The ever-expanding capabilities of technology mean that if you’re a SAP consultant considering (or already) operating in the UK, there are more career opportunities available to you than ever. After all, data processing lies at the core of the SAP industry, and blossoming technologies such as artificial intelligence are making data accumulation and sorting extremely efficient.
Demonstrable SAP skills are sought-after in many industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare and retail, to name a few. As companies turn to advanced technologies to streamline their operations, skilled SAP professionals are becoming increasingly in-demand as individuals for their understanding of enterprise resource planning software and their ability to implement it efficiently.
With the high demand for SAP expertise across diverse industries, the UK presents a particularly promising landscape for those seeking a fulfilling career in this field. “As one of the world’s largest economies, including many cities, considered international business hubs, you’ll find plenty of SAP jobs in the UK,” notes Eursap, Europe’s largest SAP recruitment agency. “From London and Manchester to Newcastle and Birmingham, there are openings throughout the country.” Diving into the evolving UK SAP industry, we’re here to provide you with a comprehensive guide to the SAP career opportunities. This guide will help you navigate this industry and make the most of your expertise.
High-Demand SAP Roles in the UK
If you’re working in the SAP industry, there are plenty of types of roles to explore that will require your specific area of expertises in the UK. In fact, around 90% of the Fortune 500 use some sort of SAP software, so successful companies spanning across many industries will have positions they need to be filled with SAP experts. From consultant to project manager, here’s the rundown.
SAP Consultant
If you’re looking to pursue a career as a SAP consultant in the UK, you should be an expert in SAP software and its implementation. SAP consultants work closely with clients to understand their business requirements, design SAP solutions and provide leadership when working with a team. Many companies require consultants with expertise in specific modules such as SAP ERP, SAP S/4HANA, SAP SuccessFactors, SAP Business Intelligence, and SAP Customer Experience.
SAP Developer
Companies hire SAP developers to customise and extend their existing SAP software through programming and development. SAP developers write code, create custom applications, build integrations with other systems and enhance existing SAP functionalities to meet the unique needs of the clients. In the UK, the demand for SAP developers is driven by a company’s need for tailored solutions that will address specific business requirements. There is demand for developers skilled in programming languages such as ABAP and SAP Fiori/UI5 for frontend development.
SAP Analyst
Analysts will assess a company’s business processes, gather requirements and design solutions using SAP software. As a SAP Analyst you’ll work closely with business stakeholders to understand their needs, identify opportunities for improvement and recommend SAP-based solutions that align with their organisational goals. Plenty of UK-based companies are attempting to optimise their operations and SAP’s capabilities for better decision making. This means that if you have expertise as a SAP analyst in areas such as business process analysis, system configuration and data analytics, you’ll be highly sought after.
SAP Project Manager
The planning, execution and delivery of SAP implementation projects require skilled SAP project managers. They will also coordinate with cross-functional teams, manage project timelines and budgets, and ensure successful project outcomes — often by conducting thorough risk assessments. Wherever there is SAP implementation, there is demand for SAP project managers.
SAP Functional Consultant
Functional consultants in the SAP industry specialise on specific functional areas within SAP, such as finance, supply chain, human resources or sales and distribution. They possess deep knowledge of SAP modules relevant to their area of specialisation and provide expertise in configuring, testing and optimising SAP solutions. The demand for SAP functional consultants varies depending on the industry and specific modules in demand. For example, the finance and manufacturing industries often require consultants with expertise in SAP Financials, SAP Controlling, SAP Material Management and SAP Production Planning.
How to Land a SAP Job in the UK
Organisations focusing on agility, growth and innovation are moving towards a whole new operating model for work where the workplace places skills at the centre. For a professional who specialises in SAP, this is good news. Working with SAP requires a technical skillset that is sought-after in many industries. Here are some tips to make the most of this prospering SAP job market in the UK.
Research the Market
Understand the current demand for SAP professionals in the UK by exploring job postings, industry reports, and networking with professionals in the field.
Acquire Relevant Skills
Invest time in learning and mastering key SAP modules and technologies that are in demand in the UK market, such as SAP ERP, SAP S/4HANA, SAP Fiori/UI5, ABAP programming, and SAP Cloud Platform. The IBM Consulting Association recommends choosing one module of expertise and focusing on it by using the SAP Learning Hub and online courses on YouTube and Udemy.
Take SAP Training Courses
Enrol in SAP training courses offered by SAP Education or accredited training partners to learn SAP software and gain hands-on experience with SAP systems.
Earn SAP Certifications
Consider pursuing SAP certifications to validate your skills and expertise in specific SAP modules or technologies. Popular certifications include SAP Certified Application Associate (CAA) and SAP Certified Development Associate (CDA).
Elevate your CV
Showcase your SAP skills prominently on your resume, including specific modules, technologies, and projects you have worked on. Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate the impact of your contributions.
