SAP S/4 MM - Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: SAP S/4 MM - Product Designer

Company: Ford Motor Company

Location: Dearborn, Michigan, US

Job Type: Full time

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

Date Posted: June 03, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the technical design and strategic direction for software product teams focused on direct material sourcing within the Request to Order (RTO) product line.

• Leverage deep expertise in SAP S/4 HANA, particularly the Materials Management (MM) module, to enhance and optimize the SAP technical landscape.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Product Owners, and Enterprise Architecture to ensure seamless integration and continuous improvement of ERP solutions.

• Play a pivotal role in transforming Ford's future of mobility by applying advanced IT expertise to redefine the transportation landscape and enhance customer experiences.

• Contribute to the development of distinctive products and solutions that support Ford's global operations and supply chain efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Ford's Enterprise Technology division, specifically focusing on integrated ERP solutions for direct material sourcing. The "Product Designer" title in this context refers to a technical design and architecture role within an Agile product team, not a UI/UX design capacity. This role is critical for the Request to Order (RTO) product line, implying a focus on the procure-to-pay process for direct materials.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver comprehensive technical designs and architectural blueprints for SAP S/4 HANA MM functionalities supporting direct material sourcing.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Product Managers, Product Owners, and Enterprise Architects, to define product roadmaps and technical strategies.

• Translate business requirements into detailed technical specifications and solution designs for the SAP S/4 HANA platform.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the SAP technical landscape, focusing on efficiency, scalability, and innovation for the Request to Order (RTO) product line.

• Ensure technical solutions align with enterprise architecture standards, SOX compliance, and best practices for supply chain and procurement processes.

• Facilitate and participate in Agile ceremonies, contributing technical expertise to sprint planning, backlog refinement, and retrospectives.

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to development teams, ensuring successful implementation of designed solutions.

• Evaluate and recommend new SAP technologies and methodologies to enhance system capabilities and user experience.

• Manage and oversee the integration of SaaS products with existing SAP systems for direct material sourcing processes.

• Support the scaling of platform solutions to meet evolving business needs and market demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on technical design and architecture within an Agile product development framework. The focus on "Request to Order" and "Direct Material Sourcing" indicates a deep dive into procurement and supply chain processes, requiring a blend of SAP MM expertise and business process understanding. The role also involves strategic collaboration with various stakeholders and a forward-looking approach to technology adoption.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 3+ years of hands-on experience implementing SAP S/4 HANA MM in a large, complex enterprise environment.

• 5+ years of overall IT experience, with a strong background in Agile methodologies.

• Proven experience in direct material sourcing processes and strategies.

Required Skills:

• In-depth knowledge and practical application of SAP S/4 HANA, with a primary focus on the Materials Management (MM) module.

• Expertise in developing detailed technical designs and architectural specifications for SAP solutions.

• Strong understanding of Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) and experience working in Agile product teams.

• Proficiency in supply chain management, procurement, and logistics processes, particularly in direct material sourcing.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with Product Managers, Product Owners, and Enterprise Architecture teams.

• Experience with stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration in a large enterprise setting.

• Understanding of SOX compliance requirements related to financial and procurement systems.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with SaaS integration patterns and technologies.

• Familiarity with corporate accounting principles as they relate to procurement and inventory management.

• Experience in the automotive industry or a similar large-scale manufacturing environment.

• Familiarity with product roadmap management and strategic planning for ERP systems.

• Experience with enterprise architecture frameworks and principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of deep SAP S/4 HANA MM technical expertise and practical experience with Agile development and SaaS integrations. The preference for automotive industry experience and knowledge of enterprise architecture frameworks suggests a need for candidates who can navigate complex organizational structures and industry-specific challenges. The mention of SOX compliance is critical for roles involving financial and procurement systems.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating successful implementation or significant enhancement of SAP S/4 HANA MM modules, particularly in areas related to direct material sourcing or procurement.

• For each case study, clearly articulate the business problem, the technical solution designed and implemented, the specific SAP S/4 HANA MM functionalities leveraged, and the key technical challenges overcome.

• Provide evidence of process optimization and efficiency improvements achieved through your technical designs, quantified with relevant metrics (e.g., reduced cycle times, cost savings, improved data accuracy).

• Include examples of technical design documentation, such as solution architecture diagrams, functional specifications, or technical specifications, that illustrate your design methodology.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of well-documented workflows for key SAP MM processes (e.g., Purchase Order creation, Goods Receipt, Invoice Verification) that highlight optimization strategies.

• Documentation demonstrating how you have contributed to the definition and improvement of development lifecycles within an Agile SAP environment.

• Evidence of creating or contributing to design documents that outline system configurations, data flows, and integration points for SAP solutions.

