Ken Lai, PhD

Accomplished Senior SAP Consultant with over 16 years of experience in SAP implementations, system upgrades, and application maintenance. Holding a PhD in Computer Science from Loughborough University, I have a proven track record in delivering successful SAP projects and driving operational excellence. Currently based in Manchester, UK, I am experienced in both SAP ECC and S/4HANA, with a strong background in template rollouts and greenfield implementations. My career highlights include leading SAP consulting team at IBM HK, where I held the role of SAP Practice Leader and implemented numerous high-profile projects across various industries. Certified in multiple SAP S/4HANA modules (SD, MM, PP, QM, ABAP) and experienced in Agile project management methodologies, I have consistently achieved a 100% success rate in go-live implementations.

Life Science, Manufacturing, Logistics & Supply Chain, Retail, FMCG

English (Proficient), Cantonese (Native), Mandarin (Advanced)

Hayco Manufacturing Ltd Supply Chain SAP Revamp (Dominican Republic), IBM SAP Supply Chain Senior Consultant (MM, PP, QM), Led an on-site supply chain assessment and SAP system revamp in the Dominican Republic. Delivered comprehensive supply chain assessment and SAP solutions, including Sourcing, Supply Chain, Warehouse, and Production advisory, with a focus on revamping SAP modules (SD, MM, PP, QM, IM). Directed a team of senior Supply Chain and SAP consultants to identify pain points, align with business requirements, and implement tailored solutions on-site.

