At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global SAP supply chain transformation and drive measurable operational improvements.
- Company: Join John Crane, a leader in flow control solutions with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of supply chain planning and make a real impact on global operations.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in SAP transformation and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
John Crane, a business of Smiths Group, is a global leader in mission-critical flow control solutions for energy and process industries that enable efficient and sustainable operations. Our products include mechanical seals and systems, couplings, bearings, filtration systems, and predictive digital monitoring technologies. We have a global network of more than 200 sites in over 50 countries and employ more than 6,000 people worldwide. We partner with our customers to help them keep their operations safe, reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and meet the latest environmental standards.
We are seeking an experienced SAP Supply Chain Transformation Lead to drive the design and delivery of a global SAP-enabled supply chain planning transformation programme. This role provides enterprise-level leadership across strategy, solution architecture, and programme execution. You will shape the supply chain operating model, define SAP planning design, and ensure delivery of measurable business outcomes and long-term operational performance. You will work cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Finance, Commercial, and Technology teams, ensuring alignment between digital capabilities and business strategy.
Duties & Responsibilities (not limited to):
- Lead the global transformation strategy and multi-year roadmap aligned with growth objectives
- Own end-to-end programme delivery (scope, time, cost, quality) and value realisation
- Define and architect SAP supply chain planning solutions and operating model
- Establish governance frameworks and drive executive stakeholder alignment
- Standardise and scale supply planning and inventory management processes
- Embed data-driven and segmented planning approaches
- Drive change management, user adoption, and training strategies
- Monitor programme performance against milestones, budget, and outcomes
- Ensure consistency of planning processes across all regions
- Deliver measurable improvements in operational performance and efficiency
Key Metrics for Success:
- Programme milestones delivered on time and in full
- Budget adherence and financial governance
- User adoption and process compliance post go-live
- Reduction in lead times and planning variability
- Inventory optimisation and cost efficiency
- Increased planning stability and reduced manual intervention
Key Accountabilities:
- End-to-end delivery of global SAP supply chain transformation
- Ownership of programme budget, governance, and business case tracking
- Accountability for SAP planning design, standards, and configuration integrity
- Ensuring global process standardisation and scalability
- Delivering measurable operational and financial benefits
- Full accountability for programme budget and financial governance
- Ownership of business case tracking and value delivery
- Driving cost optimisation through planning transformation
Organisational Responsibility:
- Reporting to Customer Operations Supply Chain Director
- Collaborating across Supply Chain, NIS, Finance, Commercial and external partners
- Leading cross-functional and global stakeholder engagement
Qualifications:
- Extensive experience leading global SAP transformation programmes
- Deep expertise in SAP supply chain planning modules
- Strong understanding of planning parameters and optimisation
- Proven delivery of measurable operational improvements
- Experience in complex, cross-functional environments (e.g. ETO)
- Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and decision-making capability
- Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to operate at pace and deliver complex programmes
With colleagues stretching across the globe, we are proud of our diversity. To foster inclusivity, we run employee resource groups (ERGs) to provide a safe space for employees to connect and support each other. Our cross-business ERGs include Veterans, Pride Network, Black Employee Network, Women@Work Network, and Neurodiversity. Across our company, we recognise excellence, culminating in the Smiths Excellence Awards, our annual celebration of the most extraordinary activities, people, and projects that best showcase our strengths and help drive our business forward. We announce these on our annual Smiths Day, a global celebration of Smiths around our network. Join us for a great career with competitive compensation and benefits, while helping engineer a better future. We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.
SAP Supply Chain Transformation Lead in Slough employer: Smiths Group
At John Crane, a proud member of Smiths Group, we offer an exceptional work environment that champions innovation and inclusivity. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our diverse resource groups and recognition programmes, fostering a culture where every voice is valued. Join us in a role that not only drives global transformation but also contributes to a sustainable future, all while enjoying competitive compensation and a supportive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SAP Supply Chain Transformation Lead in Slough
✨Tap into SAP Communities
Join online forums and communities dedicated to SAP ERP systems, like ASUG or SAP Community. Getting involved can help us understand current trends, gain insights, and even make valuable connections that might lead us to our next big opportunity!
✨Focus on Industry-Specific Networking
Attend industry-specific meetups, conferences, or webinars focused on SAP and ERP systems. Meeting professionals in person or virtually can set us apart and give us a chance to showcase our passion for this sector!
✨Polish Your SAP Skills
If you haven't already, consider getting certified in SAP modules relevant to your desired role. Not only does this boost our credibility, but it also opens doors to networking opportunities with fellow SAP professionals who might know about full-time openings at Smiths Group.
✨Check Out Smiths Group Directly
Keep an eye on Smiths Group’s career page for openings, especially for roles that match our skill set. Applying through their website can sometimes give us a better shot at getting noticed than going through job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace SAP Supply Chain Transformation Lead in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your SAP Experience:When applying for the SAP Supply Chain Transformation Lead role at Smiths Group, make sure your CV shines with any direct experience you have using SAP ERP systems. If you've completed any relevant projects, list them out and emphasise the outcomes you achieved – this will show us that you can hit the ground running!
Showcase Relevant Certifications:Certifications are a big deal in the SAP world. If you've earned any SAP-related qualifications, like SAP Certified Application Associate, don’t be shy about listing them prominently. They can really set you apart and prove your commitment to mastering the tools we use at Smiths Group.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Us:In your cover letter, take the time to explain why you're specifically drawn to this role at Smiths Group. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in our mission and how you can contribute to our team with your skills in SAP ERP. Make it personal – it helps us get to know you better!
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this is a full-time position, clearly state your availability in your application. If you have any specific start dates in mind or you're flexible, let us know! It helps us get a better picture of how soon you could join our team at Smiths Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Smiths Group
✨Brush Up on SAP Modules
Make sure you're well-versed in the specific SAP modules relevant to the role at Smiths Group. Study the functionalities and configurations of the modules they've listed in the job description, as you'll likely face technical questions about them.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Be ready to showcase your analytical skills during the interview. You might be asked to solve a scenario involving data analysis or reporting, so think about past experiences where you’ve extracted valuable insights from SAP data.
✨Know Your Integration Points
Since SAP ERP often interacts with various other systems, brush up on how these integrations work. Be prepared to discuss your experience with middleware tools or connecting different modules—this knowledge can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Continuous Learning
In a full-time role, you'll be expected to keep your skills sharp as SAP continually evolves. Express your eagerness for ongoing training and projects where you've taken the initiative to further your understanding of new SAP technologies.
