SAP S/4HANA Automotive Functional Lead / Architect

Location: UK - On-site 2-3 days per week, with travel as required
Duration: 12 months+
Type: Full-time contract
Rate: Negotiable
Reporting to: Customer Executives / Programme Steering Committee

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced SAP S/4HANA Automotive Functional Lead / Architect to lead the end-to-end SAP solution architecture for a complex automotive OEM transformation.

You will provide functional leadership across SAP S/4HANA, vehicle manufacturing, JIT/JIS, VIN traceability, Advanced Variant Configuration, PLM, MES, supplier integration, logistics and aftersales, while governing a harmonised global template across multiple plants and business functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead SAP functional architecture and design across SD, MM, PP and QM within an automotive OEM environment.
• Design and govern JIT/JIS, VIN management, vehicle configuration and production processes across body, paint and final assembly.
• Lead solution design for Advanced Variant Configuration (AVC), engineering change and model-year processes.
• Define and govern automotive EDI, supplier scheduling, ASN and inbound logistics processes.
• Drive SAP integration with MES, PLM, CRM and other shop-floor/business systems.
• Architect Finished Vehicle Logistics, yard management, carrier integration, dealer allocation and vehicle release.
• Support warranty, recalls, service campaigns and regional regulatory requirements.
• Lead blueprinting, fit-gap analysis, design authority and global template governance.
• Provide senior-level architectural guidance to Customer, Partner and programme stakeholders.
• Ensure solution quality, risk management, delivery governance and alignment to programme KPIs.

Essential Experience

• 10+ years SAP experience, with strong expertise across S/4HANA, SD/MM/PP/QM.
• Proven experience delivering SAP solutions within automotive OEM / vehicle manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of JIT/JIS, VIN management, variant configuration and multi-plant manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with automotive EDI, supplier scheduling, ASN and inbound logistics.
• Experience integrating SAP with MES and PLM platforms.
• Strong global template, solution governance and design authority experience.
• Ability to engage confidently with C-suite, programme leadership and senior business stakeholders.

Desirable

• SAP S/4HANA certification.
• Experience on major automotive OEM transformation programmes.
• Knowledge of SAP BTP, Fiori, Ariba, EWM and cloud extensions.
• Consulting experience with major automotive clients.
• Familiarity with IATF 16949 and automotive regulatory requirements.

What We're Looking For

An architect-level SAP professional with deep automotive OEM experience, capable of combining hands-on functional expertise with strategic solution leadership. You should be comfortable operating in a high-profile transformation programme, influencing senior stakeholders and driving standardisation across complex manufacturing operations.

UK-based candidates able to commit to 2-3 days per week on-site are strongly preferred.