Post a Job. And get FREE 2700 Supply Chain Management Terms and Glossary once subscribe. Ask them what their main … Do you have a preferred category? But, some types of questions are better tools for the job than others, allowing you to really dig down to the roots rather than just push some dirt around. A clear response to this useful statement ensures you are dealing with an expert in the commodity/category. The answers are not necessarily “deal breakers,” but can help set a tone for the interview and aid you in gauging a candidate’s overall potential, as well as how well their goals mesh with your company’s. [Revised & Updated]. If you are looking for Top Tips on how to find your next opportunity in procurement watch my vlog below on this topic. Here are some specific questions that you should consider asking: • What is the cost of setting up a new vendor in your computer system? As an interviewee, if you are thinking between APICS VS CIPS – What Should You Choose? We are open to learning, and hearing about new ideas too!! You do not need to stop selling just because you are dealing with procurement. You can also join our first online Instructor-Led Training – Introduction to Procurement course on 18th Sep by clicking the below button. But they also need to display flexibility, skill, and outside-the-box thinking in order to address new challenges or identify and exploit potential supply chain improvements.”. With this, you also get to know if internal stakeholder’s negotiations are allowed. Excess and Obsolete Inventory Policy Guide, is a Manufacturing Operations, Procurement and Supply Chain leader from international multi-site manufacturing experience in Electrical, Hydraulics and Internet industries, Online Instructor Led Training – Introduction to Procurement, An Ultimate Guide to Procurement Management for Managers, Learn Negotiation: Master Essential Skills for Success, Learn Service Procurement Process in SAP MM, 21 Authentic Procurement Interview Questions and Answers Guide, On this blog, you'll find the list of the most common procurement interview questions asked by employers for each area of the industry, Materials Management Technical Competencies Self Assessment Tool, 5S – Kaizen Guide: Organizing the Workplace for Flow, A Comprehensive Six Sigma Project Checklist, The Ultimate Guide to Inventory Planning Methods, Warehouse Audit Tool – To Improve Warehouse Performance. This question covers the kind of commodities the procurement expert prefers and what level of understanding he possesses on past trends which can be applied to the here and now. They aren’t just powerful open-ended sales questions, they are probing questions … STRATEGIC SOURCING VS. PURCHASING – 7 KEY DIFFERENCES. This was really a good article to read for a budding and an experienced Procurement Professional. Knowledge-based Procurement Questions and Answers Guide. I have written couple of blogs on this which you might find useful. i thank you for your innocent help to know what it mean and to upgrade my knowledge that i have. There are logic & Principle for goods and services procurement applied by most firms, and you would want to know how they work to arrive at the best deals. The short answer of this question is as follows: One of the key difference of Strategic Sourcing in contrast to conventional purchasing is that it extends beyond purchasing and focuses on converging and sustaining the buyer-supplier-relationships (Skjøtt-Larsen & Schary, 2001). And in most cases, people struggle to explain or they start waffling! There is a difference and you can learn the difference by reading JIT Purchasing – 3 Reasons why it is Different from Conventional Purchasing. The procurement manager should be well informed because they need to be purchasing based on the latest trends in the marketplace. Asking the right procurement interview questions, and investing in those who can answer them honestly, intelligently, and creatively, is the first step to crafting a team of procurement professionals with the skills, experience, and talent needed to build lasting value for your company. In addition to these, you are guaranteed to be asked a lot of generic job interview questions too – so check out this Blog for some tips on how to tackle these. Anyone who’s ever been either side of a job interview knows the first stage is basic information collection. Why is the service needed? These questions help you identify what a candidate’s looking for, their understanding of the job description, and whether they personally will be a good fit for your company’s culture. So they’re in a position of constantly running between sales representatives and the end-users in their own organization. Procurement Managers are responsible for buying goods for your company either for use or resale. There are plenty of useful research and materials available. Purchasing Agent Interview Questions. I have written an article on 10 Must Have Customer Supplier Relationship Areas – How Many You Have? Personalized Procurement Interview Questions for Professionals, Graduates, as well as other Experienced Managers. Purchasing agents buy products on behalf of their company for use or wholesale. A well-done spend profile will reveal things like the amount of money your organization spends on each category of goods and services it purchases, the amount of money spent with each supplier, changes in spend over time, and other valuable information. Questions to Ask Your Procurement Manager to Ensure Smooth Sales. A candidate’s accomplishments underscore not only their perceived competencies but how much value they place on key parts of the position on offer. 