Had initial contact with their recruiter, who found my resume from a job website. He was very jovial, and I discussed with him on what I am looking for in a job, and he listened carefully. Being a road warrior for half a year and realizing I really wasn't built to be one (a lot of anxiety), I stressed that minimal travel is important to me. They weren't really hiring yet - he just mentioned he saw my credentials (5 years extensive experience with the app) and was surprised no one from Ariba has contacted me yet. He mentioned the perks of working in Ariba - you get several weeks off a year (mandatory), healthcare, training before going on-board, and work from home options. After asking for my desired rate he mentioned Ariba might actually provide me a higher rate than what I asked for. He says he will definitely contact someone from Chicago (the closest office they have to where I am) and see if there are opportunities available.
Almost a month passed, then he called me back. The only positions available were more of the likes of consultants, which require up to 75% travel. But there was a technical position open in the GA area, and I was willing to give it a shot. A short phone interview was scheduled the same day, and I was on the phone with probably the project manager (forgot his title). He asked me the basics, my experience, and did a few highly technical questions. Unfortunately I realized I was more of a practical than a conceptual person, and while I wasn't able to clearly provide definitions of terms the manager asked for, I was able to answer the same questions when expressed as an example. It went fairly well, but I don't think that was the best interview I've had.
He at least asked me my comfort levels on the knowledge of the subject matter, which of course I was very confident with my experience. The manager asked me my desired rate and availability, which I answered promptly, and he did not negotiate. He told me he will get back with HR first (so I assumed I'm not formally offered the position yet). The position was out-of-state, and likely requires up to 50% travel (monthly), so I mentioned that before I accept the job once offered I will have to discuss this with my family. The overall interview atmosphere felt rushed, and speaking with the manager I felt like I was wasting precious 30 minutes of their time.
Aside from the reason below on why I declined, I honestly felt the manager seemed a bit cold (as opposed to the recruiter who was very nice) - I did not expect to make a decision to "accept" the job before they formally extend the offer - I heard him say, "It's up to 50% travel so I want to let you know the expectations because I don't want you to call the next day and say 'I cannot accept the position'". To me the purpose of an interview is to actually know more about the job and the employer, then deciding whether or not to get on board when a formal offer is extended. I guess one of their primary requirements is to have someone be willing to travel. I felt like they expected me to just throw myself into the whole thing like I had no choice before moving on with the subsequent interview process. I was interested, not desperate.