GEP Worldwide Senior Sourcing Lead Interview Questions and Answers

I possess strong negotiation skills, focusing on collaboration, strategic planning, and effective communication to achieve win-win outcomes.

• I utilize active listening to understand the needs and concerns of all parties involved, ensuring a collaborative approach.

• In a previous role, I successfully negotiated a 15% cost reduction with a key supplier by presenting data on market trends and competitor pricing.

• I prepare tho...read more

Choosing between two suppliers requires evaluating factors beyond just standards, such as reliability and cost-effectiveness.

• Evaluate total cost of ownership, including shipping and handling fees.

• Consider supplier reliability; check their delivery history and customer reviews.

• Assess the flexibility of the supplier in terms of order quantities and lead times.

• Examine the supplier's financial stability to ensure they can ...read more

Procurement focuses on purchasing goods and services, while sourcing involves finding suppliers and negotiating contracts.

• Procurement is the process of acquiring goods and services for a business or organization.

• Sourcing is the act of identifying, evaluating, and selecting suppliers to provide goods or services.

• Procurement involves the actual purchasing and payment for goods and services.

• Sourcing involves activities su...read more

The sourcing process involves identifying, evaluating, and selecting suppliers to meet the needs of the organization.

• Identify the needs and requirements of the organization

• Research potential suppliers and evaluate their capabilities

• Negotiate terms and conditions with selected suppliers

• Finalize contracts and establish relationships with suppliers

• Monitor supplier performance and make adjustments as needed

I have experience using tools such as SAP Ariba, Oracle Procurement Cloud, and Jaggaer for sourcing.

• SAP Ariba

• Oracle Procurement Cloud

• Jaggaer

Yes, I have experience with e-sourcing tools and platforms.

• Utilized e-sourcing tools to streamline procurement processes

• Managed RFx processes through e-sourcing platforms

• Analyzed supplier data and conducted negotiations online

• Implemented e-sourcing strategies to drive cost savings

• Trained team members on e-sourcing best practices

Reverse auction is a procurement method where suppliers compete to win business by offering lower prices.

• Buyers set a maximum price they are willing to pay for a product or service.

• Suppliers then bid against each other, with the lowest bid winning the business.

• Reverse auctions are often used for commodities or standardized products.

• They can lead to cost savings for the buyer, but may not always result in the best quali...read more

Strategies in Procurement involve identifying cost-saving opportunities, building supplier relationships, and optimizing supply chain operations.

• Identifying cost-saving opportunities through negotiation and strategic sourcing

• Building strong supplier relationships through communication and collaboration

• Optimizing supply chain operations through inventory management and demand forecasting

• Implementing technology solutions...read more

Yes, I am ready to work the night shift and understand its importance for operational efficiency.

• I have experience working night shifts in previous roles, which helped me adapt to different schedules.

• I understand that night shifts can enhance productivity by aligning with global teams in different time zones.

• I am committed to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, ensuring I remain effective during night hours.

• In my ...read more

Commodity products are basic goods with little differentiation, while specialized products are unique and require specific expertise.

• Commodity products are often sold in large quantities and have low profit margins.

• Specialized products require specialized knowledge and skills to produce and sell.

• Commodity products include items like wheat, oil, and metals.

• Specialized products include items like medical equipment, aeros...read more

Implemented a special savings project by optimizing supplier contracts and consolidating spend.

• Analyzed supplier contracts to identify cost-saving opportunities

• Consolidated spend across business units to negotiate better pricing

• Implemented new procurement policies to ensure ongoing savings

• Achieved $2M in annual cost savings

• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure project success