SAP MM - Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: SAP MM - Product Designer Company: Ford Location: Dearborn, Michigan, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Revenue Operations / Sales Operations / GTM Technology Date Posted: January 07, 2026 Experience Level: 2-5 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the technical design and implementation of SAP S/4 HANA solutions within the Request To Order (RTO) portfolio, ensuring seamless integration with enterprise architecture standards.
• Drive the end-to-end technical delivery of SAP S/4 HANA based solutions, encompassing new capabilities, system upgrades, and ongoing system enhancements.
• Facilitate the integration of SAP S/4 HANA with other enterprise systems, including non-SAP platforms and cloud environments, utilizing diverse technologies and API frameworks.
• Proactively identify and champion the adoption of new SAP technologies to optimize and simplify business processes and system functionalities.
• Ensure the highest standards of product and service quality within the RTO portfolio, maintaining strict adherence to SOX compliance and enhancing internal controls.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title "Product Designer" might suggest a UI/UX focus, the description clearly indicates a technical design role within SAP S/4 HANA for the Request To Order portfolio. This role is crucial for GTM operations, as it directly impacts procurement, sourcing, and logistics processes that feed into sales and revenue generation. The emphasis on integration and enterprise architecture points towards a need for strong operational understanding beyond pure SAP configuration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the technical design of SAP S/4 HANA solutions for the Request To Order (RTO) portfolio, ensuring alignment with enterprise architecture standards and business requirements.
• Oversee the end-to-end technical delivery of SAP S/4 HANA solutions, including the implementation of new features, system upgrades, and continuous enhancements.
• Guide the technical integration of SAP S/4 HANA with other enterprise systems, such as non-SAP applications and cloud platforms, leveraging various technologies and API frameworks.
• Proactively identify and propose opportunities to implement new SAP technologies to improve and simplify business processes and system capabilities.
• Guarantee the quality and integrity of products and services within the RTO portfolio, ensuring adherence to Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance and enhancing relevant controls.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks associated with SAP implementations and integrations, ensuring the timely and successful execution of product roadmaps.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product managers, product owners, and enterprise architects, to define technical strategies and align on solution designs.
• Contribute to the simplification and optimization of business processes through effective SAP system design and implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical SAP S/4 HANA expertise and strategic GTM operations thinking. The focus on "Request To Order" implies a direct impact on the upstream processes that enable sales, making this role pivotal for operational efficiency and revenue enablement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Supply Chain, or a related technical field.

Experience: 3+ years of progressive experience implementing SAP S/4 HANA Materials Management (MM) within a large enterprise organization.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience implementing SAP S/4 HANA Materials Management (MM) in a large enterprise setting.
• Deep understanding of Supply Chain processes, including Sourcing, Procurement, and Logistics.
• Familiarity with Finance and Corporate Accounting relationships with other enterprise value streams.
• Demonstrated experience integrating complex Software as a Service (SaaS) products with internally developed legacy systems.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, designers, and product owners to achieve product roadmap milestones.
• Experience managing dependencies across multiple internal and external teams.
• Strong technical expertise in building and scaling platforms and underlying services for re-use.
• Experience working with distributed, global teams.
• Experience operating within a Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliant environment.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the automotive industry or with other complex manufacturers.
• Experience working with outside service providers.
• Familiarity with various API frameworks for system integration.
• Knowledge of enterprise architecture principles and standards.
• Experience with agile development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong technical foundation in SAP S/4 HANA MM coupled with practical experience in supply chain operations and system integration. The mention of SaaS integration and working with global teams suggests a need for adaptability and experience with diverse technology landscapes, common in large-scale GTM operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase demonstrable experience in designing and implementing SAP S/4 HANA solutions, particularly within procurement, sourcing, or logistics contexts.
• Provide case studies detailing successful system integrations, especially those involving SaaS products and legacy systems, highlighting the technical challenges and solutions.
• Present examples of technical risk mitigation strategies and their successful application in SAP project delivery.
• Include documentation or descriptions of how you have contributed to enhancing SOX compliance and internal controls within SAP environments.
• Detail projects where you have influenced process simplification and efficiency improvements through SAP system design.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to designing and documenting SAP S/4 HANA workflows for procurement and supply chain processes.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how to map business requirements to technical SAP configurations and integration points.
• Explain your methodology for ensuring the quality and SOX compliance of implemented SAP solutions.
• Be ready to articulate your experience with system upgrade processes and the technical considerations involved.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on technical design and implementation in SAP S/4 HANA, a portfolio should highlight practical application of technical skills. For operations roles, this often translates to demonstrating how technical solutions have directly improved business processes, efficiency, and compliance.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for SAP S/4 HANA Product Designers with 3+ years of experience in Dearborn, Michigan, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $100,000 and $140,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the specialized technical skills, the complexity of the automotive industry, and the cost of living in the region.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holiday schedule.
• Retirement savings plan with company match (e.g., 401(k)).
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) offering community and support.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.
• Employee discount programs for Ford vehicles and services.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week. While on-site, there may be flexibility for occasional overtime to meet project deadlines and critical business needs, particularly during system upgrades or go-live phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range was estimated based on national averages for similar technical SAP roles and adjusted for the Detroit metropolitan area's cost of living and the automotive industry's compensation structures. The benefits listed are standard for large, established corporations like Ford.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing and Technology. Ford operates at the forefront of the automotive industry, integrating advanced manufacturing processes with cutting-edge technology to design, build, and sell a wide range of vehicles globally. This involves complex supply chains, intricate logistics, and a constant drive for innovation.