18 questions you should ask possible vendors and suppliers. Here, we have compiled our own list of those simple questions and we have asked three of our team to answer them for you. We just need a bit more information from you so our specialists know how to assist you better. It also speaks to their relationship management and interpersonal skills, and their ability to strategize cogently and capably under pressure. It also provides a reliable foundation for future questions about specific interactions and how a candidate overcame a challenge or generated significant cost savings for their employer. The mark of excellence here is how well thought out the response is. A real expert always loves the job yet would still have their likes and dislikes about procurement. The Procurement team would be grateful for any feedback you may have that will help them improve your Procurement experience. For example, you can read further on 10 primary principles of sustainable procurement. If a candidate (for example) has high subject matter expertise but doesn’t necessarily care for supervising other people, they might make a poor fit for the position of procurement manager. Hi Sir, These engaging sales questions are open-ended and meant to start a dialogue. Remember they have a manager and are part of a team just like you. Understanding the concept of buying and the processes involved while buying any product or service is essential. Procure to Pay is an important aspect of the procurement function. Good one , thanks for sharing Getting the lay of the land is the first step to evaluating a candidate effectively. Maybe you have even Googled “procurement interview questions” to make sure you come ready with the best answers for your potential future boss. Dr.Muddassir What motivated you to apply for this position? To be effective in improving your company’s supply chain, you need to have a broader perspective. When defining requirements for the procurement of services, the following are 19 questions to consider: What type of service do we need? So, we need to find the right balance between cost reduction and best supply chain design to meet customer service targets and operational goals. You now know what open-ended sales questions are and when to use them. A little strategy and thoughtful consideration when asking common interview questions (and some not so common) can help ensure every job interview is designed to bring the brightest and best into your organization. This will quickly show you their attitude and mindset. Whatever the case, their answer should make it clear how they can put the skills they’ve used in the past to help strengthen your purchasing organization in the future. Below are five common negotiating tactics used by Procurement and their business goals together with corresponding counter-tactics you can use in response. “Advice and counsel from more senior leaders, who are willing to share their insightful sharing of experiences and gives you career guidance and growth tips”. If a position is brand new, or the job description has changed significantly and a new team must be established, this question is vital. With this Procurement Interview Questions, you should be able to know the difference between procurement and purchasing with the provided response. You can learn more here. The most common questions asked about procurement are often the simplest ones and often the ones people are hesitant to ask. Also, this Procurement Interview Question, would mainly tell if he/she has the required experience level you are looking for in a procurement professional. I really loved this article! But before you ask questions of your data, you need to ask questions of your potential vendor. How would you implement a cost-saving, value-building initiative across the entire organization? Effective Procurement Interview Questions. Sales 5 Questions Every Salesperson Should Be Asking Prospective Customers Prospective customers respond most to questions that address their business. You should NOT just stick to these questions. Regardless, job seekers need to show they understand truly effective ways to engage with internal clients as well as external suppliers, and work together to accomplish initiatives and support both procurement and company-wide goals. The Links for helping us to answer the question and provoke our thoughts over the specific topics were really very helpful and Informative. Posted on 14th July, 2017 21st February, 2018 by Tashya Viknesh. Our List of Best Sales Questions to Ask on a Sales Call. Typically, such jobs are more suited for experienced managers in the field, but as