ERP SCM & EAM Advisor in Kent

Our client NEO Next are currently looking for an ERP SCM and EAM Advisor to join their team based in Aberdeen on a contract basis initially. Ideally for this role they are looking for experienced ERP SCMs and EAM Advisors with an Oil and Gas background.

Job Overview

The ERP SCM & EAM Advisor is responsible for bridging business needs in supply chain management (SCM) and enterprise asset management (EAM) with IT solutions in the ERP domain. This role collaborates with stakeholders in procurement, supply chain, and operations/maintenance to identify requirements, improve processes, and implement cost-effective ERP solutions. Acting as a subject matter expert for modules like SAP MM (Materials Management), SAP PM (Plant Maintenance) and associated systems (e.g., Maximo for EAM), ensures that the ERP configuration supports efficient supply chain and asset management processes. Works closely with project managers and IT delivery teams to deliver high-quality enhancements and provide ongoing support post implementation. This role also requires a strong technical understanding of ERP systems, especially SAP and Maximo, including analysis, configuration, development coordination, and user support. Ultimately, you will help the organisation optimise its supply chain and maintenance operations through improved use of ERP and analytics, while ensuring alignment with overall IT standards and security practices.

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with business stakeholders in Supply Chain and Operations to identify their needs and pain points. Gather detailed requirements for system improvements.
• Analyse and map current business processes in areas like inventory management, work order processing, procurement to pay, and maintenance scheduling.
• Define and propose ERP-based solutions that are cost-effective and aligned with the company’s digital transformation goals. Emphasise improvements that leverage data analytics.
• Partner with project managers and the broader IT team to plan and execute projects delivering enhancements to the SCM and EAM functionalities.
• Ensure that the IT team remains the “partner of choice” for the business by delivering solutions that meet requirements and by communicating proactively.
• Work closely with the business and ERP Manager to design ERP solutions supporting business system development.
• Plan, monitor, and control any IT enhancements resulting from analysis activities in the SCM/EAM area.
• Develop “fit-for-purpose” IT recommendations that accurately reflect business needs.
• Perform comprehensive requirements gathering including eliciting requirements via workshops or interviews with end users like warehouse managers, procurement officers, maintenance planners, etc. Proactively remove roadblocks by clarifying requirements or facilitating decisions with business stakeholders.
• Lead assigned project resources and coordinate with the business to ensure high-quality deliverables that have lasting benefits.
• Liaise with IT Infrastructure and Support teams to make sure proposed solutions are technically feasible.
• Analyze existing SAP and Maximo environments and propose system enhancements related to supply chain and maintenance processes.
• Ensure timely resolution of ERP (SAP/Maximo) incidents and service requests related to SCM and EAM. Serve as a higher level support to resolve complex functional issues, coordinating with technical teams or external support as needed.
• Implement minor enhancements or updates (e.g., new material codes) following change control procedures to ensure reliability of the ERP environment.
• Guarantee that the SAP and related EAM systems remain up-to-date and reliable.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to implement larger projects (like an upgrade of Maximo, or deployment of a new inventory scanning system). Serve as the IT point of contact with vendors for these systems, troubleshoot problems during implementation, and coordinate any vendor support needed for resolution.
• Adhere to the ERP software development lifecycle and the organisation’s change control and compliance procedures for all development activities.
• Coordinate cutover activities for any major changes in SCM/EAM systems, such as switching to a new procurement module or performing a data migration for equipment records.
• After go-live, manage support for ERP systems by establishing proper support procedures, knowledge transfer to the support team, and being available as an escalation point for any post-implementation issues in the SCM/EAM domain.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of SAP capabilities and of the Maximo EAM systems capabilities.
• Support the expansion of ERP capabilities in SCM/EAM.
• Develop ad-hoc reports or coordinate the development of such reports using SAP tools or Maximo reporting tools to meet emerging information needs from supply chain or maintenance teams.
• Provide cross-functional support as needed.
• Firmly understand the threat of cyber attacks in IT and OT environments and incorporate this understanding into daily responsibilities.

Professional Skills and Experience

• Experience as an IT business analyst or similar role in an upstream oil & gas industry (or comparable heavy industry) is strongly preferred, with specific experience around Supply Chain or Maintenance processes.
• Proven ability to provide day-to-day operational support for Supply Chain/Procurement and Maintenance functions within an SAP environment (or a similar ERP).
• Experience in the development, administration, configuration, and technical support of SAP – particularly in areas such as procurement (purchasing, inventory, logistics) and maintenance. Experience with integration between SAP and Maximo or other EAM systems is a plus.
• Solid experience and expertise in SAP modules related to this role: for example, extensive know-how in SAP MM and PM configuration. Additional experience with SAP modules like QM (quality management) or SD/LE (sales distribution / logistics execution) is useful if it interfaces with SCM processes.
• Expertise in Maximo (IBM Maximo Asset Management) and EAM software - asset information, maintenance workflows, and how it can interface or integrate with ERP systems like SAP.
• Demonstrated skill in bridging the gap between technical details and business requirements – ability to explain SAP/Maximo capabilities to maintenance managers or procurement leads in an understandable way, and conversely to interpret business needs into system terms for developers.
• A track record of driving process improvements for example, implementing an automated stock replenishment process (MRP) successfully or reducing downtime by enhancing maintenance planning in the system.
• Good understanding of data analytics related to SCM/EAM – e.g., able to help produce reports on inventory turnover, vendor performance, maintenance backlog, etc.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills. This role requires constant interaction with end users (warehouse staff, buyers, engineers) and coordination with other IT specialists (ERP colleagues, infrastructure), so being approachable and clear is key.
• Experience with the formalities of IT change management – writing functional specifications, working with ABAP developers, performing unit tests, managing transports in SAP, etc., ensuring minimal disruption to business during changes.
• Adaptability and continuous learning mindset to keep up with changes in ERP/EAM technology (like new SAP S/4HANA features in supply chain, or new versions of Maximo) and in industry practices (like lean inventory management, predictive maintenance trends).

Qualifications and Certifications

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering (such as Industrial or Mechanical Engineering), Project Management or a related field. A background that blends IT knowledge with understanding of industrial operations is ideal.
• Certification in Enterprise Resource Planning systems, specifically SAP, is preferred. For example, SAP Certified Application Associate in Procurement (MM) or in Maintenance (PM), or a Maximo certification for implementation or support.
• Project Management certification or training (like PMP, Prince2, or Agile methodologies) can be beneficial as it indicates ability to lead and organize enhancement projects.
• Evidence of formal training in SAP relevant to this role (such as SAP Academy courses for MM/PM or supply chain modules) or in Maximo. If certified as a SAP support consultant or similar, that would be a plus.
• Any additional certifications like APICS CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) or CMRP (Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional) might be considered a bonus, as they demonstrate depth in the supply chain or maintenance domain, though not a strict requirement.