SAP S/4 MM - Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: SAP S/4 MM - Product Designer

Company: Ford

Location: Dearborn, Michigan, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Operations / Supply Chain Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-03T21:13:01

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the technical design and end-to-end delivery of SAP S/4 HANA solutions focused on direct material sourcing within the Request to Order portfolio.

• Collaborate with product managers, product owners, and enterprise architecture to drive continuous improvement and leverage new SAP technologies for business process enhancement.

• Guide the technical implementation of integrations between SAP S/4 HANA and other enterprise systems using various technologies and API frameworks.

• Ensure the quality, SOX compliance, and technical risk mitigation for SAP S/4 HANA based solutions, aligning with enterprise architecture standards and SAP best practices.

• Drive the simplification and enhancement of business processes through proficient application of SAP S/4 HANA Materials Management (MM) functionalities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Ford's Enterprise Technology division, specifically focusing on integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions. The "Product Designer" title in this context signifies a deep technical leadership role focused on the architecture, design, and implementation of SAP S/4 HANA modules, rather than a user interface/user experience design role. The emphasis on "Request to Order Product Line" and "Direct Material Sourcing" clearly places this within the realm of supply chain and procurement operations, requiring a strong understanding of the end-to-end procure-to-pay process within a large enterprise SAP environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the technical design of SAP S/4 HANA solutions for the Request To Order Portfolio, ensuring adherence to enterprise architecture standards, business requisites, and SAP best practices.

• Oversee the comprehensive technical delivery of SAP S/4 HANA solutions, encompassing new functionalities, system upgrades, and ongoing enhancements, in close partnership with product managers, product owners, and enterprise architecture.

• Direct the technical implementation of integrations between SAP S/4 HANA and other enterprise systems (e.g., non-SAP, cloud platforms) utilizing diverse technologies and API frameworks.

• Proactively identify and champion opportunities to adopt emerging SAP technologies to optimize and streamline business processes and system capabilities.

• Uphold and enhance the quality of products and services delivered within the SAP S/4 HANA portfolio.

• Ensure stringent adherence to Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance requirements and continuously improve internal controls.

• Identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks to ensure the timely and successful execution of product roadmaps.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic and hands-on technical leadership role. The emphasis on "simplification," "enhancement," and "leveraging new SAP technologies" indicates a focus on modernizing and optimizing existing SAP landscapes, a key objective for many large organizations like Ford. The explicit mention of SOX compliance underscores the critical nature of this role in maintaining financial and operational integrity within a regulated industry.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience implementing SAP S/4 HANA Materials Management (MM) within a large enterprise setting.

• Proven professional experience working with Direct Material sourcing and procurement processes in a complex Supply Chain organization or a demanding SAP implementation environment.

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive IT experience, with a strong emphasis on leveraging Agile methodologies.

• Demonstrated experience integrating complex Software as a Service (SaaS) products with internally developed legacy systems.

Required Skills:

• Deep expertise in SAP S/4 HANA, with a primary focus on the Materials Management (MM) module.

• Comprehensive understanding of Supply Chain processes, including Sourcing, Procurement, and Logistics.

• Solid grasp of Finance and Corporate Accounting relationships within the SAP ecosystem and other enterprise value streams.

• Proficiency in Agile methodologies and experience working with multiple stakeholders and software product teams.

• Experience with API frameworks and integrating disparate systems.

• Strong understanding of SOX compliance requirements and their implications for SAP implementations.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate abstract technology concepts into actionable insights for business partners.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the Automotive industry or other complex manufacturing environments.

• Proven track record of building and scaling platforms and underlying services for re-use.

• Experience working with distributed, global teams and international service providers.

• Familiarity with Sarbanes-Oxley (S-OX) compliant environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements, particularly the blend of SAP S/4 HANA MM expertise with Agile and SaaS integration, point towards a role that bridges traditional ERP implementation with modern cloud-based solutions. The emphasis on "Direct Material Sourcing" and "Request to Order" suggests a specialization within procurement that is critical for a manufacturing giant like Ford. The preferred qualifications further refine the ideal candidate profile towards someone with deep industry knowledge and platform scaling experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of technical designs for SAP S/4 HANA MM solutions, clearly outlining architecture, data flows, and integration points.

