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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SAP Finance and Procurement systems, driving innovation and continuous improvement.
- Company: Join the UK's largest ports operator, transforming technology solutions.
- Benefits: Generous salary, pension, private health insurance, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role with opportunities for growth.
- Qualifications: Strong SAP background and leadership skills required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career progression.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We’re the UK's largest ports operator with a network of 21 ports around Britain. We handle around one quarter of the UK's seaborne trade and contribute £7.5 billion to our economy every year. It’s a story we’re proud of but it doesn’t end there. We’re transforming our business and embracing the future. We offer a vast range of roles spanning the UK, all rooted in a culture that welcomes diversity, fosters talent, encourages internal movement and progression, and places safety as our number one priority.
At ABP, we are transforming the way we deliver technology solutions across our business. Our IT Solutions Delivery team is at the heart of this change — driving innovation, standardisation, and continuous improvement. We are now seeking an experienced SAP Finance Procurement Functional Lead to take ownership of our central SAP Finance and Procurement systems and lead a high-performing functional team.
The Role
As the SAP Finance Procurement Functional Lead, you will be responsible for ensuring that ABP’s SAP Finance (RTR) and Source-to-Pay (S2P) solutions are fit for purpose, aligned with best practice, and continually evolving to meet business needs. You will act as both architect and team lead — guiding the business on SAP best practice, shaping our solution roadmap, and managing a team of SAP experts. Working closely with our Finance and Procurement business teams, you’ll drive continuous improvement, champion agile delivery, and ensure that our systems deliver tangible business value.
Responsibilities
- Own and manage the SAP Finance, Controlling, Concur and Procurement solution areas.
- Build strong relationships with business stakeholders, Business Process Owners, and Super Users.
- Lead the design, roadmap, and delivery of change initiatives within Finance and Procurement systems.
- Oversee CR (Change Request) management, impact assessments, and resource allocation.
- Ensure all designs align with architecture principles, SAP best practices, and ABP’s strategic goals.
- Partner with delivery leads to plan, track, and report on delivery performance.
- Lead, develop, and mentor a multi-location team of SAP specialists.
- Manage risk, capacity, and vendor relationships across the solution area.
- Champion continuous improvement and agile methodologies.
About You
You’ll be a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of SAP and a proven ability to manage delivery teams in complex, integrated environments. You’ll combine strong technical insight with excellent stakeholder management and leadership skills.
- Strong SAP functional background across Finance (FICO), Procurement, Inventory Management, VIM, and Concur.
- Broad understanding of SAP solution architecture and integration across business functions.
- Proven experience managing SAP delivery and support teams across multiple locations.
- Demonstrable success in delivering complex SAP projects.
- Deep knowledge of Agile, Waterfall, and ITIL Service Management processes.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver under pressure.
- Experience working with third-party vendors and service providers.
- Experience with SAP EPPM (PS, CPM, PPM), OpenText, REFX, BPC, SAC, and BW.
- Background in large, complex organisations (Fortune 500 experience desirable).
- Degree in IT or a related discipline.
Additional Information
When joining ABP you will find an environment that is both welcoming and challenging. We reward our employees well and offer a generous remuneration package, employer pension, private health insurance and a range of other benefits. Please note that ABP undertake random screening for substance abuse and operate a zero-tolerance policy. A medical will be required before starting this position also. We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their background, which helps us to provide a diverse and inclusive working environment. As part of our recruitment process, all successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment screening to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Please note your consent will be required and further information on this check can be found using the following link: National Security Vetting Clearance Levels.
Central Systems Finance Solution Manager employer: Associated British Ports
Contact Detail:
Associated British Ports Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Central Systems Finance Solution Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at ABP on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding ABP's culture and values. They love innovation and safety, so think of examples from your past that showcase these traits. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the company too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. Structure your responses around Situation, Task, Action, and Result to clearly demonstrate your skills and experiences relevant to the SAP Finance role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the ABP team.
We think you need these skills to ace Central Systems Finance Solution Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of SAP Finance Procurement Functional Lead. Highlight your relevant experience in SAP, finance, and procurement, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past achievements in managing SAP projects and leading teams. We love a good story that shows your passion and expertise!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills: In your application, make sure to highlight your experience in building relationships with stakeholders. We’re looking for someone who can effectively communicate and collaborate with various teams, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Associated British Ports
✨Know Your SAP Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your SAP knowledge, especially in Finance and Procurement. Be ready to discuss specific modules like FICO and Concur, and how they integrate with other business functions. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the systems but can also lead and mentor others effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in complex environments. Highlight your experience in managing delivery teams and driving continuous improvement. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and demonstrate your impact.
✨Understand Their Business Needs
Research ABP’s operations and their strategic goals. Be ready to discuss how your expertise can align with their objectives, particularly in driving innovation and standardisation within their IT Solutions Delivery team. This shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about how you build relationships with stakeholders and manage competing priorities. Think of specific instances where you’ve navigated challenges with vendors or internal teams. This will illustrate your communication skills and ability to deliver under pressure.