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 Technology / SAP Solutions / Supply Chain Operations

Date Posted: September 01, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (On-site 4+ days per week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the technical design and strategic direction for SAP S/4 HANA solutions within the Request to Order Product Line, focusing on direct material sourcing.

• Drive continuous improvement and simplification within the SAP technical landscape and development processes by leveraging deep expertise in SAP S/4 HANA Materials Management (MM).

• Collaborate extensively with product managers, product owners, and enterprise architecture to ensure seamless integration of SAP S/4 HANA with other enterprise systems and cloud platforms.

• Proactively identify and champion the adoption of new SAP technologies to enhance business processes, system capabilities, and overall operational efficiency.

• Ensure the delivery of high-quality products and services, maintaining strict adherence to SOX compliance and enhancing internal controls within the SAP technical environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Product Designer, which in an Enterprise Technology context, signifies a deep technical ownership and design authority for a specific product area (SAP S/4 MM for Request to Order). It requires not just implementation skills but also strategic foresight in solution architecture and process optimization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Architect and lead the technical design of SAP S/4 HANA solutions for the Request to Order Portfolio, ensuring alignment with global enterprise architecture standards, business objectives, and SAP best practices.

• Oversee the end-to-end technical delivery of SAP S/4 HANA solutions, including the development of new capabilities, system upgrades, enhancements, and simplification initiatives.

• Guide the technical implementation of integrations between SAP S/4 HANA and other enterprise systems (both SAP and non-SAP, including cloud platforms) utilizing various integration technologies and robust API frameworks.

• Proactively identify opportunities to leverage emerging SAP technologies and innovative solutions to drive significant enhancements and simplification within direct material sourcing and procurement business processes.

• Uphold and enhance the quality of products and services delivered by the SAP S/4 HANA Request to Order portfolio, ensuring reliability and performance.

• Ensure strict adherence to Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance requirements and actively contribute to the enhancement of internal controls within the SAP technical landscape.

• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring the timely and successful delivery of product roadmaps and strategic objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design, technical leadership, and operational execution. The emphasis on "simplification" and "enhancements" suggests a focus on modernization and efficiency within Ford's SAP ecosystem.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Supply Chain Management, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.

Experience:

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

• Proven professional experience working within Direct Material sourcing and procurement functions in a large Supply Chain organization or through complex SAP implementations.

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive IT experience, with a strong emphasis on leveraging Agile methodologies in a collaborative environment. Required Skills:

• Deep expertise in SAP S/4 HANA Materials Management (MM) modules and their integration points with other enterprise value streams (e.g., Supply Chain, Finance, Corporate Accounting).

• Extensive experience in Supply Chain processes, specifically Sourcing, Procurement, and Logistics, within a large-scale manufacturing or automotive context.

• Proven ability to lead the technical design and architecture of complex SAP solutions, ensuring scalability, performance, and adherence to enterprise standards.

• Proficiency in Agile methodologies and experience working effectively with multiple stakeholders, software product teams, and cross-functional skill teams.

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

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate abstract technology concepts and operationalize them for diverse audiences. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience in the Automotive industry or with other complex manufacturers.

• Demonstrated technical leadership in building and scaling platforms and underlying services for re-use across the organization.

• Experience working with distributed, global teams and managing cross-cultural communication dynamics.

• Experience collaborating effectively with outside service providers and managing vendor relationships.

• Familiarity and practical experience operating within a Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliant environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of SAP S/4 MM expertise, direct material sourcing experience, and Agile methodology proficiency is critical. The preference for automotive experience and SOX compliance indicates a need for industry-specific knowledge and a strong understanding of regulatory environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a track record of successful SAP S/4 HANA MM solution designs, showcasing clear business objectives, technical architecture, and implemented functionalities.

• Provide case studies or examples of process optimization initiatives within procurement or supply chain, highlighting the role of SAP MM and the resulting efficiency gains or cost savings.

• Showcase experience with system integration projects, particularly involving SAP S/4 HANA and other enterprise or SaaS platforms, detailing the integration approach and outcomes.

• Present evidence of contributions to product roadmaps, system upgrades, or simplification projects, illustrating strategic thinking and execution capabilities. Process Documentation:

• Examples of technical design documentation for SAP S/4 HANA solutions, including process flows, data models, and integration specifications.

