At Brabers, we’ve had the privilege of partnering with SAP consultants and clients across Europe, supporting a wide range of transformation projects.
But what’s really happening on the ground? Here’s what we’re hearing from our network and what we’re consistently discussing with our clients.
SAP-Specific Market Trends We’re Seeing So Far in 2025
SAP Consultant Rates Are Stable
Contract rates for SAP consultants have largely remained steady in H1. While there are always fluctuations depending on specific modules, regions, and project scopes, we haven’t observed any significant spike in overall rate levels.
That said, niche skills and rare experience still command a premium — especially when tied to newer SAP technologies like SAP BTP, SAP Analytics Cloud, and RISE with SAP delivery models.
Demand for Sharper, Cross-Functional Profiles
Across industries, hiring managers are becoming more targeted in their search. There’s growing demand for SAP consultants who can wear multiple hats — whether that means combining functional and technical knowledge, bridging SAP with cloud or AI technologies, or working comfortably across modules.
Clients are increasingly looking for consultants who understand end-to-end business processes, not just isolated system transactions.
Slow Hiring Cycles Still Create Friction
Despite ongoing demand, the hiring process can be slower than it should be. From our conversations with both clients and candidates, internal bottlenecks remain a common theme:
- Long feedback loops
- Delayed decision-making
- Overly complex onboarding procedures
This creates real frustration — especially for contract consultants ready to jump in and deliver. We continue to encourage clients to simplify hiring processes where possible to stay competitive in a market where talent moves quickly.
AI in SAP: Entry-Level Roles and the Bigger Picture
One specific area we’ve been watching closely is the impact of AI on SAP project teams, especially for entry-level roles. In May, we ran a LinkedIn poll asking the SAP community how AI is currently affecting junior-level positions.
The Results:
- 15% said entry tasks have already been reduced
- 23% said there’s some impact and roles are shifting
- 62% said no current effect, but expect changes soon
While these results might seem subtle at first glance, they confirm what we’ve been discussing with many of our clients and contractors:
- AI isn’t eliminating entry-level roles yet, but it’s definitely changing their nature
- Repetitive, manual tasks once assigned to junior consultants are now handled by automation and AI tools — from master data updates to standard reporting
- As a result, the expectations for junior SAP talent are evolving: they’re now expected to have stronger foundations from day one, as well as the curiosity to understand and work alongside intelligent tools like SAP Joule, SAP AI Core, and BTP-driven automation
In today’s evolving SAP landscape, professionals should focus on continuous upskilling—particularly in cross-functional knowledge, automation, and cloud technologies—while hiring managers and clients must adapt by streamlining recruitment processes, rethinking junior roles, and embracing specialist contractor expertise in emerging SAP areas.
At Brabers, we remain committed to helping both our clients and consultants stay ahead of the curve, whether that means navigating new technologies or addressing the real-world challenges of hiring and project delivery.
