SAP Functional Specialist

Who are we?

First Rail is one of the most experienced rail operators in the UK, with more than 770,000 passenger journeys daily last year across our Department for Transport contracted operations and open access routes.

We operate two major UK train operating companies - Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway (GWR), and two open access passenger rail services, Hull Trains and Lumo.

We are also 'shadow operator' on the HS2 programme and operate the London Trams service on behalf of Transport for London.

Our First Rail head office is home to specialist teams that provide expert support across the Engineering, Finance, Property, Operations, Procurement, IT, and Human Resources functions of the rail division.

First Rail Holdings is part of First Group, the largest rail operator in the UK and second largest bus operator in the UK outside London.

First Group operates services throughout the UK and Ireland, with over 30,000 employees providing services that make travel smoother and life easier.

First Group works hard to reduce its impact on the environment, introducing cleaner and more environmentally responsible methods of transport.

About the job

We are looking for a highly skilled and versatile SAP Specialist to join our dynamic team.

In this role, you will manage and support key SAP modules, including FICO, AP, AR, Asset Management ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance across the organisation.

You will collaborate closely with business to understand their needs and deliver SAP solutions that drive efficiency and innovation.

If you are passionate about SAP systems, thrive in a fast-paced changing environment, and enjoy solving complex challenges, we would love to hear from you!

Your main responsibilities will be

• Collaborate closely with Rail, Bus and Group business users to understand and document business requirements.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement / optimisation and automation within the FICO/OTC/P2P areas.
• Translate business needs into clear and concise functional specifications, ensuring alignment with global template and standards.
• Work on configuring the SAP FICO, OTC and P2P modules, setting up workflows, business rules, and system parameters to match the business processes.
• Customise the system to meet the specific needs of the business.
• Ensure data integrity and accuracy through effective master data management.
• Identify and propose solutions to streamline and improve existing processes.

This might involve automating manual processes, improving data flow, or simplifying transaction handling to increase efficiency.

• Oversee and optimise SAP solution to ensure smooth and efficient operation across business function.
• Upskill internal team and shift-left support services from external supplier(s) to internal team.
• Perform testing, resolve issues, and ensure system functionality meets performance expectations.
• Develop clear, concise documentation for SAP processes and procedures.
• Provide training and support to end-users, ensuring they fully understand and efficiently use SAP systems.
• Work with cross-functional teams to implement SAP projects, enhancements, and system updates that drive business success.
• Possess a strong understanding of SAP ABAP, SAP BTP and other relevant technologies.
• Develop custom reports, interfaces, and forms with support from Developers to meet business needs while ensuring clean core strategy.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to SAP processes, coordinating with business and suppliers as needed.
• Keep abreast of the latest SAP trends, technologies, and best practices to continually improve system capabilities and user experience.
• Collaborate effectively with Internal support team, AMS partner and project team to resolve issues and ensure consistent solutions across the organisation.
• Promote knowledge sharing and best practices within the SAP community.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of SAP templates and standards.

As a minimum, you will need to have

• 7+ years of overall SAP experience which includes minimum 3+ years of hands‑on customising experience in SAP S/4HANA with a deep understanding of FICO, OTC, PTP and intercompany processes.
• Strong technical and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience in managing the full cycle (end-to-end) – from gathering requirements and identifying business challenges to implementing processes and ensuring they align with and support business needs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work under pressure.
• Organisation, planning, time management and prioritisation.
• Teamwork & Customer Service.
• Self‑motivated, proactive and well‑organised with a positive attitude.
• Determined & results orientated.
• Empathetic, with ability to understand users’ perspectives and challenges Integrity and strong business ethics.
• About the location

Based At The Point, London or our Aberdeen offices with Hybrid working included.

• The Reward
• Minimum of 10% (5% employer and 5% employee) contribution to your Pension (only applicable to members of the company pension scheme)
• 25 days Holiday plus National Bank Holidays
• Travel Offers for Bus and Rail * Shopping Discounts including discounts and cashback on electrical goods, your weekly shop, holidays, cinema trips, car insurance, upgrading your mobile and lots more Buy as You Earn – allows you to buy shares each month.

You can vary the amount you save or stop it at any time.

• You need to participate in the scheme for at least 3 years to receive the matching shares
• Save as You Earn – allows you to use your savings after three years, to buy shares at a discounted price, or take your savings back as cash
• Employee Assistance Helpline – free, confidential employee support service provided by an independent provider
• Payroll Giving – donate directly from your pay to a Charity of your Choice
• After 6 months employment

First Group is a leading private sector provider of public transport.

We provide easy and convenient mobility, improving quality of life by connecting people and communities.

Our services are a vital part of society – transporting customers for business, education, health, social and leisure purposes.

We create solutions that reduce complexity, making travel smoother and life easier, and work hard to reduce our impact on the environment, introducing cleaner and more responsible methods of transport.

Our businesses are at the heart of our communities, and the essential services we provide are critical to delivering wider economic, social, and environmental goals.

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