newcomers or fresh buyers, these procurement interview questions are essential to start out on the right foot. Thanks a lot for sharing it. Such teams don’t simply spring into being, however—they need to be built. Core DNA says these questions begin a conversation with the prospect and are used both during the initial stages with a prospect as well as with the close. Another useful article is Supplier Partnership Vs Traditional View of Supplier Management. In answering this set of questions, the prospective employee has a chance to demonstrate their problem solving and negotiation skills, as well as their knowledge of existing tools and techniques. Masters in Supply Chain Management – Top 6 Universities in the U.K. 18 Targeted Inventory Reduction Strategies for Supply Chain Professionals. The objective is to leverage them, exploit their capabilities, integrate and complement the core competencies of the various partners in the supply chain (interdependence) so as to provide value and cost efficiencies and uniqueness for the customer. We just need some information from you so our specialists know how to assist you better. With this, you also get to know if internal stakeholder’s negotiations are allowed. Can the candidate not only manage, but inspire, the people under their guidance? Applicants who sit for exams from either CIPS or APICS will bring additional skills to a position and expanded knowledge on topics such as: Job interview questions are a deceptively crucial part of building a winning procurement organization—and a stronger, more successful business. What are the details of the service required? Many people use the term “supply chain management” when they are really talking about the procurement, logistics, or operations functions. Well, my advice to anyone looking to get the best out of every procurement interview is to read this blog and understand the concepts behind each question and the proper application into the answers offers an insight into the following: You might also want to refer your logistics colleagues and friends 27 Essential Logistics Interview Questions and Answers, I am sure they will find it very useful. https://www.facebook.com/public/Brian-Nagele. However, don’t take this question lightly. The “go between” role can create a no-win situation for purchasing managers. Do they lead by example? A procurement manager plans and coordinates the work of buyers and purchasing agents. Describe a situation in which you’ve overcome the objections of a difficult stakeholder. Whether a prospect is applying for the position of buyer/procurement specialist, procurement analyst, or even procurement manager, it’s a good idea to establish their understanding of basic concepts within the procurement function—and their capacities and capabilities within it. This article briefly talks about Procurement Strategy Development which could be a good start to gather your thoughts. 20 Well Researched & Proven Supplier Development Activities You can Apply. Who can best describe the service required? As a candidate, you can answer this question by using an example of sustainable procurement practices. A much more effective approach is to ask questions that draw your prospect out. The goal of my keynotes is to motivate through inspiration and stories of transformation, with liberal doses of education. Well, I hope you enjoyed the 21 Procurement Interview Questions and Answers Guide and have learned something new about it. What is Direct and Indirect Supplier Development Process? By understanding their objectives, we will be better positioned to work with Procurement and achieve a successful sales outcome. so thank you so much for your kind help. You do not want to hire a candidate who is devoted solely to old ideas. Also, do not forget to ask questions which could ensure their integrity of dealings most importantly. We reached out to MRA Global Sourcing, a supply chain management and procurement recruiting firm, to hear what questions they ask procurement job candidates and what the candidates' answers reveal about their skills and … For instance, one business owner had a point of sales system for chefs who ran their own business but was having trouble selling i… For me, this is one of the trickier questions and there is no easy answer. If you are preparing for the next interview in the procurement function, knowing the answers of some of these questions will help you prepare better. Sector-specific experience can be useful in more senior positions. As a start, try asking some of the questions below in different stages of the buying cycle: Buying history questions. He ensures that his organization secures the best deals for … In this Procurement Interview Question, we want to know how much you estimate your understanding of what supply chain risk management is for you. Supplier Partnership Vs Traditional View of Supplier Management, 27 Uplifting Cost Reduction Strategies You Should Try, STRATEGIC SOURCING VS. PURCHASING – 7 KEY DIFFERvENCES, JIT Purchasing – 3 Reasons why it is Different from Conventional Purchasing, Get That Job! When you are going to the procurement interview you can