Job Information
IBM SAP Ariba Supplier Enablement lead in Austin, Texas
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 technical and professional expertise
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.