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) / Supply Chain Operations Technology

Date Posted: August 12, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid (4+ days in office per week at a Ford hub location)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the technical design and end-to-end delivery of SAP S/4 HANA solutions for the Request to Order Product Line, focusing on direct material sourcing.

• Collaborate with product managers, product owners, and enterprise architecture to ensure solutions align with business requirements, enterprise standards, and SAP best practices.

• Leverage deep expertise in SAP S/4 HANA Materials Management (MM) to guide system enhancements, upgrades, and simplification initiatives.

• Integrate SAP S/4 HANA with other enterprise systems, including non-SAP and cloud platforms, utilizing various technologies and API frameworks.

• Proactively identify opportunities to adopt new SAP technologies for process enhancement, system simplification, and overall quality improvement within the portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Ford's Enterprise Technology division, specifically focusing on integrated ERP solutions. The "Product Designer" title in this context refers to a technical lead responsible for the architecture and design of SAP solutions, rather than a user interface/user experience designer. The emphasis on "Request to Order Product Line" and "direct material sourcing" indicates a critical function within Ford's supply chain operations, requiring a strong understanding of procurement processes and their SAP enablement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the technical design and architecture for SAP S/4 HANA solutions within the Request to Order portfolio, ensuring alignment with enterprise architecture standards, business requirements, and SAP best practices.

• Oversee the end-to-end technical delivery of SAP S/4 HANA solutions, including the implementation of new capabilities, system upgrades, and ongoing enhancements, with a focus on simplification.

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

• Proactively identify and champion the adoption of new SAP technologies and methodologies to enhance and simplify business processes and system capabilities.

• Ensure the overall quality of the products and services delivered within the SAP S/4 HANA MM portfolio, meeting defined performance and reliability standards.

• Guarantee adherence to Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance requirements and actively enhance existing controls within the SAP landscape.

• Identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks associated with SAP implementations and enhancements, ensuring the timely and successful delivery of product roadmaps.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic technical leadership and hands-on guidance for SAP S/4 HANA MM within a critical supply chain function. The mention of "Request to Order Product Line" and "direct material sourcing" highlights the role's direct impact on Ford's core operational efficiency and cost management. Ensuring SOX compliance is a significant responsibility, demanding meticulous attention to detail and robust process controls.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Supply Chain, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of experience implementing SAP S/4 HANA Materials Management (MM) in a large enterprise organization.

• Deep understanding of Supply Chain processes, including Sourcing, Procurement, and Logistics, and their relationship with Finance and Corporate Accounting within complex SAP implementations.

• Proven professional experience working in direct material sourcing and procurement within a large Supply Chain organization or complex SAP implementation environment.

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive IT experience leveraging Agile methodologies.

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

• Experience collaborating with engineers, designers, and product owners to deliver product roadmap milestones and manage dependencies across multiple internal and external teams. Required Skills:

• SAP S/4 HANA MM Expertise: In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with SAP S/4 HANA Materials Management module.

• Supply Chain & Procurement Processes: Strong understanding of direct material sourcing, procurement, and logistics workflows.

• Agile Methodologies: Proficiency in applying Agile principles and practices in a software development lifecycle.

• System Integration: Experience integrating SAP systems with other enterprise applications, including SaaS and legacy systems, using API frameworks.

• Technical Design & Architecture: Ability to lead the technical design of complex SAP solutions and ensure alignment with enterprise architecture.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with product managers, product owners, enterprise architects, and cross-functional teams.

• SOX Compliance: Understanding and experience with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance requirements within an ERP context.

Preferred Skills:

• Automotive/Complex Manufacturer Experience: Prior experience in the automotive industry or other complex manufacturing environments.

• Platform Development: Experience building and scaling platforms and underlying services for re-use.

• Global Team Collaboration: Experience working effectively with distributed, global teams.

• Outside Service Provider Management: Experience collaborating with and managing external service providers.

• Sarbanes-Oxley (S-OX) Environment: Direct experience operating within a Sarbanes-Oxley (S-OX) compliant environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The minimum requirements highlight a strong need for practical SAP S/4 HANA MM implementation experience in a large-scale, complex environment, with a specific focus on direct material sourcing. The preference for automotive experience and platform scaling suggests that Ford is looking for candidates who can bring industry-specific knowledge and a forward-thinking approach to reusable solutions. The emphasis on Agile methodologies and cross-functional collaboration underscores the need for adaptable and team-oriented professionals.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• SAP S/4 HANA MM Implementation Case Studies: Showcase successful implementations or significant enhancements of SAP S/4 HANA MM modules, detailing scope, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable business impact.

• Process Optimization Examples: Demonstrate experience in analyzing and improving direct material sourcing, procurement, or related supply chain processes through SAP system configurations or integrations.