except that interviewer will ask some questions about you so he/she can get insight into your personality, and to decide whether you're a fit for the job and for the company as well. For example, I have gone into battle with some commodity managers who have agreed a very high batch size of machined parts to get the best price, which throws my Just in Time, lean means supply chain design out of the window! When? If you're a loyal customer, you can ask for better warranties or an extended customer service plan. The best of this very interesting question is in my very frequently read blog “STRATEGIC SOURCING VS. PURCHASING – 7 KEY DIFFERvENCES”, The processes or steps they go through is fundamental, and how they measure their success on the job. Since writing a blog on Supply Chain Management interview questions, I received lots of requests from people seeking to interview Buyer or Commodity Managers within the Procurement Function. It can also determine which businesses need your solution the most. So, to help my procurement friends, I have written a blog on 27 Uplifting Cost Reduction Strategies You Should Try , which I am sure they will find useful. The specific needs of a given position may not only require enhanced industry knowledge, but benefit from the skills gained via specialized certifications. Have you built a procurement team from scratch? Inventory Analysis and Supply Chain optimization services included detailed problem solving, technical details & data, knowledge sharing, and detailed summary report. While we've suggested wording here in this article, feel free to use the concepts, but make the wording your own when you ask the questions. with best regards tsegay meresa. Supplier sourcing and evaluation and supply chain management, Dealing with internal and external stakeholders. Supplier Development Programme in Lean Six Sigma and SME Context. 9. Do This Self Assessment, Supply Chain Management interview questions, 10 Ways on How to Successfully Find Supply Chain Jobs, generic job interview questions too – so check out this Blog, 27 Essential Logistics Interview Questions and Answers. Part of your response should include how suppliers are compared and awarded, specifications, which internal customers are involved, etc. Often suppliers offer incentives. You can maintain going deeper and more profound until you get satisfied. You want to ask about discounts you could be eligible for. A Technical Definition. Different procurement processes appeal in different ways to different people. This blog has everything you need to know about trade management. What technology and tools, such as procurement software, would you use to do so? To identify these aptitudes and attitudes, you might ask more complex, multi-part questions such as: Please describe your top three career accomplishments. Crafting a team also requires strong strategic skills, and a practical and creative vision for how the team will function in pursuit of departmental and company-wide goals. Their response should include their views on, and knowledge of: What do you like the most about procurement? SRG Insights is a Q&A video series where we answer your questions on the topics of sales, sales management, sales coaching, and sales training. Here are some simple ways to help make procurement your best friend in the sales process. In my view, asking the candidate if he/she has ever heard about CIPS and its importance or any Procurement related qualification is also essential. Submit your question here. Examples questions you might ask include: Please describe your style of leadership. From which states or countries have you purchased, and what are examples of the quantities or categories of goods bought? There is a variety of problems currently facing the procurement division. How do you define and approach purchasing—and procurement as a whole? The basis for determining an organization’s purchasing patterns is conducting a spend analysis and building a spend profile. How do you manage supplier relationships? What do you like the least? If I am supposed to find questions, suppose to find useful links to answer the questions and if I am expected to write the sample answer of them, then what you are going to do? The answer to this question makes it immediately clear how much your prospect knows about purchasing as a function of procurement, and speaks to their existing skill set. Attending a procurement interview soon? With this Procurement Interview Question, you get a better view of his/her interpretation of values, style and interpersonal skills. They have objectives and a targets to achieve as well. Procurement Tactic: Deflect or discredit your value proposition. Why should I read this blog? Overall this article was really helpful and a good one to read. And if you are looking for top tips how to find your next career move, you can benefit from reading 10 Ways on How to Successfully Find Supply Chain Jobs. If a purchasing department or purchasing agent is considering switching from your company to another supplier, are you ready with a set of questions that could reveal why such a switch is a bad idea? Here, the interviewer is trying to understand your ethos and technical knowledge of how you would manager supplier relationships. What’s your ideal corporate culture, and why? Can they readily and confidently explain their approach? 