Company Size: Ford is a large, global enterprise with a significant employee base, operating across multiple continents. This scale means that operations roles often involve managing complex, interconnected systems and processes that impact a vast number of stakeholders worldwide.

Founded: Ford Motor Company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. With over a century of history, Ford has a deep-rooted legacy of innovation, manufacturing excellence, and adapting to evolving market demands. This long history often translates to established processes and a culture that values both tradition and forward-thinking approaches.

Team Structure:

• The SAP S/4 HANA Product Designer will likely be part of a larger IT or Digital Transformation team, potentially within a dedicated SAP Center of Excellence or a specific functional portfolio team like Request To Order.
• Reporting lines will typically lead up through IT management, with close collaboration with business-aligned Product Managers and Product Owners within the RTO domain.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close partnerships with SAP functional consultants, integration specialists, enterprise architects, business process owners in procurement/sourcing, and potentially external implementation partners.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount, with a focus on leveraging SAP data for process analysis, performance monitoring, and identifying optimization opportunities.
• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are critical for ensuring efficient and compliant procurement and supply chain operations.
• Automation and efficiency practices are continuously sought to streamline processes, reduce manual effort, and improve overall operational agility.

Company Website: https://www.ford.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Ford's scale and history is crucial. For operations roles, this means anticipating complex integrations, established (though evolving) processes, and a global reach. The emphasis on "Request To Order" within the SAP S/4 HANA context suggests a role deeply embedded in the core operational backbone.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role sits at an intermediate to senior technical level within the SAP S/4 HANA domain. It requires significant hands-on experience and the ability to lead technical design for specific modules and portfolios. The "Product Designer" title implies ownership and a strategic approach to solution architecture within its functional scope.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to an IT Manager or Director responsible for SAP Solutions or the specific Request To Order portfolio. They will work closely with Product Managers and Product Owners who represent the business needs. This structure necessitates strong communication and alignment skills between technical and business functions.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on the operational efficiency of Ford's procurement, sourcing, and logistics functions. Effective SAP S/4 HANA design and integration can lead to cost savings, reduced lead times, improved supplier relationships, enhanced compliance, and ultimately, a more robust and agile supply chain that supports revenue generation and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in SAP S/4 HANA modules beyond MM, such as Supply Chain Planning (SCP), Extended Warehouse Management (EWM), or integration technologies.
• Leadership: Transition into a SAP Solution Architect role, leading broader architectural initiatives, or managing a team of SAP designers and developers.
• Cross-Functional Roles: Move into Product Management or Business Process Ownership roles within the supply chain or finance domains, leveraging deep SAP knowledge.
• Industry Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in automotive manufacturing operations and supply chain challenges, becoming a go-to expert for Ford's unique needs.
• Certifications: Pursue advanced SAP certifications to enhance technical credibility and marketability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a technical SAP role like this in a large organization often involves increasing scope, strategic influence, and leadership. For operations-focused individuals, leveraging this technical SAP expertise to drive business outcomes is key to career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office environment within Ford's corporate facilities in Dearborn, Michigan. This setting typically fosters a collaborative atmosphere with readily available resources and direct interaction with colleagues.

