Example response for question delving into Supplier Performance, Procurement with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence

•  Background: Briefly explain the situation and the supplier performance issue that arose
•  Actions taken: Describe the steps you took to address the issue and resolve it
•  Collaboration: Highlight any collaboration or communication efforts made with the supplier
•  Problem-solving: Explain the problem-solving techniques or strategies you employed
•  Results: Share the outcome of your actions and the impact it had on supplier performance
•  Lesson learned: Discuss any lessons or insights gained from this experience

  What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question

•  Problem-solving skills: Assessing my ability to identify and address supplier performance issues
•  Communication skills: Evaluating how I effectively communicate with suppliers to resolve issues
•  Decision-making skills: Determining my ability to make informed decisions to resolve supplier performance issues
•  Negotiation skills: Assessing my capability to negotiate with suppliers to find mutually beneficial solutions
•  Conflict resolution skills: Evaluating my approach to resolving conflicts with suppliers in a professional manner

  How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags

•  Blaming others: Avoid blaming others or throwing colleagues under the bus. Take responsibility for your role in resolving the issue
•  Lack of ownership: Avoid showing a lack of ownership or accountability for the supplier performance issue. Demonstrate that you took initiative to address and resolve the problem
•  Ineffective communication: Avoid mentioning any instances of ineffective communication with the supplier or internal stakeholders. Focus on clear and effective communication strategies used to resolve the issue
•  Lack of problem-solving skills: Avoid showcasing a lack of problem-solving skills or an inability to think critically. Highlight your ability to analyze the situation, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions
•  Poor negotiation skills: Avoid mentioning any instances of poor negotiation skills or inability to reach mutually beneficial agreements with the supplier. Emphasize your ability to negotiate effectively and maintain positive supplier relationships
•  Failure to meet deadlines: Avoid admitting to any failure to meet deadlines or resolve the supplier performance issue in a timely manner. Emphasize your ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines effectively

 Related

  Other questions asked for the Procurement Specialist in Operations function. View details for the Procurement Specialist here

• How do you stay updated with industry trends and market conditions?
• Tell me about your experience in procurement.
• How do you manage supplier relationships?
• How do you ensure compliance with procurement policies and procedures?
• Describe a time when you successfully negotiated a contract.
• What strategies do you use to reduce procurement costs?
• How do you ensure timely delivery of goods and services?
• Describe your experience with contract management.
• Describe your experience with implementing cost-saving initiatives.
• Tell me about a time when you had to handle a procurement crisis.
• How do you ensure quality control in procurement processes?
• How do you manage multiple procurement projects simultaneously?
• How do you ensure ethical sourcing in procurement?
• How do you handle changes in demand or supply?
• Describe your experience with implementing process improvements in procurement.
• Tell me about a time when you had to manage a budget for procurement.
• How do you ensure effective communication with stakeholders in procurement?
• How do you evaluate and select suppliers?
• Tell me about a time when you had to resolve a conflict with a supplier.