News Article

SAP customers may choose to bring in freelance consultants to support transformation, deliver key projects, or cover skill gaps in their in-house teams. We’ve seen a steady increase in contract hiring, particularly across high-demand skill areas like SAP S/4HANA, SuccessFactors, and Analytics.

Managing them effectively, so they deliver maximum value without unnecessary oversight, requires a different approach than managing permanent team members. Here's what we’ve learned from supporting hiring managers:

1. Get crystal clear on scope and deliverables

Freelancers are typically brought in to deliver results fast. But they can only hit the ground running if they know exactly what they’re being hired to do.

I always advise our clients to spend time upfront documenting:

• What the consultant is responsible for
• What success looks like
• Any relevant milestones or deadlines
• Who internally is responsible for approvals or sign-off

This level of clarity helps prevent scope creep, delays, and misaligned expectations. A quick call and a simple project brief can save many problems later on.

2. Provide access promptly

One common blocker I hear about from contractors is delayed access to systems, documentation, or key stakeholders. Freelancers don’t have time to sit idle for a week waiting on approvals.

Make sure your onboarding checklist includes:

• Login credentials
• Any relevant documentation (e.g. system architecture, past project notes)
• A list of internal contacts they may need to speak with

Treat your freelancer like someone joining your team, even if it’s just for a short while.

3. Communicate the Right Amount

Freelancers generally prefer autonomy, but that doesn’t mean no communication. The best outcomes I’ve seen happen when there’s a regular short and focused check-in (e.g. every week or fortnight depending on project size).

During these check-ins, cover:

• Progress updates
• Blockers or issues
• Any scope changes or new priorities

4. Respect Their Time and Their Expertise

Be respectful of their time by avoiding unnecessary meetings. Trust their input. They’ve likely solved similar problems for other SAP clients.

The best client–freelancer relationships work as a two-way street. The freelancer brings best practices from other environments. The client brings internal context. Together, they often achieve better outcomes than either side could deliver alone.

5. Pay Promptly and Fairly

This one’s simple but often overlooked. Want your freelancer to go the extra mile? Pay them on time. Delayed payments damage trust and can discourage top-tier consultants from working with you again.

If you're unsure what the current day rates are across different SAP roles, we can share benchmark data. Check out our 2025 SAP Salary and Hiring Guide for the latest salary data.

Managing freelance SAP consultants well involves alignment, communication, and trust. When you treat freelancers like expert partners rather than temporary help, they’ll deliver results that exceed expectations.

If you’re considering bringing on a freelancer or want advice on managing your current team, feel free to get in touch. We specialise in connecting companies with highly skilled SAP contractors, supporting both sides to make the engagement a success. We're always happy to share what’s working across the market.