• Documentation of performance analysis and metrics reporting related to SAP system implementations or enhancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates will be expected to present a portfolio that substantiates their technical design capabilities within SAP S/4 HANA MM. The emphasis is on tangible results, process optimization, and clear documentation of technical solutions. Demonstrating experience with Agile development and SaaS integration will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for SAP S/4 HANA Product Designers with 5-10 years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Dearborn, Michigan, the estimated salary range is $99,600 - $192,900 USD per year. This estimate considers the specialized nature of SAP S/4 HANA MM expertise, the complexity of enterprise-level implementations, and the strategic importance of this role within Ford's IT division.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.

• Prescription Drug Coverage.

• Generous Paid Time Off, including Paid Vacation Time and Paid Holidays.

• Flexible Family Care Days.

• Paid Parental Leave and New Parent Ramp-up Programs.

• Subsidized Back-up Childcare and Adoption Expense Reimbursement.

• Surrogacy Expense Reimbursement and Fertility Treatments.

• Employee Assistance Programs.

• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) fostering diversity and inclusion.

• Vehicle Discount Program and Management Leases.

• Tuition Assistance for continued education and professional development.

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week.

• Flexibility may be available, with potential for occasional overtime to meet project deadlines or address critical system issues.

• Hybrid work arrangement requires approximately 4 days per week in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on AI analysis of similar roles in the specified location and experience level. Actual compensation may vary based on specific qualifications, experience, and internal Ford compensation structures. The extensive benefits package reflects Ford's commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing & Mobility Services. Ford Motor Company is a global leader in designing, manufacturing, marketing, and servicing a full line of connected vehicles. They are actively transforming the future of mobility through innovation in electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and connected services.

Company Size: Ford Motor Company is a large, multinational corporation with tens of thousands of employees globally. This scale implies complex organizational structures, robust processes, and significant opportunities for impact within a well-established enterprise.

Founded: Ford Motor Company was founded in 1903 by Henry Ford. This long history signifies a deep-rooted culture of innovation, engineering excellence, and a commitment to providing accessible transportation solutions.

Team Structure:

• The Enterprise Technology division is a significant department within Ford, housing specialized teams for various IT functions, including ERP.

• This role sits within the integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) portfolio, specifically focusing on the direct material sourcing and Request to Order (RTO) product line.

• The team likely comprises Product Managers, Product Owners, SAP Functional Consultants, SAP Developers, Enterprise Architects, and other IT specialists.

Methodology:

• Ford utilizes Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) for its software product development within Enterprise Technology.

• Emphasis is placed on data-driven decision-making, continuous improvement, and leveraging advanced technologies like SAP S/4 HANA.

• Collaboration and cross-functional teamwork are key to driving innovation and delivering complex solutions.

• A strong focus on process optimization, system integration, and ensuring compliance with industry standards (e.g., SOX) is inherent to their operations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Ford's long history and global presence suggest a structured yet innovative environment. The Enterprise Technology division is central to their future mobility goals. The specific focus on RTO and direct material sourcing within the ERP portfolio indicates a highly specialized and critical operational area.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level "Product Designer" within the ERP/SAP domain. It requires a blend of deep technical SAP S/4 HANA MM expertise and strategic product development understanding. The responsibilities involve technical leadership, design authority, and significant influence over the direction of key supply chain and procurement systems.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Product Manager or a Lead Architect within the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) portfolio. They will work closely with Product Owners and collaborate extensively with development teams and business stakeholders across various functions.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts Ford's ability to efficiently source direct materials, manage supplier relationships, and optimize the procure-to-pay process. This has significant implications for cost management, supply chain resilience, production continuity, and ultimately, the company's profitability and ability to innovate in the rapidly evolving automotive market. Their technical designs are foundational to the operational efficiency of Ford's global supply chain.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in SAP S/4 HANA modules beyond MM, or specialize further in specific aspects of direct material sourcing, global procurement strategies, or supply chain digitalization.

• Leadership: Transition into roles such as Lead Product Designer, SAP Solution Architect, or Product Manager for the RTO product line, taking on greater strategic and team leadership responsibilities.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Move into other areas of Enterprise Technology or operational functions within Ford, leveraging a strong understanding of ERP systems and business processes.

• Technical Advancement: Become a recognized subject matter expert in SAP S/4 HANA capabilities, contributing to Ford's broader digital transformation initiatives.