• Documentation or descriptions of how you have contributed to the development, implementation, or enhancement of procurement or supply chain workflows using SAP MM.

• Evidence of involvement in measuring and analyzing the performance of SAP solutions, demonstrating an understanding of key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting mechanisms.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Designer role with a focus on SAP S/4 MM, the portfolio should emphasize technical design documentation, integration strategies, and evidence of process improvement within supply chain and procurement. This role demands a demonstration of how technical solutions translate into tangible business value and compliance.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $99,600 - $192,900 annually.

Benefits:

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.

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

• 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 and access to established and active employee resource groups.

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

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. This is a hybrid position, with candidates in commuting distance to a Ford hub location expected to be onsite four or more days per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is typical for a mid-to-senior level Product Designer with specialized SAP S/4 HANA expertise in a major automotive company. The benefits package is extensive, reflecting Ford's commitment to employee well-being and work-life integration. The hybrid expectation with significant on-site presence is standard for roles requiring close collaboration and access to specific IT infrastructure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing & Mobility Solutions. Ford Motor Company is a global leader with a rich history of innovation, now focused on transforming the future of mobility through advanced technology and sustainable practices.

Company Size: Ford Motor Company is a large, publicly traded global corporation with tens of thousands of employees worldwide. This scale implies complex organizational structures, extensive resources, and a broad impact across various business functions.

Founded: Ford Motor Company was founded in 1903 by Henry Ford. This long history signifies stability, deep industry knowledge, and a legacy of pioneering advancements in manufacturing and automotive technology.

Team Structure:

• The Enterprise Technology department is a significant division within Ford, housing numerous IT professionals dedicated to various aspects of the company's technological infrastructure and product development.

• The SAP S/4 HANA team within Enterprise Technology is likely structured around specific product lines or functional areas, such as the Request to Order Portfolio, with dedicated Product Managers, Product Owners, and technical experts like Product Designers.

• Collaboration is expected to be cross-functional, involving IT teams, business stakeholders from Supply Chain and Procurement, and potentially external partners or service providers. Methodology:

• Ford's Enterprise Technology likely employs a hybrid approach to methodologies, with a strong emphasis on Agile for software development and product delivery, coupled with robust IT governance and enterprise architecture frameworks for broader system planning and compliance.

• Data analysis and insights are crucial for optimizing manufacturing and supply chain processes, driving decisions related to SAP system enhancements and new technology adoption.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are central to ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness in areas like direct material sourcing, leveraging SAP's capabilities.

• Automation and efficiency practices are continuously sought to streamline operations, reduce manual effort, and improve data accuracy across the enterprise.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Ford's culture blends a legacy of automotive innovation with a forward-looking approach to technology and mobility. The Enterprise Technology division operates as a critical enabler of this transformation, requiring a blend of structured processes and agile execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a mid-to-senior level position within Enterprise Technology, specifically focusing on SAP S/4 HANA Product Design. It implies a level of technical mastery and strategic input required to guide the development of critical enterprise systems.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Product Manager, Portfolio Lead, or an IT Manager overseeing the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) portfolio, specifically the Request to Order Product Line. They will work closely with Product Owners and Enterprise Architects, fostering a collaborative reporting dynamic.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on Ford's operational efficiency and cost management. By optimizing the SAP S/4 HANA MM system for direct material sourcing, the Product Designer influences procurement processes, supply chain logistics, and financial reporting accuracy, all of which are critical for Ford's profitability and global operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise within SAP S/4 HANA, potentially exploring other modules or advanced functionalities like SAP Business Network or specific analytics tools.

• Leadership Development: Progress into roles such as Lead Product Designer, SAP Solution Architect, or IT Product Manager, taking on greater strategic responsibility and team leadership.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broader experience by working on different product lines within the ERP portfolio or moving into related areas of Supply Chain IT, Enterprise Architecture, or digital transformation initiatives.

• Industry Certifications: Pursue advanced SAP certifications or certifications in project management or Agile methodologies to enhance professional credentials and marketability.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a strong foundation for a career in enterprise system design and management within a major corporation. The growth path is clearly defined, moving from deep technical contribution to broader architectural and leadership responsibilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hybrid role, indicating a blend of remote work and on-site presence at Ford's Dearborn, Michigan location. The on-site component is substantial, requiring attendance four or more days per week.

