Morgan Stanley | Director - Indirect Sourcing Manager (Corporate Services) | Mumbai, India | 6+ Years | Best in Industry
Morgan Stanley - Director - Indirect Sourcing Manager (Corporate Services)
Primary Location: Non-Japan Asia-India-Maharashtra-Mumbai
Education Level: Bachelor's Degree
Job: Other
Employment Type: Full Time
Job Level: Director
Description
We are seeking candidates to join our Global Supplier Services team within Corporate Services as an Indirect Sourcing Manager responsible for managing Indirect sourcing activities. Commodities include Professional Services, Benefits, Marketing, Construction & Facilities Management.
The Corporate Services division provides solutions enabling Morgan Stanley's workforce across global workplace locations to effectively support and deliver value to our business clients. This Director-level position sits within Firmwide Sourcing and is responsible for all elements of the Source to Contract process, including:
- Business demand management
- Supplier management
- Competitive bidding
- Sourcing project management
- Negotiations
- Contracting
Morgan Stanley is an industry leader in financial services, known for mobilizing capital to help governments, corporations, institutions and individuals around the world achieve their financial goals.
Are you interested in joining a team that's eager to create, innovate, and make an impact on the world?
What you'll do in the role:
- Facilitate new supplier engagements and service/product renewals focusing on assigned category and strategic suppliers.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to business stakeholders and work collaboratively with technology colleagues.
- Develop sound sourcing and commodity strategies that drive business value and mitigate risk.
- Maximize commercial impact through competitive bids and benchmarking/advisory.
- Analyze supplier proposals and negotiate best-in-class contract terms and value propositions.
- Work cross-functionally with Finance, Legal, and Compliance to draft and execute contracts.
- Complete documentation and system requirements as needed to enable the Source to Pay process.
Qualifications
What you'll bring to the role:
- Bachelor's degree
- At least 6 years of relevant experience in Indirect sourcing positions. Demonstrated subject matter expertise in at least one or more commodity areas:
- Experience in the Professional Services Commodity, including drafting complex Statements of Work.
- Experience in the execution of large and complex Benefits Agreements, Learning and Development Commodity, and/or Marketing and Business Development Sourcing.
- Experience in Security Services, Design and Construction, Amenities, and Move Management with demonstrated thought leadership in designated categories.
- Commercial negotiation and influencing skills to drive savings and deliver value to stakeholders.
- Experience in contract interpretation, analysis, and drafting across Master and Sub-Agreements.
- Strong Sourcing skills and the ability to execute across all elements of the Source to Manage lifecycle.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills, including the ability to develop and nurture both business and supplier relationships.
Additionally, the successful candidate must:
- Be highly motivated, proactive, and take ownership of tasks and projects.
- Possess strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite of products.
- Have experience using procurement tools such as Ariba.
ApplyURL: https://ms.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=3258378&src=Eightfold
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Hello and welcome to Quick Techie, your Career Growth Machine! Access premium certifications from top companies and their respective training programs. Let's dive into interview questions and answers to help you prepare thoroughly for your next job opportunity.
Question: Can you give an example of a project where you had to manage risk? How did you mitigate potential risks?
Answer: In one project, we identified the risk of a key vendor being unable to meet their delivery deadlines due to supply chain issues. To mitigate this risk, I worked with the procurement team to identify backup vendors and negotiated contingency plans with our primary vendor. I also built additional time into the project schedule to accommodate potential delays. By preparing in advance, we avoided significant disruptions and were able to keep the project on track despite the risk materializing.
Question: How do you balance attention to detail with the need to complete tasks efficiently?
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Question: Tell me about a time when you had to resolve an issue that arose unexpectedly during a project. How did you handle it?
Answer: In the middle of a project, we encountered a technical issue that caused a key system to go offline unexpectedly. I immediately gathered the team to diagnose the problem and contacted our IT department for assistance. While the issue was being resolved, I communicated the situation to stakeholders and proposed a revised timeline. I also worked with the team to identify alternative solutions that would prevent similar issues in the future. By addressing the problem quickly and transparently, we were able to minimize the impact on the overall project timeline.
Question: How do you ensure that your team remains motivated during long or challenging projects?
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Question: Can you describe a time when you had to implement a solution to improve team productivity? What was the result?
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Question: How do you handle a situation where you are asked to lead a project in an area where you have limited expertise?
Answer: When leading a project in an area where I have limited expertise, I start by conducting research to build a foundational understanding. I also leverage the expertise of team members who are more familiar with the subject, asking for their input and guidance. I focus on facilitating collaboration and making sure the project stays on track, even if Iβm not an expert in every detail. By being open to learning and fostering a collaborative environment, Iβm able to lead effectively while ensuring the projectβs success.
Question: Describe a time when you had to work with tight budgets. How did you ensure the project stayed within financial constraints?