• Mentorship: Guide and mentor junior technical resources and functional consultants within the SAP and ERP teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within Ford's extensive IT organization, particularly for those specializing in SAP and supply chain operations. The impact on core business functions like procurement and manufacturing provides significant visibility and opportunities for growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hybrid role, requiring a balance between remote work and in-office collaboration. The specific office environment at Ford's Dearborn campus will likely include modern office spaces designed to foster collaboration and productivity.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Ford's headquarters at 6100 Mercury Dr, Dearborn, Michigan, 48126. This location offers access to extensive corporate facilities and a hub for innovation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages in-office days for team meetings, workshops, and brainstorming sessions, fostering strong working relationships and knowledge sharing.

• Technology Access: Employees will have access to Ford's robust IT infrastructure, including high-performance computing, secure network access, and necessary software licenses for SAP S/4 HANA development and collaboration tools.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with a diverse team of SAP experts, product managers, and business stakeholders, providing opportunities to learn from different perspectives and contribute to a cohesive team effort.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid arrangement typically involves 4 days in the office and 1 day remote, though specific schedules may be flexible and subject to team needs and project demands.

• Occasional overtime may be required to meet critical project milestones or address urgent operational issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key feature, emphasizing flexibility while maintaining the benefits of in-person collaboration. Ford's Dearborn campus is a significant corporate center, suggesting a professional and well-equipped work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume for basic qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Technical Screening/Interview: Expect a discussion focused on your SAP S/4 HANA MM expertise, technical design experience, and understanding of supply chain/procurement processes. This may involve scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Review: You will likely be asked to present and discuss your portfolio, focusing on case studies that demonstrate your technical design capabilities, problem-solving skills, and quantifiable achievements in SAP implementations.

• Team/Manager Interview: Interviews with the hiring manager and potential team members to assess your fit with the team culture, collaboration style, and ability to contribute to the product roadmap.

• Final Interview: A potential final round with senior leadership or architects to discuss strategic alignment and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role and responsibilities, the technical solutions (especially SAP S/4 HANA MM specifics), the design process, challenges faced, and quantifiable results (e.g., efficiency gains, cost reductions, process improvements).

• Highlight Technical Design: Emphasize your architectural thinking, the rationale behind your design decisions, and how your designs addressed specific business needs within the RTO/direct sourcing context.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics and data to demonstrate the value and ROI of your work. Be prepared to explain how you measured these outcomes.

• Showcase Process Optimization: Clearly articulate how your technical designs led to process improvements, greater efficiency, or better data integrity within SAP MM.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, how you handle conflicting requirements, your experience with Agile, and your understanding of enterprise architecture.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios related to SAP S/4 HANA MM functionality, system integration challenges, or process optimization within direct material sourcing.

• Agile Simulation: Understand how you would contribute technically within an Agile sprint, how you approach backlog refinement, and how you collaborate with Product Owners and developers.

• Architecture Discussion: Be ready to discuss your approach to designing scalable, robust, and compliant SAP solutions within a large enterprise context.

• Problem-Solving: Practice articulating your problem-solving process, focusing on analytical thinking and structured approaches to technical challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess technical depth, design capabilities, and collaborative skills. A strong, well-documented portfolio showcasing practical application of SAP S/4 HANA MM and process optimization is critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• SAP S/4 HANA: Core ERP system, with deep expertise required in the Materials Management (MM) module. This includes functionalities like Purchase Requisition & Order Management, Goods Receipt Processing, Invoice Verification, Inventory Management, and Master Data Management.

• SAP MM Configuration Tools: Experience with customizing and configuring SAP MM to meet specific business requirements.

• SAP Solution Manager (SolMan) / SAP Cloud ALM: For application lifecycle management, including requirements management, testing, and change control.

• SAP Fiori / UI5: For designing and understanding user interfaces and user experience within SAP S/4 HANA.

Analytics & Reporting:

• SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC): For business intelligence, planning, and predictive analytics, potentially used for reporting on procurement KPIs.

• SAP BW/4HANA: For data warehousing and advanced analytics, if applicable to reporting needs.

• Microsoft Power BI / Tableau: May be used for downstream reporting and dashboarding of SAP data.

CRM & Automation:

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

• Workflow Automation Tools: Potentially internal Ford tools or SAP Workflow for automating procurement processes.

• Integration Platforms: Experience with SAP's integration technologies (e.g., SAP Integration Suite, SAP PO/PI) or other enterprise integration platforms for connecting SAP with SaaS solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: A deep understanding of SAP S/4 HANA MM is paramount. Familiarity with SAP Ariba is highly advantageous given the focus on direct material sourcing. Experience with SAP's cloud-based solutions (SAC, Cloud ALM) and integration tools is also expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to explore and implement new technologies and methodologies to improve efficiency and transform the future of mobility.

• Collaboration: A commitment to working effectively across diverse teams and functions to achieve shared goals.

• Excellence: A dedication to delivering high-quality solutions and maintaining rigorous standards in design, implementation, and support.