Office Location(s): Dearborn, Michigan, USA. This location serves as a major hub for Ford's operations, likely offering modern office facilities designed to support collaborative work.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration among IT professionals, product teams, and business stakeholders. Expect shared office spaces, meeting rooms equipped for hybrid collaboration, and access to technology infrastructure.

• Operations professionals will have access to the necessary tools and technology stack, including SAP S/4 HANA environments, development tools, and communication platforms.

• Opportunities for interaction with the broader SAP and Enterprise Technology teams will be frequent, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. While the role is hybrid, the expectation of significant on-site presence suggests a structured work environment focused on team synergy and project delivery. Flexibility may be offered within the hybrid model, but core collaboration hours will likely be emphasized.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with a significant on-site requirement at a major corporate hub like Dearborn suggests an environment that values in-person collaboration for complex projects, while still offering some flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions with hiring managers and/or senior team members focusing on SAP S/4 HANA MM expertise, technical design capabilities, and problem-solving skills. Expect scenario-based questions related to direct material sourcing and procurement challenges.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation of relevant work samples, case studies, or project examples that demonstrate your technical design approach, process optimization efforts, and integration strategies. Be prepared to discuss your role, challenges, and the impact of your contributions.

• Cross-functional/Stakeholder Interview: Discussion with product managers, product owners, or enterprise architects to assess collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and alignment with business objectives.

• Final Interview: Likely with a senior leader in Enterprise Technology to discuss strategic alignment, leadership potential, and overall fit with Ford's culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight SAP S/4 HANA MM Expertise: Showcase specific examples of designing, implementing, or enhancing MM functionalities. Detail your understanding of procurement processes, master data, and integration points.

• Demonstrate Process Improvement: Present case studies where your technical designs led to tangible improvements in efficiency, cost savings, compliance, or simplification within supply chain or procurement. Use metrics to quantify impact.

• Detail Integration Strategies: For projects involving integration, clearly explain the technologies used (APIs, middleware), the challenges faced, and the successful outcomes achieved in connecting SAP S/4 HANA with other systems.

• Focus on Design and Architecture: Emphasize your role in the technical design phase. Explain your decision-making process, how you considered enterprise architecture standards, scalability, and future-proofing.

Challenge Preparation:

• SAP MM Scenarios: Prepare to discuss common direct material sourcing scenarios, procurement workflows, and potential SAP S/4 HANA MM configurations or solutions.

• Integration Challenges: Be ready to discuss how you would approach integrating SAP S/4 HANA with non-SAP systems, cloud platforms, or SaaS products.

• Process Optimization: Prepare to articulate how you would identify opportunities for process improvement within the Request to Order portfolio and design SAP solutions to address them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component for this role. Candidates should prepare to present concrete examples of their technical design work, focusing on the impact and strategic considerations of their solutions within the SAP S/4 HANA MM domain.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• SAP S/4 HANA (Materials Management - MM): Core platform expertise required. This includes deep knowledge of modules like Purchasing, Inventory Management, Invoice Verification, and potentially integration with Production Planning (PP) and Sales and Distribution (SD).

• SAP Fiori / SAPUI5: For designing user interfaces and user experience within SAP S/4 HANA.

• ABAP: While not explicitly stated as a primary development skill, understanding ABAP can be beneficial for debugging, understanding custom enhancements, and collaborating with developers.

• SAP Activate Methodology: Familiarity with SAP's implementation methodology for S/4HANA projects.

Analytics & Reporting:

• SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC): Increasingly used for business intelligence, planning, and predictive analytics within the SAP ecosystem.

• SAP BW/4HANA or SAP Data Warehouse Cloud: For enterprise data warehousing and reporting.

• Standard SAP Reporting Tools: Such as SAP Query, Report Painter/Writer, and transaction-specific reports.

CRM & Automation:

• SAP Ariba: For procurement and supply chain collaboration, often integrated with SAP S/4 HANA MM.

• SAP Business Network (formerly Ariba Network): For supplier collaboration and transactional exchanges.

• Integration Middleware: Such as SAP Integration Suite (formerly SAP Cloud Platform Integration) or other enterprise integration platforms for connecting SAP S/4 HANA with other systems.

• API Management Tools: For designing, securing, and managing APIs used for system integrations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in SAP S/4 HANA MM is paramount. Knowledge of related SAP solutions like Ariba and integration tools is highly valuable, as is an understanding of modern UI development within SAP (Fiori) and data analytics platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Transformation: A drive to modernize and improve existing systems and processes, embracing new technologies to shape the future of mobility.

