SAP-based digital transformation continues to accelerate in U.S. and Latin American companies. However, as adoption of SAP S/4HANA, SAP BTP and Cloud Solutions, In addition, a critical problem is also deepening: the difficulty of finding specialized SAP talent.
In 2026, the shortage of SAP professionals is no longer a one-off recruitment challenge, but a strategic constraint that directly impacts project execution, operational continuity and technology ROI.
Why SAP profiles are becoming harder to find
There are three structural factors that explain this situation:
- Mass migrations to S/4HANA with tight deadlines
- Phasing out senior SAP talent
- Gap between available training and new SAP competencies
This results in certain SAP roles being in demand far in excess of their actual market availability.
Toughest SAP roles to fill in 2026
SAP S/4HANA Functional (FI, CO, MM, SD) Consultants
Conversion and greenfield projects require consultants with real S/4HANA experience. ECC knowledge is not enough; profiles with proven participation in migrations are sought.
SAP S/4HANA and SAP Cloud Architects
They are key to design hybrid landscapes, integrations and cloud strategies. Their scarcity generates technical bottlenecks in complex projects.
Specialists in SAP BTP
The SAP Business Technology Platform has become the core of innovation. However, profiles with expertise in extensions, integrations and automation are still limited.
SAP Security & GRC Consultants
Regulatory pressure and cybersecurity risks have boosted the demand for SAP role, authorization and compliance experts.
ABAP Cloud and SAP Fiori Developers
Modern SAP development requires skills that many traditional developers have not yet mastered, widening the talent gap.
The impact of not filling these roles on time
When these profiles are not available, organizations face:
- Delays in critical migrations
- Cost increase due to project extensions
- Operational and safety risks
- Excessive dependence on integrators without flexibility
For this reason, more and more companies are looking for specialized SAP talent partners, rather than relying exclusively on internal recruitment.
How to find SAP talent in a highly competitive market
Companies that manage to fill these roles adopt strategies that differ from the traditional model:
Access to project-ready SAP talent
Through models of SAP Talent Augmentation, With Zemsania Global Group, it is possible to bring in consultants with specific expertise without lengthy selection processes. Zemsania Global Group offers this approach for companies that need to scale quickly..
Nearshore SAP for greater flexibility
Nearshore in Latin America has established itself as an efficient solution for U.S. companies seeking high-level SAP talent, time compatibility and cost optimization.
Specialized technical evaluation
Not all SAP consultants have the same level of expertise. Having specific technical validation processes in place reduces risks in critical phases of the project.
The most effective model in 2026: hybrid approach
Leading organizations are combining:
- Internal SAP team for core knowledge
- External SAP consultants for peak demand
- Nearshore equipment for scalability
- In-house training for strategic roles
This model allows for accelerated results without sacrificing control or quality.
Conclusion
Hard-to-fill SAP roles will remain a structural challenge in 2026. However, companies that understand the market and rely on specialized partners are able to execute their SAP initiatives with lower risk and higher speed.
Zemsania Global Group helps organizations in the United States and Latin America to fill these critical profiles through flexible models, validated talent and business-aligned nearshore strategies.