Senior Buyer & SAP Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Senior Buyer & SAP Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Senior Buyer & SAP Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Portsmouth +1 Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead procurement activities and optimise SAP processes in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
  • Company: Join an innovative firm at the forefront of engineering and manufacturing excellence.
  • 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 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.

    Locations

    Portsmouth Hampshire

    Senior Buyer & SAP Subject Matter Expert (SME) employer: GoLive Recruitment Ltd

    Join an innovative manufacturing and engineering firm that prioritises employee growth and development, offering a dynamic work culture where collaboration and creativity thrive. As a Senior Buyer & SAP Subject Matter Expert, you will benefit from competitive remuneration, comprehensive training opportunities, and the chance to make a significant impact on procurement processes while working in a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
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    Contact Detail:

    GoLive Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer & SAP Subject Matter Expert (SME)

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in procurement and SAP functionalities. This will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly evolving field.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Network with professionals in the manufacturing and engineering sectors, especially those who have experience with SAP. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've improved procurement processes or supplier relationships in your previous roles. Real-life scenarios can showcase your expertise and problem-solving skills effectively.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Consider obtaining additional certifications related to SAP or procurement best practices. This can enhance your profile and show potential employers that you're serious about your professional development.

    We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer & SAP Subject Matter Expert (SME)

    Strategic Sourcing
    Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
    Contract Negotiation
    Procurement Documentation
    Performance Monitoring
    Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
    Data Analysis
    ERP (SAP) Configuration
    User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
    Training and Development
    Procurement Process Optimisation
    Cross-Functional Collaboration
    Analytical Skills
    Problem-Solving Skills
    CIPS Certification or Relevant Degree
    Lean and Six Sigma Methodologies

    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, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Clearly outline how your skills and experiences align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description, particularly your SAP knowledge and procurement achievements.

    Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have CIPS certification or any relevant degrees, make sure to mention them prominently. Also, include any experience with SAP S/4HANA or ECC, as this is a desirable qualification for the role.

    Showcase Soft Skills: The role requires strong communication and stakeholder management skills. Provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively across teams and manage relationships with suppliers.

    How to prepare for a job interview at GoLive Recruitment Ltd

    ✨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 effectively.

    ✨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.

    ✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement

    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 in past positions.

    Senior Buyer & SAP Subject Matter Expert (SME)
    GoLive Recruitment Ltd
    G
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