Senior Ariba Downstream IM Design Authority

Role Description: Ariba Downstream IM Design Authority
Role Purpose
The Ariba Downstream IM Design Authority is responsible for defining, governing, and assuring the integrity of Information Management (IM) design solutions across SAP Ariba downstream processes (Procure-to-Pay). The role ensures that data, integration, configuration, and reporting designs align with enterprise architecture, business requirements, and governance standards.
This role acts as the final design authority for IM-related decisions, ensuring consistency, scalability, and compliance across all Ariba downstream implementations and enhancements.

Key Responsibilities
Design Authority & Governance

• Own and approve all Information Management design decisions for Ariba Downstream (Guided Buying, Invoicing, Catalogues, quote automation, commercial planning where applicable)
• Ensure alignment with enterprise data architecture, standards, and governance policies
• Review and sign off on functional and technical design documents (FDDs/TDDs)
• Act as escalation point for complex design issues, trade-offs, and deviations

• Oversee design of interfaces between Ariba and backend ERP systems
• Ensure optimal use of:
  • SAP Ariba Cloud Integration Gateway (CIG)
  • Middleware (e.g., CPI/PI)
• Validate integration patterns for:
  • Requisitions
  • Purchase Orders
  • Goods Receipts
  • Invoices
• Ensure solutions are scalable, secure, and aligned to architectural principles

• Conduct design reviews and checkpoints across project lifecycle
• Ensure IM compliance with:
  • Security and audit requirements
  • Regulatory and financial controls
• Mitigate risks related to:
  • Data inconsistency
  • Integration failures
  • Reporting inaccuracies

• Collaborate with:
  • Business Process Owners
  • Functional Leads
  • Enterprise Architects
  • Integration and Technical teams
• Translate business requirements into robust IM design solutions
• Provide expert guidance on Ariba downstream capabilities and limitations

• Define and maintain:
  • IM design standards and templates
  • Reusable design patterns
• Promote adherence to SAP best practices and clean core principles
• Drive continuous improvement in data governance and design quality

• Approved IM Design Documents (FDDs/TDDs)
• Data models and data flow diagrams
• Integration design approvals
• Data governance frameworks and standards
• Design review and assurance reports

• Strong experience in SAP Ariba Downstream (P2P) modules:
  • Buying & Invoicing
  • Catalog Management
  • Quote Automation
  • Supply Chain Collaboration
• Deep understanding of:
  • SAP S/4HANA or ECC integration
  • CIG and middleware integration patterns
• Experience in solution architecture or design authority roles
• Strong understanding of:
  • Procurement processes
  • Financial integration and compliance

• Strategic thinking and architectural governance
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Stakeholder management and influence
• Attention to data quality and detail
• Decision-making under ambiguity

• Design compliance to standards
• Data quality and integrity metrics
• Reduction in integration defects
• Successful audit outcomes
• Reusability and standardisation of solutions

• Reports to:
  • Enterprise Architecture Lead OR
  • IM/Data Governance Lead OR
  • Global Ariba Delivery Lead