• LSH Auto SAP BI Application Implementation (Korea), IBM Project Manager, Managed a S/4 BW/HANA project for implementing a BI solution for an automotive company. The project encompassed SAP S4 BW/HANA, BO, and mobile apps implementation. Led the IBM project team to deliver the SAP S4 BW solution, inheriting the solution from IBM China, with custom mobile apps developed specifically for LSH Auto China. Conducted weekly IT project management meetings to monitor project health and address project management challenges.
• Elanco SAP S/4HANA Implementation (US, APAC), IBM SAP Senior Consultant (SD, MM, WM), Managed a S/4HANA implementation project for a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in the US, covering SAP S/4HANA FICO, SD, MM, WM, PP, and QM modules. Led a consulting team to successfully roll out supply chain modules in China, Taiwan, and Japan, and provided post-implementation support across 14 APAC countries. Collaborated closely with the client to review project scope, refine solutions, and align expectations with diverse stakeholders across the APAC region. Chaired weekly APAC project meeting to report project status and review outstanding issues.
• LSH SAP and Cloud Implementation Project (HK), IBM SAP Project Director, Directed a greenfield S/4HANA project aimed at implementing a new Group Chart of Accounts and replacing legacy accounting and reporting systems, with a focus on SAP S/4HANA FICO, BPC, and BW modules. Facilitated cross-functional and cross-divisional issue resolution, providing advisory support on subject matter expertise and change management to the Project Steering Committee (PSC). Mobilized resources and supervised the project manager in establishing a long-term Application Management Services (AMS) team to ensure ongoing support for LSH.
• Swire Beverage SAP S/4 HANA Implementation Project (Taiwan), IBM SAP Project Lead, Led the implementation of a comprehensive SAP S/4HANA enterprise solution for the Coca-Cola bottling industry in Taiwan, covering FICO, SD, MM, PP, eWM, BW, and DSD modules. Managed the IBM team to successfully deliver the SAP S/4HANA solution, ensuring alignment with client expectations. Supported the Engagement Partner in preparing for Project Steering Committee (PSC) meetings to maintain project progress and accountability.
• Ocean Park SAP AMS Service (HK), IBM SAP Team Lead (MM), Delivered comprehensive SAP maintenance services to Ocean Park, covering FICO, MM, BPC, BO, SuccessFactors, and HR modules. Supervised the functional team in providing ongoing SAP Application Management Services (AMS) to ensure smooth operations and support. Engaged in hands-on requirement discussions and solution delivery for logistics modules, ensuring client needs were met effectively. Monitored project progress and quality, ensuring services were delivered according to established Service Level Objectives (SLO).
• Gibson Innovations Limited (Global), IBM AMS Lead (Global Team – MM, WW, PP, QM), Oversaw a global consulting team of over 60 SAP and non-SAP consultants, delivering ongoing maintenance support for Gibson Innovations, which specializes in high-quality music lifestyle products. Managed and coordinated support services post-WOOX Innovation project go-live, ensuring continuous and effective maintenance across global operations.
• WOOX Innovation Limited (Global), IBM Supply Chain Management Team Lead (Global Team – MM, WM, PP, QM), Led a team of 12 senior SAP consultants to transition WOOX Innovation from the Philips environment to a new IT landscape, aligning with the acquisition by Gibson Innovations. Upgraded SAP from 4.6C to ECC6.0, ensuring full testing of SCM functionalities (MM, PP, WM, QM) across 30+ countries. Enhanced the APO system through an instant merge and integration with a third-party statistical forecasting application. Implemented Product Life Cycle (PLM) module for the R&D department and redefined SOPs for Master Data Management, promoting data governance. Simplified SCM solutions by sunseting legacy applications and migrating necessary functions to SAP. Chaired weekly SCM meetings, reporting on project progress, issues, and risks to the Global SCM Director and COO.
• AbbVie Inc (APAC), IBM Supply Chain Regional Consultant (MM, WM), Spearheaded the SAP implementation to support AbbVie's separation from Abbott, establishing a shared services organization across 49+ countries, six manufacturing sites, and one R&D location. Managed SAP ECC6.0 implementation for affiliates in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Thailand, ensuring alignment with AbbVie's global template. Streamlined business processes to enhance the efficiency of Supply Chain Execution. Enhanced data integrity by transitioning manual processes to the SAP system. Collaborated with the internal team to meet pharmaceutical validation requirements.
• Jacobson Pharma Group (HK), IBM Project Manager and Supply Chain Lead (MM, PP, WM, QM), Led the SAP ERP implementation for Jacobson Pharma Group, a leading pharmaceutical enterprise in Hong Kong with over 10 subsidiaries and a major supplier of medication to HK hospitals and clinics. Implemented SAP modules for FICO, MM, PP, QM, and WM using IBM's SAP Life Science Express Solution. Coordinated and managed IBM project personnel, providing a structured framework for project planning, communication, reporting, procedures, and contract activities. Developed and maintained the IBM Project Plan, detailing activities, tasks, assignments, and milestones. Regularly reviewed project tasks, schedules, and resources, making adjustments as necessary. Collaborated with the client Project Manager to address and resolve deviations from the project plan. Conducted regular project status meetings to ensure progress and address issues.
• Ocean Park (HK), IBM SAP Logistics Team Lead (MM), Led the implementation of the SAP MM module for Central Warehouse, Retail, and F&B business units. Developed detailed process flows in collaboration with module owners and documented the to-be solution in the Blueprint phase. Designed and configured MM module logic, including interfaces to POS and handheld systems. Managed system configuration and executed functional testing, ensuring seamless integration with other SAP modules. Conducted Key Users' training, created end-user training manuals, and facilitated training sessions for end users. Oversaw MM data migration activities, including defining strategies, executing data migration, and reconciling data with identified components.
• Pfizer Corporation Hong Kong Limited (APAC), IBM SAP SOM Consultant (SD), Contributed to a global SAP template rollout in Hong Kong, following the integration of Pfizer and Wyeth. Focused on Sales Order Management (SOM), handling master data preparation, integration testing, go-live support, and defect management. Addressed challenges related to data accuracy and integrity by ensuring that data extracted from various legacy systems complied with project regulations and compliance standards.
• GP Batteries International Limited (HK and China), Logistics Senior Consultant (MM, PP, WM), Defined a global SAP template for GP Batteries, intended for future global rollout, and implemented it at the pilot site, Gold Peak Industrial Int. Ltd. Utilized the ASAP methodology for a full-cycle SAP implementation, focusing on the MM & WM modules. Addressed the complex requirements of a centralized logistics warehouse located in the Futian Free Trade Zone (Shenzhen), which operates 24/7 and manages critical activities including import, export, and customs declaration. Developed a comprehensive SAP solution to meet both legal and business requirements, ensuring efficient goods movement processes and documentation within tight time constraints.
• Henkel (China) Company Limited (China Project), Deputy Project Manager and SAP Consultant (MM, PP-PI), Worked with Henkel (China) Company Limited, a subsidiary of the multinational Henkel Group, specializing in beauty and personal care products, including hair dye and shampoo. Focused on standardizing HCCL's business processes and developing a regional SAP template tailored to Henkel's beauty and personal care business for future regional rollouts. Managed the migration from the legacy Kingdee (K3) system to the Henkel Asia-Pacific SAP server within a tight budget and timeline constraints. Assumed a dual role as both Deputy Project Manager and SAP Consultant, leading workshops and coordinating efforts despite being the only consultant on-site.
• Henkel Home Care Korea Limited (Korea Project), SAP Consultant (MM, PP-PI), Worked with Henkel Home Care Korea (HHCK), a subsidiary of the multinational Henkel Group, focusing on consumer products for insecticides. Implemented a full-cycle SAP solution using the standard ASAP methodology, with a significant focus on the PP module's planning model, including flexible planning, long-term planning, capacity planning, MRP, and MPS. Addressed the complex requirements of the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector by implementing EDI and ABAP programs to facilitate extensive communication and synchronization with retail customers and third-party warehouses.
• Henkel National Starch and Acheson Limited (Japan and Taiwan Projects), SAP Consultant (MM, PP-PI), Worked on migrating Acheson Limited and National Starch to a unified Asia-Pacific SAP platform, while integrating with Henkel Japan Limited. Focused on aligning business processes and flows with the regional template via SAP MM and PP-PI modules to ensure consistency across the merged entities. Managed the complexity of the organizational structure by facilitating communication and coordination among all parties, ensuring milestones were met effectively and collaboratively.
• Eagle International (Industrial) Limited (HK and China), SAP Consultant (SD, MM, ABAP), Contributed to SAP implementation for Eagle, an eyewear manufacturer with operations in HK and China, using standard SAP modules SD, MM, PP, FICO, and BW. Began SAP career as an in-house consultant, focusing on SAP maintenance, enhancement, and development tasks. Managed system modifications and enhancements to meet evolving business needs.

• SAP S/4HANA SD, MM, PP & QM
• SAP S/4HANA Project Manager
• SAP S/4HANA Developer (ABAP)
• IBM Design Thinking

• IBM Service Excellence Award
• IBM Project Manager Award
• IBM Best Manager Award