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- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and optimise SAP processes in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join an innovative firm known for engineering excellence and a commitment to quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in driving efficiency and innovation while enhancing your SAP expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior procurement roles and hands-on SAP knowledge are essential.
- Other info: This role promotes diversity and is open to all qualified candidates.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ 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.
Senior Buyer & SAP SME (Subject Matter Expert) (Portsmouth) 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) (Portsmouth)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest SAP functionalities, especially those related to procurement. Being able to discuss recent updates or features during your interview will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to staying current in your field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the manufacturing and engineering sectors who have experience with SAP. Engaging in conversations about best practices and challenges can provide you with valuable insights that you can bring up in your discussions with us.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and improved procurement processes in your previous roles. This will help you illustrate your capabilities and align them with our expectations for the Senior Buyer & SAP SME position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by being ready to discuss how you've tracked and improved procurement KPIs in the past. We value data-driven decision-making, so demonstrating your ability to analyse and optimise procurement performance will set you apart.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer & SAP SME (Subject Matter Expert) (Portsmouth)
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, cost-saving initiatives, and successful supplier relationships. This will showcase your ability to drive results.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a role that involves documentation and compliance.
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 and how you've translated business requirements into SAP functionalities.
✨Demonstrate Procurement Knowledge
Prepare examples of your previous procurement roles, focusing on how you've managed supplier relationships and negotiated contracts. Discuss any KPIs you've tracked and improvements you've made in procurement processes.
✨Communicate Effectively
As a Senior Buyer, strong communication skills are essential. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex topics like supplier management and procurement strategies.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and analytical skills. Think of past challenges you've faced in procurement and how you overcame them, particularly in relation to SAP functionalities.