Office Location(s): Dearborn, Michigan, is Ford's global headquarters, offering a central hub for operations, research, and development. The facilities are likely modern and equipped to support a large workforce with amenities and collaborative spaces.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be designed to facilitate collaboration, with access to meeting rooms, project spaces, and shared work areas for team discussions and brainstorming.
• Essential operations tools and technology, including high-performance computing, robust network infrastructure, and relevant SAP access, will be readily available to support complex design and integration tasks.
• Frequent interaction with a diverse team of SAP experts, business stakeholders, and IT professionals is expected, fostering a dynamic and knowledge-rich environment.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected. However, given the nature of IT project delivery and system support, there may be a need for flexible hours or occasional overtime to meet critical deadlines, particularly during system implementation phases, go-lives, or urgent issue resolution. This flexibility is often necessary to ensure the continuous operation of critical GTM processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in a corporate headquarters like Ford implies a structured work environment with strong emphasis on in-person collaboration and access to corporate resources. For operations professionals, this often means being at the center of key decision-making and having direct access to stakeholders.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess your overall fit, experience, and understanding of SAP S/4 HANA MM and supply chain concepts.
• Technical Interview(s): Expect one or more interviews focusing on your technical expertise. This may include scenario-based questions, problem-solving exercises related to SAP MM, integration challenges, and SOX compliance considerations. Be prepared to discuss your approach to technical design and risk mitigation.
• Cross-functional/Product Interview: An interview with Product Managers, Product Owners, or Enterprise Architects to assess your ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions, collaborate effectively, and understand the broader business impact of your designs.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present relevant examples from your work. This is a critical part of the process for a "Product Designer" role.
• Final Interview: May involve a hiring manager or senior leadership to discuss culture fit, long-term career aspirations, and finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Relevant Projects: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your SAP S/4 HANA MM technical design, integration, and problem-solving skills relevant to procurement, sourcing, or logistics.
• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly define the business problem, your technical approach/solution, the tools and technologies used (especially SAP S/4 HANA and integration methods), the challenges faced, and the quantifiable outcomes or improvements achieved (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, compliance improvements).
• Highlight Integration Expertise: Explicitly detail your experience integrating SAP S/4 HANA with other systems (SaaS, legacy, cloud) and any API frameworks utilized.
• Demonstrate SOX Compliance Understanding: Explain how your design decisions contributed to or maintained SOX compliance and internal controls.
• Prepare for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to answer detailed questions about your design choices, configuration strategies, and troubleshooting approaches.
• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your technical solutions directly supported business objectives and operational efficiency.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenario: You might be given a hypothetical scenario related to RTO processes in SAP and asked to outline a technical design approach, including integration points and risk considerations.
• Process Optimization: Be prepared to discuss how you would optimize a specific procurement or sourcing process using SAP S/4 HANA capabilities.
• Integration Strategy: You may be asked to propose an integration strategy for a new SaaS tool with the existing SAP landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Product Designer" title strongly suggests a portfolio review will be a significant component. For operations roles, the portfolio should demonstrate not just technical proficiency but also the ability to translate that proficiency into tangible business improvements and operational efficiencies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• SAP S/4 HANA: In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with SAP S/4 HANA, specifically the Materials Management (MM) module. This includes understanding its architecture, configuration, and core functionalities for procurement, inventory management, and sourcing.
• SAP MM Modules: Expertise in sub-modules like Purchasing (MM-PUR), Inventory Management (MM-IM), Invoice Verification (MM-IV), and Material Master (MM-SRV).
• Integration Technologies: Familiarity with SAP's integration tools and frameworks, such as SAP Process Orchestration (PO), SAP Cloud Platform Integration (CPI), or other relevant middleware for connecting SAP S/4 HANA with external systems.
• API Frameworks: Experience working with various API types (e.g., REST, SOAP) and frameworks used for system-to-system communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC): Potentially used for advanced analytics and reporting on procurement and supply chain data.
• SAP Fiori/UI5: Understanding of the user interface technologies for SAP S/4 HANA, enabling design considerations for user experience.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Excel for data analysis, reporting, and presentations.

CRM & Automation:

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems: Broad understanding of ERP principles and how SAP S/4 HANA fits into the larger enterprise technology landscape.
• Integration Platforms: Experience with platforms that facilitate the connection between SAP and other business applications, including SaaS solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong emphasis on SAP S/4 HANA MM is clear. The role also requires significant experience with integration technologies, which are critical for connecting SAP to the broader operational technology ecosystem. Proficiency in these areas is essential for any operations professional in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Compliance: A strong commitment to adhering to SOX compliance, internal controls, and ethical business practices is fundamental, especially within a regulated industry like automotive manufacturing.
• Efficiency & Optimization: A continuous drive to identify and implement process improvements that enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline workflows.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: A belief in the power of cross-functional collaboration, open communication, and shared problem-solving to achieve collective goals.
• Innovation & Adaptability: An openness to exploring and adopting new technologies and methodologies to stay ahead of industry trends and evolving business needs.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: A commitment to using data and analytics to inform decisions, measure performance, and identify areas for improvement within operations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where working closely with business stakeholders (Procurement, Finance, Logistics), other IT teams (Architecture, Development, Infrastructure), and potentially external consultants is the norm.
• Process Review Culture: An environment that encourages regular feedback, process reviews, and continuous improvement discussions to refine SAP solutions and associated business processes.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes sharing best practices, technical insights, and lessons learned, fostering a collective growth within the SAP and operations community at Ford.

