SAP Ariba Lead

The SAP Ariba Lead will spearhead the deployment within our organisation of SAP Ariba Strategic Sourcing Suite (Contracts, Supplier Lifecycle and Performance), Supplier Risk, Buying/Guided Buying, SAP Fieldglass SOW and Commerce Automation.  is a pivotal role in transforming our sourcing capabilities and delivering long-term value across our commercial operations.

The successful candidate will lead discovery, design, and delivery phases in partnership with our System Integrator, using the SAP Activate methodology.
What you’ll be doing as an Ariba Lead

• Reporting to Commercial and Procurement Director with dotted line to ERP Programme Director.
• Actively engage in programme governance and be accountable for mobilisation of resources, development/ baselining of delivery plans.
• Using existing Source to Pay process review materials together with identifying further inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.
• Develop and execute a robust business change strategy focussing on both suppliers and internal users.
• Oversee data migration, cleansing, transformation and validation activities ensuring business sign off at each stage.
• Define and track KPIs and benefits aligned to strategic sourcing goals. Provide regular executive-level reporting on progress, risks, and outcomes.
• Ensure programme delivers measurable commercial and operational value.
• Lead supplier onboarding and engagement strategies. Champion user adoption through a robust change management, training and support approach.

This is a fixed term contract for 19 – 24 months

Base location – Hybrid – Clear Water Court Reading

Working pattern – 36 hours

What you should bring to the role
The essential criteria to help you succeed in this role are:

Qualifications

• Degree in Business, IT, Supply Chain, or related field.
• SAP Ariba certification or equivalent experience preferred.
• Project Management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP) is desirable.

Technical experience

• Strong understanding of strategic sourcing, procurement processes, and ERP integration.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience in data governance, supplier enablement, and change management.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage third-party delivery partners.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., especially SAP) and data analytics/migration tools.
• Knowledge of SAP Ariba (has implemented Ariba several times before ideally in a utility and regulated environment.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary of up to £95,000 per annum depending on experience.
• Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays)
• Car Allowance.
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to both company and individual. performance measures and targets.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Private Medical Health Care.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Find out more about our benefits and perks

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet. Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family.

Why choose us? Learn more.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.