• System Integration Projects: Provide examples of integrating SAP S/4 HANA with other enterprise systems (e.g., ERP extensions, cloud platforms, legacy systems) and the technical approaches used (e.g., APIs, middleware).

• Technical Design Documentation: Include samples of technical design documents, architecture diagrams, or solution blueprints created for SAP implementations, illustrating clarity and adherence to standards.

• Agile Project Contributions: Highlight contributions to projects managed under Agile methodologies, demonstrating understanding of sprints, backlog management, and iterative delivery.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Evidence of designing or optimizing end-to-end procurement-to-pay or source-to-contract workflows within SAP, detailing process steps, roles, and controls.

• Implementation & Automation Methods: Documentation or examples of how SAP solutions were implemented or automated to improve efficiency, reduce manual effort, and ensure data integrity.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Examples of how the performance of SAP-enabled processes was measured, analyzed, and reported on, including key performance indicators (KPIs) and their impact on business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should strongly emphasize the candidate's ability to design and implement robust SAP S/4 HANA MM solutions that drive efficiency and compliance in direct material sourcing. Case studies demonstrating tangible process improvements and successful system integrations will be critical. The ability to document and communicate technical designs and process optimizations effectively is paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the provided information, the salary range for this position is $99,600 - $192,900 annually. This range is determined by candidate skills, experience, job scope, responsibility, and competitive market value, falling within salary grades 7-8. Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.

• Family Support: Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized back-up childcare.

• Family Building: Comprehensive family building benefits, including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and fertility treatments.

• Employee Perks: Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, and management leases.

• Professional Development: Tuition assistance for continued learning and skill development.

• Community & Inclusion: Access to established and active employee resource groups.

• Time Off: Paid time off for community service, a generous schedule of paid holidays (including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day), and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement requiring 4+ days per week in the office at a Ford hub location.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a senior SAP S/4 HANA MM Product Designer role in the US, particularly in a major automotive hub like Dearborn, MI. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting Ford's commitment to employee well-being, family support, and professional growth. The hybrid work arrangement with a significant in-office component is standard for many large enterprises requiring collaborative design and development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing & Mobility Solutions. Ford is a global leader with a rich history, now transforming into a forward-thinking mobility company, integrating advanced technology into its vehicles and operations.

Company Size: Ford is a large, established global corporation with tens of thousands of employees worldwide, operating across multiple continents.

Founded: Ford Motor Company was founded in 1903 by Henry Ford, marking over a century of innovation and industrial leadership.

Team Structure:

• This role sits within Ford's Enterprise Technology division, specifically within the Integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) portfolio.

• The team focuses on direct material sourcing within the Request to Order Product Line, indicating a specialized group within the broader SAP and supply chain technology functions.

• Collaboration is expected with product managers, product owners, enterprise architects, and various software product teams, suggesting a matrixed and cross-functional working environment. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role emphasizes leveraging SAP S/4 HANA and related technologies to drive improvements, implying a data-centric approach to process optimization and solution design.

• Agile Development: The team operates using Agile methodologies, focusing on iterative development, continuous improvement, and close collaboration.

• Process Optimization & Simplification: A core tenet of the role is to enhance and simplify business processes through technology, ensuring efficiency and quality.

• Compliance & Governance: Strict adherence to SOX compliance and enterprise architecture standards is a key operational methodology.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Ford's culture is a blend of its historical industrial strength and a modern, technology-driven approach to mobility. As a large, global organization, it offers structured career paths and established processes, while the Enterprise Technology division fosters innovation and digital transformation. The emphasis on collaboration and Agile practices indicates a dynamic and responsive work environment within its operational framework.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a senior technical specialist or lead within the SAP S/4 HANA ecosystem, specifically for supply chain and procurement functions. It requires deep functional and technical expertise, coupled with the ability to design and guide complex implementations. This level typically involves significant autonomy and responsibility for critical business processes.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a manager or director within the Enterprise Technology ERP portfolio, overseeing the Request to Order product line. They will work closely with Product Owners and Product Managers, and collaborate with Enterprise Architects.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts Ford's ability to efficiently source direct materials, manage procurement processes, and maintain compliance. Effective SAP S/4 HANA MM solutions are crucial for controlling costs, ensuring supply chain resilience, and supporting the production of vehicles. The role contributes significantly to operational efficiency and financial health by optimizing critical supply chain functions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise within SAP S/4 HANA MM, becoming a recognized subject matter expert (SME) for direct material sourcing and procurement solutions.

• Platform Architecture Leadership: Progress into roles focused on broader SAP architecture, platform strategy, or leading larger SAP transformation initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Transition into product management or program management roles within Enterprise Technology, leveraging deep understanding of business processes and technology solutions.

• Management Track: Develop leadership skills to manage teams of SAP consultants, designers, or developers, overseeing the delivery of ERP solutions.

