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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 supplier relationships.
- 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 in a collaborative culture.
- 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.
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 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. Highlighting these experiences will showcase your ability to deliver results and align with our expectations for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research our company’s values and recent projects. Understanding our culture and objectives will help you tailor your conversation during the interview, making it clear why you're a great fit for both the role and our team.
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 keywords from the job description, such as 'supplier management', 'contract negotiation', and 'SAP configuration' to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are passionate about this dual-role opportunity. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed procurement processes and utilised SAP in previous roles.
Showcase Your Achievements: Quantify your achievements in procurement and SAP. For instance, mention any cost-saving initiatives you've led or improvements in supplier performance metrics that you have achieved.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your experience with SAP and procurement strategies. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you improved processes or resolved challenges, showcasing your analytical and problem-solving skills.
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 Performance Metrics Discussion
Be ready to talk about procurement KPIs you've defined and managed in previous roles. Use concrete examples to illustrate how you've tracked and improved these metrics, such as supplier on-time delivery and cost-saving initiatives.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement Mindset
Highlight any experience you have with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies. Discuss how you've championed improvements in SAP functionality and user training to enhance procurement processes.
