Commodity Buyer

As a Commodity Buyer at Spire, you're responsible for overseeing all US & Canadian indirect procurement activities. This involves purchasing categories such as IT equipment, software licenses, and marketing services, while also developing sourcing strategies in collaboration with internal teams. Your role will also include negotiating contracts for favorable terms and managing relationships with vendors to ensure high performance and reliability.

To be successful as a Commodity Buyer at Spire, you should have proven experience in a similar role, preferably in indirect procurement. Key skills include excellent negotiation and contract management abilities, strong administrative skills with a keen attention to detail, and the capacity to manage multiple tasks effectively. Familiarity with MS Office and Oracle Netsuite is preferred, along with the ability to communicate confidently across diverse cultural backgrounds.

Spire offers a hybrid work model, promoting a balanced work-life ethos. You'll find a culture that encourages innovation and teamwork, with a focus on personal and professional growth. The company values diversity and equal opportunity, making it an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and respected.

As a Commodity Buyer at Spire, you have numerous opportunities for professional development and advancement within the company. The organization supports continuous learning and growth, including access to education assistance programs, making it an excellent place to further your career while making a significant impact in the procurement space.

Spire offers a comprehensive benefits package to its Commodity Buyers, including competitive salary ranges, annual equity awards, a robust employee benefits program featuring medical, dental, and vision coverage, flexible time off, and opportunities for wellness and fitness reimbursements. Enjoy a workplace filled with healthy snacks and beverages, and participate in initiatives like the Employee Referral Program and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

When answering this question, be sure to highlight specific experiences you've had in indirect procurement, emphasizing your strategic approaches, any successful projects you've led, and how you've effectively managed vendor relationships. Discuss the categories you've worked with and any relevant metrics that showcase your achievements.

Demonstrate your ability to multi-task by discussing your methods for prioritizing based on urgency and impact. You can mention tools you've used, or frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix that help you focus on what’s truly important and time-sensitive.

In your response, discuss specific negotiation strategies you use, such as building rapport with vendors, understanding their needs, and preparing for potential objections. Mention how data and analysis play a role in ensuring you negotiate favorable outcomes.

This is your opportunity to showcase problem-solving skills. Describe the situation clearly, your approach to finding a solution, and the successful outcome. This demonstrates not only your resilience but also your cognitive and strategic abilities.

Discuss your proactive strategies for staying updated, such as attending industry conferences, subscribing to relevant publications, networking with industry peers, and utilizing market analytics tools. This shows your commitment to continuous learning in the field.

Highlight how you collaborate with internal stakeholders to gain insight into the organizational objectives. Emphasize the importance of aligning procurement activities with broader business strategies, and how this can drive success for both procurement and the organization.

Share specific examples of how you've used data analysis to support procurement decisions. Discuss tools or software you've employed, how you collected and analyzed data, and the insights gained that influenced sourcing strategies.

Provide a detailed narrative about a vendor relationship that resulted in increased efficiency or cost savings. Discuss your methods for building trust, maintaining communication, and collaborating on mutual goals, showing the value you bring to vendor partnerships.

Explain your conflict resolution strategy, such as encouraging open communication, emphasizing a collaborative approach, and facilitating discussions to find compatible solutions. Showcase your people skills and ability to maintain professionalism under pressure.

Discuss your understanding of sustainable sourcing practices and how they can align with business strategies. Share examples of how you've integrated sustainability into procurement decisions to enrich both the organization and the environment.