SAP Ariba Supplier Enablement lead

Job description

Introduction

At IBM, work is more than a job - it's a calling: To build. To design. To code. To consult. To think along with clients and sell. To make markets. To invent. To collaborate. Not just to do something better, but to attempt things you've never thought possible. Are you ready to lead in this new era of technology and solve some of the world's most challenging problems? If so, lets talk.

Your role and responsibilities

The SAP Ariba Supplier Enablement Lead is responsible for driving the onboarding, activation, and adoption of suppliers onto SAP Ariba solutions. This role owns supplier enablement strategy, execution, and governance to ensure suppliers are successfully transacting on Ariba (POs, invoices, catalogs, and payments) in alignment with Procure‑to‑Pay transformation objectives. The lead partners with Procurement, AP, Legal, IT, Change Management, and external enablement providers to deliver a scalable, compliant, and supplier‑friendly enablement experience across global supplier populations.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Enablement Strategy & Leadership

• Define and execute the SAP Ariba supplier enablement strategy aligned with P2P transformation goals Segment suppliers by complexity, volume, geography, and transaction type (PO, non‑PO, catalog, invoicing)
• Establish onboarding waves, timelines, and readiness criteria
• Serve as the primary owner of supplier enablement governance and execution

SAP Ariba Functional Ownership

• Lead enablement across SAP Ariba solutions including: Ariba Network (AN) Ariba Buying & Invoicing Supplier Lifecycle & Performance (SLP) (if applicable)

Guided Buying (if applicable)

• Support enablement for: PO flip eInvoicing (standard, credit memo, PO and Non‑PO) Catalog setup (hosted, CIF, punch‑out) Supplier profiles and compliance documentation

Supplier Onboarding & Adoption

• Drive supplier onboarding activities from initial outreach through go‑live readiness
• Coordinate supplier communications, training sessions, and onboarding support
• Resolve supplier configuration and transaction issues in partnership with Ariba and internal teams
• Track supplier activation, transaction success rates, and issue resolution Cross‑Functional Collaboration
• Partner with Procurement, AP, Tax, Legal, and IT to align supplier enablement requirements
• Support contract and policy alignment related to supplier network participation
• Coordinate with Change Management and Training teams to support supplier and internal readiness
• Manage third‑party enablement partners or SAP Ariba enablement services Reporting, Risk & Compliance
• Track enablement KPIs (onboarding progress, transaction adoption, error rates)
• Provide executive‑level reporting on supplier readiness and adoption risks
• Ensure compliance with tax, regulatory, and internal control requirements
• Support audit requests related to supplier transactions and documentation

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to streamline onboarding and reduce supplier friction Standardize enablement playbooks, templates, and operational processes Capture supplier and internal feedback to improve the enablement experience
• Support post‑go‑live optimization and supplier adoption expansion

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Information Systems, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in SAP Ariba, with strong focus on supplier enablement Hands‑on experience with Ariba Network onboarding and supplier transactions
• Proven delivery experience in large‑scale Ariba or P2P implementations
• Strong stakeholder communication and issue‑resolution skills

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with global or multi‑entity supplier onboarding Knowledge of Procure‑to‑Pay, Accounts Payable, and procurement operations Experience managing enablement vendors or offshore teams SAP Ariba certification(s) Previous work in manufacturing, life sciences, retail, utilities, or regulated industries

Core Competencies

SAP Ariba Supplier Enablement Ariba Network & P2P Processes Supplier Communications & Change Management Cross‑Functional Program Execution Risk & Issue Management Executive & Supplier Stakeholder Engagement Why This Role High‑visibility role critical to P2P transformation success

• Direct impact on supplier adoption, invoice automation, and payment efficiency Opportunity to shape supplier experience and global enablement standards
• Partner with enterprise procurement and finance leadership IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.