• Industry-Specific Expertise: Further specialize in automotive supply chain technology, becoming a go-to expert for industry challenges and innovative SAP solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for deep technical specialization within SAP S/4 HANA, particularly in the critical area of supply chain and procurement. The "Product Designer" title suggests a focus on solution architecture and strategy, providing a strong foundation for leadership roles in ERP or broader technology management within a global automotive giant like Ford.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, requiring significant in-office presence (4+ days per week) at a Ford hub location. This facilitates in-person collaboration, team synergy, and access to on-site resources.

Office Location(s): Dearborn, Michigan, is a primary hub for Ford, offering a well-established corporate campus with amenities designed for collaboration and productivity.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Ford's hub locations are equipped with modern meeting rooms, team areas, and informal gathering spots to foster collaboration among product teams, architects, and business stakeholders.

• Technology & Tools: Access to Ford's standard IT infrastructure, including high-speed networks, communication platforms, and the necessary software licenses for SAP S/4 HANA development and collaboration.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face interaction with colleagues, product owners, and business unit representatives, essential for understanding requirements and aligning on technical solutions.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with an expectation of standard business hours. The hybrid nature allows for some flexibility in structuring the work week, but the emphasis on in-office days supports a structured approach to team synchronization and project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model at Ford is designed to balance the flexibility of remote work with the critical need for in-person collaboration in complex technology design and implementation roles. The Dearborn location is a key operational and innovation center, offering a dynamic environment for professionals in enterprise technology.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application to assess alignment with minimum qualifications, particularly SAP S/4 HANA MM experience and Agile background.

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

• Portfolio Review/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present specific projects from their portfolio, demonstrating their technical design capabilities, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of their work on business processes.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of collaboration style, communication skills, problem-solving approach, empathy, and alignment with Ford's values and team dynamics. Questions may explore how candidates handle differing views and foster consensus.

• Hiring Manager/Team Lead Discussion: Final conversation to discuss role expectations, team dynamics, and career growth opportunities.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the business problem, your specific role and contributions, the technical solution implemented (especially SAP S/4 HANA MM aspects), and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, compliance improvements).

• Showcase Technical Design: Present examples of technical design documents, architectural diagrams, or solution blueprints. Explain your design choices and how they align with enterprise standards and best practices.

• Highlight Process Optimization: Detail how you've leveraged SAP to optimize direct material sourcing, procurement, or related supply chain processes. Use flowcharts or diagrams to illustrate process improvements.

• Demonstrate Integration Skills: If applicable, include examples of integrating SAP S/4 HANA with other systems, explaining the technologies and methodologies used.

• Tailor to Ford's Needs: Emphasize experience with direct material sourcing, SOX compliance, and large-scale enterprise implementations, aligning your portfolio with the job description's specific requirements.

Challenge Preparation:

• SAP S/4 HANA MM Scenarios: Prepare for scenario-based questions related to common challenges in direct material sourcing, procurement process design, and system integration within SAP S/4 HANA.

• Technical Design Problems: Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing a specific SAP S/4 HANA MM solution or integrating it with another system, outlining your thought process and key considerations.

• Agile & Collaboration Exercises: Anticipate questions about how you work in Agile teams, manage dependencies, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including engineers, product owners, and business partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: Ford will likely look for candidates who can not only demonstrate deep technical expertise in SAP S/4 HANA MM but also showcase their ability to translate that expertise into practical, efficient, and compliant solutions for their direct material sourcing operations. A portfolio that clearly articulates business impact and technical design rationale will be highly advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• SAP S/4 HANA (MM Module): The core system for this role, requiring in-depth knowledge of its functionalities for materials management, sourcing, and procurement.

• SAP ECC (potentially): Understanding of legacy SAP ERP Central Component may be beneficial for integration and migration contexts.

• SAP Fiori/UI5: Familiarity with the modern user interface for SAP applications, especially for user experience and system interaction.

• API Frameworks: Experience with various API technologies (e.g., REST, SOAP) for integrating SAP with other systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) or similar: For data analysis, visualization, and reporting on supply chain and procurement metrics.

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Proficiency with BI tools for data extraction, analysis, and dashboard creation.

• SQL: For data querying and analysis from various database sources.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP Integration Tools: Middleware or platforms used for connecting SAP with other enterprise systems (e.g., SAP PI/PO, MuleSoft, Dell Boomi).

• Workflow Automation Tools: Tools used to automate business processes within or integrated with SAP.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Jira, Confluence, or Azure DevOps for managing Agile development workflows and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong command of SAP S/4 HANA MM is non-negotiable. Experience with modern SAP interfaces (Fiori) and integration technologies (APIs, middleware) is crucial. Familiarity with data analytics and BI tools will also be highly valued for performance monitoring and process improvement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

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

• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding ethical standards and ensuring all solutions meet SOX compliance and other regulatory requirements.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Proactively seeking new technologies and methodologies to enhance business processes and system capabilities.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively across diverse teams, fostering consensus, and valuing differing perspectives to achieve shared goals.