📝 Enhancement Note: Ford's culture, as a long-standing global manufacturer, likely values a blend of established processes and forward-thinking innovation. For operations roles, this means respecting existing controls while actively seeking efficiency gains and leveraging new technologies.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Integration Landscape: Integrating SAP S/4 HANA with a multitude of existing legacy systems, cloud platforms, and third-party applications within a large enterprise like Ford presents significant technical challenges.
• Balancing Innovation with Stability: The need to introduce new SAP technologies and functionalities while maintaining the stability and SOX compliance of critical RTO processes requires careful planning and execution.
• Global Process Harmonization: Ensuring that SAP solutions effectively support diverse global business units and harmonize processes across different regions can be complex due to varying local requirements and regulations.
• Keeping Pace with SAP Evolution: SAP S/4 HANA is continuously evolving, requiring ongoing learning and adaptation to leverage the latest features and best practices for optimal operational impact.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• SAP S/4 HANA Specialization: Opportunities to gain deeper certifications and expertise in specific SAP S/4 HANA modules or components relevant to supply chain and finance.
• Enterprise Architecture Training: Develop a stronger understanding of enterprise architecture principles and how to design scalable, robust solutions within a large corporate framework.
• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Attend industry events and SAP-specific forums to stay abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in supply chain and operations technology.
• Mentorship Programs: Benefit from mentorship from senior architects or leaders within Ford's IT organization, guiding career development and strategic thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges in this role are typical for large enterprise SAP implementations, focusing on integration, compliance, and the constant evolution of technology. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening technical expertise and expanding strategic influence.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex SAP S/4 HANA integration project you led or significantly contributed to. What were the key challenges, your technical approach, and the business outcomes?" (Focus on your role in technical design, integration methodologies, and quantifying results).
• "How do you ensure that your SAP S/4 HANA technical designs align with enterprise architecture standards and support SOX compliance requirements?" (Prepare to discuss your process for architectural reviews and control integration).
• "Walk me through your process for identifying and mitigating technical risks in a large-scale SAP implementation. Provide a specific example." (Highlight your proactive approach and risk management framework).
• "How would you approach designing a solution in SAP S/4 HANA for a new direct material sourcing requirement that needs to integrate with an external supplier portal?" (Demonstrate your ability to translate business needs into technical solutions and integration strategies).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Ford's approach to digital transformation and its use of SAP S/4 HANA?" (Research Ford's recent IT initiatives, especially regarding supply chain and digital manufacturing).
• "How do you collaborate with business stakeholders, such as product managers and process owners, to ensure technical solutions meet business needs?" (Emphasize active listening, clear communication, and a partnership approach).
• "Describe a time you had to influence a decision regarding technology or process. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Showcase your ability to advocate for sound technical solutions).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the "Why": Clearly articulate the business problem or opportunity that each project addressed.
• Detail the "How": Explain your specific technical design, SAP S/4 HANA configuration/customization, and integration architecture. Use diagrams if helpful.
• Quantify the "Impact": Present metrics demonstrating the improvements achieved (e.g., reduction in processing time, cost savings, error rate reduction, improved compliance scores).
• Highlight Your Role: Be specific about your contributions and responsibilities within the project team.
• Address SOX and Architecture: For each relevant project, explain how you ensured compliance and adherence to architectural standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a technical design role, interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both deep technical knowledge and the ability to apply it strategically to solve business problems and drive operational improvements within the SAP S/4 HANA ecosystem.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations technology position:

• Submit your application through the official Ford Careers portal via the provided URL.
• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight specific SAP S/4 HANA MM implementation experience, direct material sourcing/procurement background, system integration projects (especially SaaS), and any experience with SOX compliance and global teams. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that showcase your technical design, integration, and problem-solving skills in SAP S/4 HANA MM. Focus on quantifiable results and your specific contributions.
• Research Ford's Operations: Familiarize yourself with Ford's current operational landscape, their commitment to digital transformation, and any publicly available information on their supply chain technology initiatives.
• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare answers for common technical, behavioral, and scenario-based interview questions, particularly those related to SAP S/4 HANA MM, integration, and process optimization. Practice articulating your portfolio projects clearly and concisely.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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