiles within just five business days.