• Customer Focus: An understanding that all technological efforts ultimately support the delivery of value to Ford's customers and business partners.

• Efficiency: A continuous pursuit of process optimization and automation to reduce costs and enhance operational effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: This role requires seamless collaboration with Product Managers, Product Owners, Enterprise Architects, business stakeholders in procurement and supply chain, and development teams.

• Agile Partnership: Working closely with Agile teams, participating actively in ceremonies, and contributing to a shared understanding of technical requirements and solutions.

• Knowledge Sharing: An open approach to sharing technical expertise, design principles, and best practices with colleagues to foster collective learning and development.

• Data-Driven Dialogue: Engaging in discussions supported by data and metrics to drive informed decisions and validate the impact of technical solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Ford's culture likely emphasizes a blend of traditional automotive engineering discipline with modern technology innovation. The values highlight a forward-thinking approach to technology within a structured corporate framework, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and measurable results.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of SAP Ecosystem: Navigating and designing solutions within Ford's large, complex, and highly integrated SAP S/4 HANA landscape.

• Balancing Innovation and Stability: Implementing new technical designs and technologies while ensuring the stability, security, and compliance of critical production systems.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Achieving consensus and alignment on technical designs and roadmaps across diverse stakeholder groups with potentially competing priorities.

• Pace of Technological Change: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in SAP technology, cloud solutions, and automotive industry trends to ensure Ford's systems remain cutting-edge.

• Legacy System Integration: Managing the complexities of integrating modern SAP S/4 HANA solutions with potentially older, legacy systems within Ford's extensive IT infrastructure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• SAP S/4 HANA Specialization: Opportunities to gain deeper certifications and expertise in specific SAP S/4 HANA modules or industry solutions.

• Cloud and Integration Technologies: Learning about and working with modern cloud platforms and integration strategies relevant to enterprise systems.

• Product Management Fundamentals: Gaining exposure to product management principles and roadmap development within an Agile framework.

• Industry Best Practices: Access to industry conferences, webinars, and training focused on supply chain, procurement, and SAP best practices.

• Mentorship Programs: Participation in Ford's internal mentorship programs to develop leadership and strategic thinking skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges related to complexity and scale, common in large enterprises. However, these challenges are balanced by robust opportunities for professional growth and skill development within cutting-edge SAP technologies and strategic product design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex technical design you created for an SAP S/4 HANA MM module, focusing on how it addressed a specific business need in direct material sourcing. What were the key technical considerations and outcomes?"

• "How do you approach the integration of a new SaaS procurement tool with an existing SAP S/4 HANA system? What are the critical data flow and security considerations?"

• "Walk us through your process for translating business requirements from Product Managers into detailed technical specifications for your development team. How do you ensure clarity and feasibility?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Ford Motor Company and our mission to transform the future of mobility?"

• "How do you see your technical design expertise contributing to the strategic goals of Ford's Enterprise Technology division and the RTO product line?"

• "Describe your experience working within an Agile product team. How do you collaborate with Product Owners and developers to ensure successful sprint execution?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Focus: Structure your portfolio presentations around compelling stories. Clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the technical solution (emphasizing SAP S/4 HANA MM design), and the quantifiable business impact.

• Visual Aids: Use diagrams (architecture, process flows) to illustrate your designs and technical concepts. Avoid overly complex slides; focus on clarity and impact.

• Metric-Driven: Be prepared to discuss the KPIs you influenced or tracked, and how you measured the success of your technical designs.

• Technical Depth: Be ready to dive deep into the technical specifics of your SAP S/4 HANA MM solutions, rationalizing your design choices and demonstrating your expertise.

• Cultural Fit: Show enthusiasm for Ford's mission and demonstrate how your collaborative style aligns with their values.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong grasp of SAP S/4 HANA MM technical design within the context of direct material sourcing and Agile development. Quantifiable results and a clear articulation of problem-solving methodologies are key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful SAP S/4 HANA MM implementation or design projects, specifically highlighting direct material sourcing or procurement improvements. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your technical design contribution, challenges, and quantifiable results.

• Tailor Your Resume: Optimize your resume to prominently feature your SAP S/4 HANA MM expertise, technical design experience, Agile methodology involvement, and any experience with supply chain, procurement, or SaaS integrations. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice delivering a concise and compelling presentation of your portfolio, focusing on your technical design process, problem-solving skills, and the business value (ROI) of your solutions. Anticipate technical and behavioral questions.

• Research Ford: Familiarize yourself with Ford's current initiatives in mobility, their Enterprise Technology division, and their commitment to innovation and operational excellence. Understand how your role contributes to their larger objectives.

⚠️ 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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