• Present case studies demonstrating end-to-end technical delivery of SAP S/4 HANA modules, highlighting challenges overcome and solutions implemented.

• Include documentation or descriptions of cross-system integrations (SAP S/4 HANA with non-SAP/cloud platforms), detailing methodologies and API utilization.

• Provide evidence of contributions to process simplification and enhancement initiatives within SAP environments, with quantifiable business benefits.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of technical design documentation for SAP S/4 HANA MM functionalities, including master data, transaction processing, and reporting.

• Documentation illustrating workflow optimization and automation strategies applied within SAP or integrated systems.

• Evidence of creating or contributing to process documentation for system upgrades, enhancements, or new capability rollouts.

• Proof of adherence to and enhancement of SOX compliance controls within documented processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Product Designer" role in SAP, the portfolio needs to reflect technical architecture and solution design capabilities. Candidates should be prepared to present detailed technical designs, integration strategies, and evidence of process improvement within SAP environments. The emphasis on SOX compliance means that documentation proving adherence to controls is also crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $99,600 - $192,900 annually. This salary range is based on Ford's stated salary grades 7-8, reflecting the experience level and responsibilities of this role. The final determination of the salary grade will be contingent upon the candidate's specific skills, experience, and the assessed scope and responsibility of the position, alongside competitive market value.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Prescription drug coverage.

• Flexible family care days.

• Paid parental leave and new parent ramp-up programs.

• Subsidized back-up childcare services.

• Family building benefits, including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and fertility treatments.

• Employee vehicle discount program and management leases.

• Tuition assistance for continued education.

• Access to established and active employee resource groups.

• Paid time off for individual and team community service initiatives.

• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the period between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

• Paid time off with the option to purchase additional vacation time.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a senior technical role in the automotive industry in the US. The extensive list of benefits emphasizes Ford's commitment to employee well-being, work-life balance, and family support, which are attractive to experienced professionals. The hybrid work arrangement with a requirement of 4+ days onsite for those in commuting distance suggests a structured approach to flexible work.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing / Mobility Solutions. Ford is a global leader in the automotive industry, with a long history of innovation and a current focus on transforming the future of mobility through advanced technology and sustainable practices.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Ford is a Fortune 500 company with hundreds of thousands of employees globally). This size implies complex organizational structures, extensive global operations, and significant IT investment.

Founded: 1903. Ford has a deep-rooted history, known for pioneering mass production techniques. This legacy suggests a culture that values both tradition and forward-thinking innovation.

Team Structure:

• This role is part of the Enterprise Technology division, specifically within the integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) portfolio.

• The team likely comprises product managers, product owners, enterprise architects, and other SAP technical specialists, working in a matrixed structure across different product lines like "Request to Order."

Methodology:

• Emphasis on Agile methodologies for software development and product delivery.

• Data-driven decision-making, leveraging analytics to inform technical designs and process improvements.

• Focus on continuous improvement, simplification, and leveraging new SAP technologies.

• Strong adherence to IT governance, security standards, and compliance requirements (e.g., SOX).

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Ford's culture is likely a blend of its historical strength in manufacturing and its current drive towards technological innovation in mobility. As a large, established company, expect a structured environment that values process, compliance, and long-term strategy, but also embraces agility and digital transformation. The IT organization plays a pivotal role in enabling these strategic shifts.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level technical design role within the ERP/Supply Chain Operations domain. It requires significant SAP S/4 HANA MM expertise and a strategic understanding of how SAP solutions impact direct material sourcing and procurement processes within a global manufacturing context. The "Product Designer" title suggests a key architect or lead technical contributor role.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into a leadership position within the Enterprise Technology ERP portfolio, likely a Product Manager, Product Owner, or a Director overseeing SAP solutions for Supply Chain. The individual will work closely with cross-functional teams, including business units, enterprise architecture, and potentially external service providers.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on Ford's operational efficiency and cost management in direct material sourcing. Effective SAP S/4 HANA MM design and implementation are critical for optimizing procurement spend, ensuring supply chain continuity, managing inventory, and maintaining compliance, all of which are vital for a large automotive manufacturer.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in SAP S/4 HANA MM, direct material sourcing, or related SAP modules (e.g., PP, EWM).

