- What techniques would you use to create a new inventory strategy to optimize a company’s supply chain? …
- How would you keep up with financial markets that influence commodity prices? …
- What are your criteria for selecting new suppliers and vendors?
Commodity Manager interview questions
The International Organization for Standardization is an international organization that develops and publishes standards. Employers ask this question to see if you are familiar with the organization’s work, which can help you succeed in your role as a global commodity manager. In your answer, explain what the organization does and why it’s important. If you have experience working with the organization, mention it.
Example: “I update my personal development plan at least once a year, usually in January or February. I use this time to reflect on my performance over the past year and identify areas where I could improve. For example, last year I realized that I needed to learn more about financial modeling software. So, I took an online course through our company’s training program and learned how to use it to analyze data for commodity pricing models.”
Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of the skills and experiences that qualify you for this role. Focus on what makes you unique from other candidates and highlight any transferable skills or experience that may be relevant to this position.
Example: “I would first assess our current practices, including which commodities we purchase that are sustainable and which ones aren’t. Then I would develop a strategy for purchasing more sustainable products while also reducing waste. For example, if we currently purchase coffee beans that aren’t sustainably sourced, I would look into ways to find suppliers who produce coffee beans with fair wages and environmentally friendly farming methods.”
Example: “I think the most important thing a global commodity manager can do to ensure their company’s success is to have an in-depth understanding of the commodities they’re managing. I’ve seen many companies make mistakes because their commodity managers didn’t know enough about the products they were selling, which led to lost sales and unhappy customers. In my last position, I developed a training program for new commodity managers so they could learn more about the products we sold.”
As a commodity manager, what is your management style?
Answer tips:
Some of the more common labels, like progressive, consultative, persuasive, can have several meanings or descriptions depending on which management guru you listen to.
The situational style is safe, because it says you will manage according to the situation, instead of one size fits all.
Answer samples
What experience do you have with respects to this particular COMMODITY MANAGER position?
Answer tips:
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you know you do not have much experience in the job you are applying for, plan for this question ahead of time and ensure you can provide some relatable examples based on what you have done.
Almost all interviewers will appreciate confidence and pride in the work experience you have earned and your passion in transfering these valuable skills to your future role or position.
Answer sample
FAQ
What does a commodity manager do?
What questions are asked in a manager interview?
- Tell me about yourself.
- Tell me something that’s not on your resume.
- Tell me about a time you made a mistake.
- Tell me about a conflict you faced at work and how you dealt with it.
- What type of work environment do you prefer?
How do I prepare for a supply chain manager interview?
- Tell about a time that you found a way to improve a process. …
- How have you used presentation skills to sell your ideas? …
- Have you ever worked with contracts? …
- Talk about your accounting experience. …
- How would you build relationships with suppliers here and abroad?
What is global commodity management?