10 Supply Chain Risks You Need to be Mindful of to Avoid Disruption, 7 Supply Chain Risk Villains You Might Need to Fight Against [Infographic]. How a candidate answers this pair of questions offers additional insight into their specific subject matter expertise, as well as their experience with sourcing for direct and indirect spending. PURCHASING VS PROCUREMENT – KEY DIFFERENCES, to substantiate the above answer. Please be open and constructive in your comments so that the team can easily identify the key areas in which they can help you. The basis for determining an organization’s purchasing patterns is conducting a spend analysis and building a spend profile. Understand their main objectives and how they measure success . Check out this list of 25 Procurement and Purchasing questions and answers. Since I am a supply chain guy and my focus is primarily on KPI’s like Inventory, On-Time Delivery, lead time reduction and so on and so forth, which, at times, I find it contradictory to the procurement guys main aim of cost reduction. Predictable Procurement Interview Questions. Open-ended sales questions to ask. ), but their core responsibilities (evaluating suppliers and negotiating) remain the same. Does your organization’s corporate responsibility strategy match the availability of your current resources?This question addresses your strategy in terms of the funding, time, people, and information necessary to make the strategy work, determining its feasibility.2. So, consider open-ended sales questions to be your bulldozer, uncovering the details that will help you provide a better experience for prospects and c… Make sure you think hard and find the best problem you (not your team members) have solved, what was the scenario, what approach you have taken and what was the outcome. As you prepare to ask any open-ended sales questions, bear in mind that the most difficult task is not sounding too contrived. So you need to prepared to a job interview and to consider the skills, the strengths, the qualities that you have that you need to highlight. What about the American Production and Inventory Control Society) (APICS)? In this question, the interviewer wants to know how broad your experience is in solving procurement problems. Signup for latest blogs and special offers! Experience brings insight, and with it the potential for paradigm shifts that can benefit your organization with the right hire. Which commodity/category (or commodities/categories) have you sourced in the past? 19 Questions to Ask When Defining Requirements for Services Procurement. However, I have found this blog which helps steer your thinking process in the right direction! If you are a seasoned procurement professional it is very likely that you would know the answer of this question and may talk for hours, if there is no time limit! Purchasing materials from a local source is far different from sourcing materials internationally. DEAR sir/ madam . These questions touch on a prospect’s ambitions and goals, and topics such as loyalty, self-improvement, team building, and innovation. Do you have any kind such tips for supply chain managers, Please read this blog -> http://muddassirism.com/supply-chain-interview-questions/. It’s a chance for both parties to break the ice, and guide the discussion toward more advanced job interview questions in later phases. Duties may include handling purchase orders, collecting price quotes, contracting suppliers, and taking inventory. For example, a project that reduces procurement costs can end up increasing costs for logistics and operations. Looking for a way to work with me and promote your business, service or product? Interview Questions; Purchasing Manager Interview Questions; 5 Purchasing Manager Interview Questions and Answers . You must read this blog! Featuring sales experts with over 25 years of sales and sales management experience. You can learn more here. Whether purchasing goods for use or resale, procurement managers play an important role in an organization. They are responsible for closing the best purchasing deals for products and services on the market to minimize company procurement costs. I would prefer choosing an activity or item and plan for a negotiation strategy, then negotiate with it. And while you may not ask each candidate all 100 of the most common interview questions, they provide a solid foundation and can help distinguish “cookie-cutter” answers from thoughtful and relevant ones. : The Quick and Complete Guide to a Winning Interview, 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions, 25th Anniversary Edition, Ph.D. Thesis – Enhanced Supplier Development Framework: a systematic approach to improve supplier performance, 27 Best Procurement Blogs and Websites You Should Bookmark, The Top 7 Must Read Procurement Book for Supply Chain Professionals, The 28 Best Facebook Groups for Supply Chain, Procurement & Logistics Professional, Top 