• Leadership: Transition into a Product Owner, Lead Architect, or management role within the ERP organization, leading larger teams or more complex initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broader understanding of Ford's integrated value streams, including finance, manufacturing, and logistics, by working on diverse projects.

• Technology Advancement: Opportunity to lead the adoption and integration of new SAP technologies and cloud solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity for career advancement within a major global corporation. The focus on SAP S/4 HANA within a critical supply chain function provides a strong foundation for growth into more strategic enterprise architecture or operational leadership positions. The emphasis on hybrid work and benefits suggests a company that values employee retention and development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. Candidates within commuting distance of a Ford hub location (like Dearborn, MI) are expected to be onsite four or more days per week. This indicates a structured hybrid model designed to foster collaboration and team cohesion.

Office Location(s): Dearborn, Michigan, United States. This is a primary Ford hub location, suggesting access to significant corporate resources, facilities, and a large employee presence.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is likely collaborative, with opportunities for in-person interaction with product managers, architects, and fellow technical designers.

• Access to relevant SAP environments, development tools, and enterprise IT infrastructure will be provided.

• The hybrid model balances the benefits of remote work flexibility with the advantages of in-office collaboration for complex problem-solving and team building.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with the flexibility inherent in a hybrid model, allowing for focused individual work and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model at Ford, requiring significant onsite presence for those within commuting distance, is typical for large enterprises aiming to balance flexibility with in-person collaboration and team engagement. Dearborn as a hub location implies a dynamic corporate environment with extensive resources.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on SAP S/4 HANA MM expertise, technical design principles, integration strategies, and experience with Agile methodologies. Expect scenario-based questions related to direct material sourcing and procurement processes.

• Product Design/Architecture Review: Presentation of a portfolio or case study showcasing relevant SAP S/4 HANA MM design and implementation projects. This will likely involve discussing technical challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Stakeholder/Leadership Interview: Conversation with hiring managers or senior leaders to assess strategic thinking, leadership potential, problem-solving approach, and alignment with Ford's culture and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Technical Design: Showcase detailed technical designs for SAP S/4 HANA MM solutions, including architecture diagrams, data models, and integration blueprints.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the business problem, your technical solution, and the quantifiable results (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, compliance improvements).

• Highlight Integration Experience: Provide specific examples of integrating SAP S/4 HANA MM with other systems (SAP or non-SAP) using APIs or middleware.

• Demonstrate Agile Execution: Explain your role and contributions within Agile teams, highlighting how you managed dependencies and delivered features iteratively.

• SOX Compliance: If possible, include examples of how you incorporated SOX controls into your designs or implementation processes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for technical challenges or hypothetical scenarios related to optimizing direct material sourcing processes using SAP S/4 HANA MM.

• Practice articulating complex technical concepts clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Think about how you would approach designing or improving a specific process, such as purchase order creation, goods receipt, or invoice verification, within the SAP S/4 HANA framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize technical depth in SAP S/4 HANA MM and product design capabilities. A well-curated portfolio that demonstrates practical application of skills in a complex enterprise environment, particularly related to supply chain and procurement, will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• SAP S/4 HANA: Core ERP system, with a specific focus on the Materials Management (MM) module.

• SAP MM Functionalities: Deep knowledge required across procure-to-pay processes, inventory management, purchasing, goods receipt, invoice verification, and master data management within SAP.

• SAP Integration Technologies: Experience with SAP's integration platforms and tools (e.g., SAP PI/PO, SAP Cloud Platform Integration, BTP services) for connecting SAP S/4 HANA with other systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• SAP Reporting Tools: Familiarity with SAP's embedded analytics capabilities within S/4 HANA, Fiori apps for reporting, and potentially BW/4HANA or SAP Analytics Cloud for advanced analytics and dashboards.

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to analyze data from SAP systems to identify trends, performance bottlenecks, and opportunities for process improvement.

CRM & Automation:

• API Frameworks: Experience with RESTful APIs, SOAP, and other integration technologies for connecting SAP S/4 HANA with SaaS products and other enterprise systems.

• Workflow Automation: Understanding of how SAP can facilitate workflow automation within procurement processes.

