Commodity Buyer

The Commodity Buyer at GE Appliances plays a vital role in sourcing metals and supporting the procurement team in several key activities. Responsibilities include managing the Electronic-Request for Quote (RFQ) system, maintaining supplier risk profiles, tracking inventory and raw material forecasts through Oracle ERP, and developing cost models for parts. You will also assist in price impact analysis, update Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs), and provide insights on commodity trends and pricing, contributing to strategic sourcing initiatives.

To be considered for the Commodity Buyer role at GE Appliances, you should possess a Bachelor’s degree or have two years of relevant experience in sourcing or supply chain management. Candidates should demonstrate strong leadership skills and excellent written and verbal communication abilities. Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools for data analysis, along with a proactive problem-solving mindset, is highly valued. Prior experience in sourcing practices or having been a co-op at GE Appliances can give you a competitive edge.

The Commodity Buyer position at GE Appliances involves minimal travel, with a requirement of up to 10%. This travel is primarily domestic and international to visit affiliate sites and engage with suppliers. It offers a great opportunity to build relationships and gain insights into the sourcing processes beyond the office environment.

At GE Appliances, diversity and inclusion are integral to our culture. In the Commodity Buyer role, you'll be part of a team that values all voices and encourages collaboration. GE Appliances is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve, ensuring every employee feels empowered and connected. Your contributions will support not just the organization's success but also foster a culture where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

A career as a Commodity Buyer at GE Appliances offers numerous paths for growth and development. As you gain experience and knowledge in sourcing, you can advance to more senior procurement roles or specialize in specific commodity areas. The culture at GE Appliances encourages continuous learning and professional development, providing ample opportunities to expand your expertise and lead impactful projects within the organization.

When answering this question, focus on specific examples where you've successfully managed RFQ processes. Highlight the tools you used, your approach to communication with suppliers, and any improvements in efficiency or cost savings you achieved as a result of your management.

In your response, explain the key factors you consider when assessing supplier risks, such as financial stability, compliance with industry standards, and historical performance. Discuss any tools or methodologies you use to evaluate these factors effectively.

Share specific techniques you've employed in the past, such as regular communication, feedback sessions, and collaboration on problem-solving. Emphasize how building strong relationships can lead to more favorable terms and improved supply chain performance.

When discussing a challenging project, focus on the obstacles you faced and the strategies you implemented to overcome them. Highlight the outcome and any lessons learned that enhanced your skills as a Commodity Buyer.

Discuss resources you utilize to track market trends, like industry reports, trade publications, and networking with other professionals. Explain how you apply this knowledge to your sourcing strategies and decision-making.

Illuminate the steps you take to analyze price impacts comprehensively. Include your methods for collecting data, assessing supplier pricing, and how you communicate your findings to stakeholders for decision-making.

Provide a specific example where you identified cost-saving opportunities, detail the process you followed, and discuss the results achieved. Emphasize your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to realize savings.

Explain how you evaluate the urgency and importance of each project. Discuss any tools or frameworks you use to organize tasks and set realistic timelines for completion while ensuring quality.

Detail your experience working with Oracle ERP or comparable systems for tracking inventory, managing orders, or generating reports. Provide examples of how you utilized this technology to enhance procurement processes.

Describe your conflict resolution approach. Emphasize your commitment to maintaining positive relationships while being assertive about achieving fair outcomes. Use an example if possible, to showcase your negotiation skills.