SAP Ariba Functional Lead Upstream (Strategic Sourcing)

Position overview

Lead the Upstream Functional Design

We are seeking an experienced SAP Ariba Functional Lead to own the design and configuration of upstream Strategic Sourcing solutions. This role leads the business-facing side of the engagement: requirements workshops, fit-to-standard design, configuration decisions, and enablement.

The Functional Lead owns what the system does and why. You will translate client sourcing, contracting, and supplier management processes into working Ariba solutions, working alongside a Technical Lead who owns how those solutions are built and integrated.

About PREMIKATI

Practitioners Leading Transformation

PREMIKATI is a woman-owned SAP Gold Partner and Source-to-Pay transformation consultancy. We implement, optimize, and support SAP Ariba, SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud, and Docusign CLM for clients across manufacturing, healthcare, energy, retail, higher education, and the public sector. Our team is built from former Fortune 50 procurement practitioners, and our delivery model follows the SAP Activate methodology with a dedicated Customer Success model and Application Managed Services that extend well past go-live. We hold Pilot Program SI status for Next-Gen SAP Ariba and serve on the SAP North America Partner Advisory Council and the SAP Ariba Global Partner Advisory Council.

What you will own

Key Responsibilities

Lead functional design, configuration, and business enablement across the complete upstream SAP Ariba landscape.

01

Sourcing (RFx and Auctions)

Design RFIs, RFPs, RFQs, and reverse auctions aligned to client category strategy.
Configure bidding rules, award scenarios, event templates, and scoring approaches.
Lead business requirements workshops with sourcing and category management stakeholders.

02

Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM)

Design and configure contract workspaces, clause libraries, and contract terms.
Configure approval workflows, expiration tracking, and compliance reporting.
Define contract hierarchy and attribute structures that support downstream reporting.

03

Supplier Lifecycle and Performance (SLP)

Design supplier registration, qualification, segmentation, and disqualification processes.
Configure supplier risk and performance management, including modular questionnaires.
Own end-to-end supplier onboarding design and the associated stakeholder change impact.

04

Spend Analysis and Category Strategy

Translate spend analysis findings into actionable sourcing strategy for the client.
Define commodity hierarchies and enrichment logic.
Advise clients on category prioritization and savings opportunity sequencing.

05

Process Design and Requirements

Lead fit-gap and fit-to-standard workshops under the SAP Activate methodology.
Produce functional specifications, process flows, and configuration workbooks.
Map client business processes to SAP Ariba leading practice and defend design decisions to executive stakeholders.

06

Integration and Master Data

Define supplier, commodity, and organizational master data requirements.
Define functional requirements for SAP ERP and S/4HANA integration.
Define single sign-on and approval hierarchy requirements in partnership with the Technical Lead.

07

Testing, Enablement, and Deployment

Own functional test scripts, system integration testing, and user acceptance testing.
Lead defect triage and disposition through resolution.
Deliver end-user training, cutover support, and hypercare, then transition the client to Application Managed Services.

What you bring

Experience That Fits the Role

Required Skills and Qualifications

Five or more years of hands-on SAP Ariba functional configuration experience, with at least two full lifecycle upstream implementations.
Demonstrated depth in a minimum of three of the following: Sourcing, Contracts (CLM), Supplier Lifecycle and Performance, Supplier Risk, Spend Analysis.
Proven ability to lead fit-to-standard workshops and drive design decisions with procurement, legal, and finance stakeholders.
Working knowledge of Source-to-Pay process design, including sourcing execution, contract governance, and supplier onboarding.
Ability to produce clear functional specifications, configuration workbooks, and process documentation without rework.
Working understanding of SAP ERP or S/4HANA master data structures and how they constrain Ariba design.
Strong communication skills, including the ability to present design rationale and trade-offs to director and executive audiences.
Ability to work independently across concurrent client engagements in a consulting environment.
Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Information Systems, or equivalent professional experience.

Build measurable outcomes

Put Your SAP Ariba Expertise Where It Is Visible

Joining PREMIKATI offers the opportunity to work on complex Source-to-Pay transformations with clients who expect measurable outcomes. If you are experienced in SAP Ariba, energized by solving real procurement problems, and want to work on a team where your expertise is visible to the client and to the business, we encourage you to apply.

Start Your Application

Apply to PREMIKATI

Apply for SAP Ariba Functional Lead, Upstream

Submit your information, resume, and cover letter below. Our team will review your experience against the role requirements.

PREMIKATI is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from qualified candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.