• Collaboration & Empathy: Respecting diverse perspectives, fostering consensus, and building strong relationships with team members, business partners, and customers.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data and analytics to inform design choices, measure impact, and ensure that solutions are aligned with business objectives.

• Efficiency & Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, robust, and efficient solutions that drive operational excellence and maintain high standards of compliance (e.g., SOX).

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with product managers, business analysts, enterprise architects, and development teams to ensure cohesive solution delivery.

• Process Review & Feedback: Openness to constructive feedback, participation in design reviews, and a willingness to iterate on solutions based on team and stakeholder input.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing best practices, technical insights, and lessons learned, particularly within the SAP S/4 HANA and supply chain domains.

📝 Enhancement Note: Ford emphasizes a culture of collaboration, innovation, and a strong ethical compass, particularly concerning compliance and stakeholder relationships. The operations team values individuals who can contribute technically while also being effective team players.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Global Operations: Navigating and designing solutions for a large, multinational corporation with diverse business units and legacy systems presents significant complexity.

• Integration with Diverse Systems: Ensuring seamless integration between SAP S/4 HANA MM and a multitude of other internal and external systems (SAP and non-SAP, cloud and on-premise) requires robust architectural planning.

• Balancing Innovation with Stability: Identifying opportunities to leverage new SAP technologies while maintaining the stability, SOX compliance, and performance of critical production systems.

• Continuous Process Improvement: Constantly seeking ways to simplify and enhance existing business processes and SAP functionalities in response to evolving business needs and technological advancements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• SAP S/4 HANA Advanced Training: Access to specialized training and certifications for advanced SAP S/4 HANA modules, cloud solutions, and integration technologies.

• Industry Conferences & Events: Opportunities to attend relevant industry events, such as SAP Sapphire or automotive IT conferences, to stay abreast of the latest trends and network with peers.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential for mentorship from senior architects or leaders within Enterprise Technology, guiding career development and strategic thinking.

• Exposure to Emerging Technologies: Opportunities to work with cutting-edge technologies in mobility, AI, IoT, and cloud computing as they are integrated into Ford's operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers exposure to complex, large-scale enterprise challenges within a dynamic industry, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex SAP S/4 HANA MM solution you designed for direct material sourcing. What were the key business requirements, your technical approach, and the outcomes?" (Focus on design principles, integration, and business impact.)

• "How would you approach simplifying a complex procurement process within SAP S/4 HANA, considering both business needs and technical constraints? Provide an example." (Highlight your process optimization mindset and technical acumen.)

• "Discuss a time you had to integrate SAP S/4 HANA with a non-SAP system or a SaaS product. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them using API frameworks or other integration methods?" (Demonstrate your integration expertise.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at Ford, specifically within our Enterprise Technology division and the Request to Order portfolio?" (Showcase your research and alignment with Ford's mission.)

• "How do you approach collaborating with product managers and business stakeholders to translate requirements into technical designs?" (Emphasize your communication and teamwork skills.)

• "Describe your understanding of SOX compliance and how it impacts SAP system design and implementation in a manufacturing environment." (Show your awareness of regulatory requirements.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Case Studies: For each portfolio item, clearly define the problem, your solution (technical design), the implementation details, and the measurable results (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, improved compliance).

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the value of your contributions.

• Explain Your Role: Be clear about your specific responsibilities and contributions within team projects.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss architectural decisions, technology choices, and potential trade-offs in detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to articulate your technical design process, integration strategies, and impact on business operations using concrete examples from your portfolio. Demonstrating an understanding of Ford's industry and compliance requirements will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your SAP S/4 HANA MM experience, direct material sourcing expertise, Agile methodology usage, and any experience with automotive or manufacturing industries. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that best showcase your technical design capabilities, process improvement initiatives, and system integration experience within SAP S/4 HANA. Focus on impact and quantifiable results.

• Research Ford's Enterprise Technology: Understand their strategic priorities, current initiatives in mobility and digital transformation, and their approach to SAP implementation.

• Practice your STAR method responses: Prepare for behavioral questions by outlining specific examples of your accomplishments, challenges, and how you collaborated with stakeholders.

⚠️ 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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