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- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and optimise SAP processes in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join an innovative firm that values engineering excellence and strategic sourcing.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be the go-to SAP expert while driving impactful procurement strategies and supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior procurement roles and hands-on SAP expertise are essential.
- Other info: This role promotes diversity and is open to all qualified candidates.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
An innovative manufacturing and engineering firm is seeking a Senior Buyer & SAP Subject Matter Expert (SME) to lead procurement activities and act as the go-to authority on SAP within the business. This is a dual-role opportunity, combining strategic sourcing with system ownership and process optimisation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Procurement & Supplier Management
- Manage end-to-end procurement of raw materials, components, and services.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to support reliability, performance, and innovation.
- Conduct supplier reviews and audits to ensure quality, compliance, and performance.
- Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing to maximise value and continuity of supply.
- Oversee procurement documentation, contract management, and compliance with internal standards.
- Performance Monitoring
- Define and manage procurement KPIs, such as:
- Supplier on-time delivery
- Purchase price variance
- Inventory turnover
- Cost-saving initiatives
- PO cycle times
- Analyse data to drive procurement improvements and supplier accountability.
- ERP (SAP) Expertise
- Translate business requirements into SAP configurations aligned with business needs.
- Document current and future procurement processes using SAP tools.
- Lead testing and validation of SAP procurement modules.
- Own and manage the User Acceptance Testing (UAT) process for procurement systems.
- Deliver tailored SAP training and develop user documentation.
- Ensure procurement data quality, integrity, and integration across systems.
- Champion continuous improvement of SAP functionality and usage across the organisation.
Requirements
- Experience in a senior procurement role within a manufacturing, engineering, or industrial environment.
- Hands-on experience with SAP (ideally including implementation or upgrade projects).
- Strong grasp of Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and procurement best practices.
- Proven ability to track and improve procurement KPIs.
- Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Desirable Qualifications
- CIPS certification or a relevant degree.
- Familiarity with SAP S/4HANA or ECC (especially MM, SRM, or supplier portals).
- Experience in a matrix or group environment.
- Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement accreditation.
This company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
GoLive Recruitment is a trusted supplier of permanent, contract, and interim recruitment services, specialising exclusively on the IFS ERP ecosystem.
Locations
Senior Buyer & SAP SME (Subject Matter Expert) employer: GoLive Recruitment
Contact Detail:
GoLive Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer & SAP SME (Subject Matter Expert)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest SAP procurement modules and functionalities. Being able to discuss recent updates or features during your interview will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to staying current in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and improved procurement processes in your previous roles. This will showcase your hands-on experience and ability to drive results, which is crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the manufacturing and engineering sectors, especially those who have experience with SAP. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, giving you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your analytical skills by preparing to discuss how you've tracked and improved procurement KPIs in the past. Highlighting your data-driven approach will resonate well with the hiring team, as they are looking for someone who can optimise their procurement activities.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer & SAP SME (Subject Matter Expert)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement and SAP. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in supplier management, contract negotiation, and data analysis.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are the perfect fit for the Senior Buyer & SAP SME role. Mention your hands-on experience with SAP and how it aligns with the company's needs. Be sure to express your enthusiasm for the position.
Highlight Key Achievements: When detailing your previous roles, focus on quantifiable achievements related to procurement KPIs, such as cost savings or improved supplier performance. This will showcase your ability to drive results.
Showcase Soft Skills: Don't forget to mention your communication and stakeholder management skills. These are crucial for the role, so provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated across teams in past positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at GoLive Recruitment
✨Showcase Your SAP Expertise
Make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with SAP, especially if you've been involved in implementation or upgrade projects. Be prepared to discuss specific configurations you've worked on and how they aligned with business needs.
✨Demonstrate Procurement Knowledge
Discuss your experience in managing end-to-end procurement processes. Share examples of how you've built strong supplier relationships and the strategies you've used to negotiate contracts that maximise value.
✨Prepare for KPI Discussions
Be ready to talk about procurement KPIs you've defined and managed in previous roles. Use data-driven examples to illustrate how you've tracked improvements and held suppliers accountable.
✨Communicate Effectively
As a confident communicator, you should demonstrate your stakeholder management skills during the interview. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated cross-functionally and resolved conflicts in past experiences.