• System Integration: Knowledge of tools and methodologies for ensuring seamless data flow and synchronization between different enterprise applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in SAP S/4 HANA MM is paramount. The role also demands strong capabilities in SAP's integration landscape and an understanding of how to leverage SAP's reporting and analytics features to drive operational insights and improvements. Familiarity with API-based integrations is crucial for connecting SAP with modern SaaS solutions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: Encouraging the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to drive continuous improvement and transform the future of mobility.

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards, ensuring compliance with regulations like SOX and maintaining data security.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and consensus is built to achieve common goals.

• Customer Focus: Understanding and prioritizing the needs of internal business partners (e.g., procurement, supply chain) and ultimately, the end customer.

• Efficiency: A commitment to streamlining processes, optimizing resource utilization, and driving operational excellence through technology.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Strong emphasis on working effectively with various teams across IT and business units to achieve integrated solutions.

• Open Communication: Encouraging direct and honest communication, seeking diverse views, and building consensus.

• Agile Mindset: Embracing iterative development, continuous feedback, and adaptability in project execution.

• Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to identifying and resolving technical and process challenges collaboratively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Ford's stated values of integrity, customer focus, and collaboration, combined with a drive for innovation and efficiency, paint a picture of a company that is ambitious and values teamwork. The emphasis on Agile and problem-solving suggests a dynamic environment where contributions are recognized.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of SAP Landscape: Navigating and designing solutions within a large, complex, and often legacy-heavy SAP environment.

• Integration Complexity: Ensuring seamless and reliable integration between SAP S/4 HANA MM and a multitude of other enterprise systems, including cloud-based solutions.

• Balancing Innovation with Stability: Introducing new technologies and processes while maintaining the stability and SOX compliance of critical production systems.

• Global Stakeholder Management: Effectively managing requirements and expectations from diverse global business units and IT teams.

• Driving Process Simplification: Overcoming organizational inertia to achieve meaningful business process simplification and automation within established systems.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• SAP S/4 HANA Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced SAP S/4 HANA MM functionalities, new modules, or accompanying technologies.

• Enterprise Architecture: Develop a broader understanding of enterprise architecture principles and how SAP fits into the overall technology strategy.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior team members, lead technical initiatives, or move into management roles.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Access to industry events and opportunities for professional certifications in SAP or related technologies.

• Cross-Functional Projects: Gain exposure to different business areas within Ford, broadening strategic understanding and career options.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior technical roles in large, global organizations with complex IT landscapes. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering paths for deep technical specialization, architectural leadership, or operational management within Ford's extensive IT organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex technical design challenge you faced while implementing SAP S/4 HANA MM for direct material sourcing, and how you architected a solution that ensured SOX compliance."

• "How would you approach integrating a new SaaS procurement platform with Ford's existing SAP S/4 HANA MM system, considering data consistency and API capabilities?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Ford's current initiatives in transforming mobility and how do you see SAP S/4 HANA supporting these goals within procurement?"

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment when working with diverse teams, including business stakeholders and other IT functions, to achieve consensus on technical designs?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your portfolio around key themes: Technical Design Excellence, Integration Expertise, Process Optimization, and Compliance.

• For each case study, clearly define the business problem, your specific role and technical contributions, the solution implemented (including architecture and technology stack), and measurable business outcomes.

• Be prepared to discuss the technical trade-offs you considered and why you made specific design decisions.

• Practice presenting your portfolio concisely, highlighting your impact and proficiency in SAP S/4 HANA MM and related integration technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating deep technical knowledge of SAP S/4 HANA MM, practical experience with integrations and Agile methodologies, and a strategic understanding of how technology drives business value in a manufacturing context. The portfolio is your primary tool to showcase this expertise.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Ford Careers portal.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight specific SAP S/4 HANA MM implementation experience, direct material sourcing projects, Agile methodology application, and any experience with SOX compliance and system integrations. Quantify achievements with metrics wherever possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio that showcases your technical design skills, SAP S/4 HANA MM expertise, and successful project delivery. Focus on clear documentation, architectural diagrams, and quantifiable results.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to potential technical, behavioral, and situational interview questions, focusing on providing specific examples that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Practice presenting your portfolio with confidence.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Ford's current business strategies, technological initiatives (especially in supply chain and digital transformation), and company values to articulate your understanding and alignment during interviews.

⚠️ 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.