• Efficiency & Quality: Driving operational excellence by designing and implementing robust, streamlined, and high-quality SAP solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with business stakeholders, product owners, enterprise architects, and other IT teams to ensure seamless integration of SAP solutions into the broader enterprise landscape.

• Constructive Feedback: Participating in code reviews, design sessions, and team discussions, providing and receiving feedback constructively to improve solutions and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise on SAP S/4 HANA MM, Agile practices, and technical design principles with team members and other stakeholders.

• Consensus Building: Demonstrating an ability to ask "why," invite differing views, and facilitate consensus-building to align on technical decisions and project direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: Ford's culture likely emphasizes a strong work ethic, a commitment to quality and compliance, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving. The values point towards a professional environment where technical expertise is valued, but also where teamwork, integrity, and continuous improvement are paramount for success in driving operational excellence.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Global Supply Chains: Navigating the intricacies of Ford's global direct material sourcing and procurement operations, which involve diverse suppliers, regulations, and logistical networks.

• Legacy System Integration: Seamlessly integrating modern SAP S/4 HANA solutions with existing legacy systems and diverse enterprise platforms.

• Driving Adoption of New Technologies: Championing and implementing new SAP features or technologies within a large, established organization, requiring change management and stakeholder buy-in.

• Balancing Innovation with Stability: Ensuring that new technical designs and enhancements maintain system stability, SOX compliance, and overall operational reliability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• SAP S/4 HANA Advanced Modules: Opportunities to deepen expertise in other related SAP modules or advanced functionalities within MM and other supply chain areas.

• Enterprise Architecture Training: Development in enterprise architecture principles, frameworks, and best practices for designing scalable and robust solutions.

• Cloud Technologies: Exposure to and training in cloud platforms and their integration with SAP environments.

• Leadership & Project Management: Development in Agile project leadership, team management, and stakeholder communication for complex ERP initiatives.

• Industry Best Practices: Continuous learning on evolving automotive supply chain trends and how SAP can best support them.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents the challenge of working within a complex, global automotive supply chain that demands robust and compliant ERP solutions. The growth opportunities are significant, offering paths for deep technical specialization, broader architectural leadership, and management within a major technology organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex SAP S/4 HANA MM solution you designed for direct material sourcing. What were the key technical challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your design process, problem-solving, and quantifiable results.)

• "How would you approach integrating a new SaaS procurement platform with Ford's existing SAP S/4 HANA MM landscape? What are the critical considerations and potential risks?" (Assess your integration strategy, technical knowledge, and risk mitigation.)

• "Walk me through your experience implementing SAP S/4 HANA MM in an Agile environment. How do you ensure alignment with product owners and manage dependencies with other teams?" (Evaluate your Agile practices and cross-functional collaboration skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Ford's current transformation in the mobility space, and how do you see SAP S/4 HANA MM supporting that vision?" (Showcase your research on Ford and your understanding of its strategic direction.)

• "How do you approach building consensus when there are differing technical opinions within a product team or with business stakeholders?" (Assess your collaboration, communication, and conflict resolution skills.)

• "Describe a time you had to ensure SOX compliance in an SAP implementation. What were the key controls you implemented or enhanced?" (Demonstrate your understanding of compliance requirements.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by key projects, using a consistent format: Problem, Solution (technical details of SAP S/4 HANA MM, integrations), Impact (quantifiable results), and Your Role.

• Visuals: Use diagrams (architecture, process flows) to illustrate technical designs and process optimizations. Keep slides clean and focused.

• Storytelling: Frame your project experiences as compelling stories that highlight your problem-solving abilities and contributions.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key highlights efficiently, allowing time for questions and deeper dives into specific areas. Practice your timing.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, alternative solutions, and the long-term implications of your implementations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of SAP S/4 HANA MM within the context of direct material sourcing and supply chain operations. Candidates should be ready to articulate their technical design process, integration strategies, and experience with Agile methodologies, while also showcasing their alignment with Ford's operational values and strategic goals.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight specific SAP S/4 HANA MM implementation experience, direct material sourcing projects, Agile methodologies used, and any experience with SOX compliance or system integration. Quantify achievements with metrics wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that best showcase your SAP S/4 HANA MM design, implementation, and process optimization capabilities. Ensure you can clearly articulate the business problem, your solution, and the resulting impact.

• Research Ford's Operations: Familiarize yourself with Ford's current business priorities, especially concerning supply chain, procurement, and their digital transformation efforts. Understand how ERP systems like SAP S/4 HANA contribute to these goals.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers for common technical, behavioral, and situational questions, focusing on real-world examples from your experience. Practice articulating your thought process for technical design and problem-solving scenarios.

⚠️ 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.