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- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and optimise SAP processes in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join an innovative firm that values diversity and champions continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be the go-to expert in SAP while making a real impact on procurement strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior procurement roles and hands-on SAP expertise are essential.
- Other info: CIPS certification and familiarity with SAP S/4HANA are desirable.
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.
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) 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 modules relevant to procurement, especially if you have experience with S/4HANA or ECC. Being able to discuss specific functionalities and how they can optimise procurement processes will set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships in the past. Highlight any specific strategies you used to improve performance or compliance, as this will demonstrate your hands-on experience in procurement.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your knowledge of procurement KPIs and be ready to discuss how you've tracked and improved these metrics in previous roles. This shows that you understand the importance of data-driven decision-making in procurement.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the manufacturing and engineering sectors, particularly those who have experience with SAP. Engaging in conversations about industry trends and challenges can provide valuable insights and may even lead to referrals.
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 specific examples that demonstrate your skills in supplier management, contract negotiation, and performance monitoring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the company. 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: In your application, focus on quantifiable achievements related to procurement KPIs. For instance, mention any cost-saving initiatives you led or improvements in supplier performance that you facilitated.
Showcase Continuous Improvement Mindset: Emphasise your commitment to continuous improvement in both procurement processes and SAP functionality. Discuss any relevant certifications or training you have in Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
How to prepare for a job interview at GoLive Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Procurement Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in procurement, especially within manufacturing or engineering. Highlight specific examples where you successfully managed supplier relationships, negotiated contracts, or improved procurement KPIs.
✨Demonstrate SAP Knowledge
Since this role requires SAP expertise, brush up on your knowledge of SAP modules relevant to procurement. Be ready to explain how you've used SAP in past roles, particularly in terms of process optimisation and data management.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle supplier issues. Think of examples where you had to analyse data to drive improvements or manage a challenging supplier relationship.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Strong communication is key in this role. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively collaborated with cross-functional teams and managed stakeholders. Share examples that demonstrate your ability to convey complex information clearly and build strong working relationships.