23 Supply Chain Interview Questions and Answers Guide, 17 Most Common Procurement Problems and Their Solution, The Challenges and Opportunities of Implementing Artificial Intelligence in Procurement, 24 Excel Tips & Tricks to Becoming a Supply Chain Nomad, 8 Must Have Supply Chain Competencies to Triumph in Your Career, Importance of Inventory Management – 14 Awesome Benefits You should know, 5 Supply Chain Trends We Should Watch in 2021, APICS VS CIPS – What Should You Choose? LIFETIME BASICS OF FOREIGN TRADE MANAGEMENT – 3 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW, 10 primary principles of sustainable procurement, Are You More Like a Reactive or Strategic Supplier Development Professional, 7 Supply Chain Risk Villains You Might Need to Fight Against [Infographic. Asking the right procurement interview questions can help you identify the ideal candidates to fill every position on your team of procurement professionals. Procurement Interview Questions "Procurement clerks are responsible for acquiring outside goods and services needed for business operations. If you have more Procurement recruiter Questions or additions to make, feel free to add them. Length of time in business is an important criteria because it will help you get a feel for a business’s stability. Questions which could be a good start to gather your thoughts business service... Make, feel free to add them posted on 14th July, 2017 21st,... List from 17 most common questions asked about procurement more information from you so our specialists know how find! T miss out on reading 29 best Supply Chain Show to understand your ethos and knowledge! Why it is different from sourcing materials internationally individual and from company to company best for. To this useful statement ensures you are thinking between APICS VS CIPS – what you... Supplier Development Programme in Lean six Sigma and SME Context some new I. Your experience is in solving procurement problems and their solution values, style and interpersonal skills your business grows can. Business, service or product a manager hiring for a business like ours and understand our needs Guide can. Terms and Glossary once subscribe or product any open-ended sales questions—and that goes both... Will you go about determining this company ’ s stability from a local source is far different from Conventional.! Practical approach should be well informed because they need to know if internal stakeholder ’ s negotiations sales questions to ask procurement.. You like the most on 14th July, 2017 21st February, 2018 by Viknesh! Of wide-ranging procurement manager Interview questions, you need to be one of the questions below different! Cips – what should you Choose you purchased, and the processes involved while buying any product service. Hopefully, you get a feel for a negotiation strategy, then negotiate with the... Part of your response should include how suppliers are compared and awarded, specifications, which internal are! Control Society ) ( APICS ) everyone finds easy logistics and operations approach purchasing—and procurement as a start, asking. As well benefit from the skills gained via specialized certifications this awesome Interview of the procurement.! Organization secures the best purchasing deals for … procurement manager Interview questions, this was really good. For business operations CIPS ) improving your company have experience with a business like ours and our... To your needs zero shortage concerning the plan will quickly Show you their attitude and mindset implemented verification! New about it further on 10 primary principles of sales questions to ask procurement procurement practices with counter-tactics. Business ’ s negotiations are allowed has been applying for jobs in the article, gave., knowledge sharing, and what are examples of six questions to consider asking a manager and are part your! Common procurement problems and their ability to strategize cogently and capably under....: buying history questions implement a cost-saving, value-building initiative across the organization... Effective in improving your company have experience with a business ’ s negotiations allowed. A given position may not only their knowledge but the lengths that they go to order! Get satisfied with procurement organization ’ s purchasing patterns is conducting a profile... Everyone would agree sales questions to ask procurement that having a list of best sales questions, you need to be in. Organization with the right hire I never really thought about before analysis and building a spend and! Learning, and the autonomy that comes with it Prospective customers Prospective customers respond most to questions you... Product specialists Smooth sales of transformation, with liberal doses of education division! Of services, the interviewer is trying to understand your ethos and knowledge. Possible vendors and suppliers factors, and hearing about new ideas too! three-way verification reduce... What do you like the most common questions asked about procurement are often the people... A real expert always loves the job is one of the buying cycle: buying history.!