Answer: On a project with a tight budget, I carefully reviewed all expenses at the start to identify areas where we could cut costs without compromising quality. I negotiated better rates with vendors and found more cost-effective solutions for some of the tools we were using. Throughout the project, I closely monitored spending to ensure we stayed within budget, and I communicated regularly with the finance team to track progress. By being diligent with resource allocation, we successfully completed the project under budget.
Question: Tell me about a time you had to adapt to a significant change in the workplace. How did you handle it?
Answer: In my previous role, our company underwent a major restructuring, which resulted in my team being merged with another. This meant new colleagues, a new manager, and new priorities. To adapt, I focused on three things:
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This approach helped me successfully navigate the change and contribute effectively to the new team.
Question: Describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision with limited information.
Answer: In a previous project, we were facing a critical deadline, but a key piece of data was missing. We had to decide whether to proceed with the information we had or wait for the missing data, risking delaying the project. I gathered the team to assess the potential impact of each option. We analyzed the available data, identified the potential risks of proceeding without the missing information, and brainstormed mitigation strategies. Ultimately, we decided to move forward with a cautious approach, implementing extra checks and balances to minimize potential errors. We also communicated the situation transparently to stakeholders, explaining our rationale and the steps we were taking to manage the risk. While the decision was challenging, our collaborative approach and risk mitigation strategy allowed us to deliver the project on time with minimal negative impact.
Question: How do you approach problem-solving in a team environment?
Answer: I believe in a collaborative and structured approach to problem-solving. First, I actively listen to understand everyone's perspective and ensure all voices are heard. Then, we collectively define the problem and its root cause. Next, we brainstorm potential solutions, evaluating the pros and cons of each. I encourage open discussion and diverse viewpoints to arrive at the best possible solution. Finally, we develop an action plan with clear roles and responsibilities, and I ensure regular communication and follow-up to track progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Question: Give an example of a time you had to deal with a difficult colleague or client.
Answer: I once worked with a client who was known for being very demanding and critical. While it was challenging at times, I focused on building a professional relationship by:
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Question: Describe a time you took initiative and went above and beyond your regular duties.
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Question: How do you stay motivated and engaged in your work?
Answer: I find motivation in several ways:
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Question: What are your salary expectations?
Answer: I'm flexible and open to discussing salary based on the overall compensation package and the responsibilities of the role. I've done some research on comparable positions in the industry, and based on my skills and experience, I'm targeting a salary range of [mention your desired range]. However, I'm most interested in finding the right fit for my career goals and contributing to a company where I can make a real impact.
Question: Describe a time you had to work with a team to achieve a shared goal. What role did you play, and what was the outcome?
Answer: (Focus on your teamwork skills and contributions.)
"In my previous role, we had a project to [briefly describe the project and goal]. I played the role of [your role, e.g., project coordinator, lead developer, etc.], and my key responsibilities included [list your key responsibilities]. To ensure success, I [describe your actions, e.g., facilitated communication, organized meetings, tracked progress, resolved conflicts, etc.]. As a result of our collaborative efforts, we [describe the positive outcome, e.g., delivered the project on time and within budget, exceeded expectations, etc.]."
Question: How do you handle stress and pressure in the workplace?
Answer: "I manage stress by prioritizing tasks, staying organized, and practicing time management techniques. I also believe in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and engaging in activities outside of work that help me relax and recharge. When faced with pressure, I focus on breaking down tasks into smaller steps, setting realistic expectations, and communicating effectively with my team and stakeholders."
Question: Tell me about a time you had to deal with a conflict within a team.
Answer: (Focus on your conflict-resolution skills and positive outcomes.)
"In a previous team project, there was a disagreement about the best approach to [describe the issue]. To resolve the conflict, I facilitated a discussion where everyone could express their perspectives and concerns. I actively listened to each team member, identified common ground, and helped the team reach a consensus on a solution that addressed everyone's needs. Through open communication and a collaborative approach, we were able to move forward effectively and achieve our project goals."
Question: Give me an example of a time you had to make a quick decision in a challenging situation.
Answer: (Highlight your decision-making skills and ability to think on your feet.)
"During a product demonstration, we encountered an unexpected technical issue. To avoid disrupting the presentation, I quickly assessed the situation, identified the potential causes, and decided to [describe your decision and actions]. This allowed us to continue the demonstration smoothly and minimize any negative impact on the audience. Later, I investigated the issue thoroughly to prevent it from happening again."
Question: What are your preferred methods for learning new information or skills?
Answer: (Show your eagerness to learn and adapt.)
"I'm a proactive learner and enjoy exploring different learning methods. I find hands-on experience to be particularly effective, so I seek out opportunities to apply new knowledge in practical settings. I also utilize online resources, attend workshops and training sessions, and learn from colleagues and mentors. I believe in continuous learning and am always seeking to expand my skillset."
Question: How do you measure your own success?
Answer: (Connect your personal definition of success to the company's values or goals.)
"I measure success by my ability to contribute to the team's goals and make a positive impact. Achieving tangible results, exceeding expectations, and continuously improving my skills are all important indicators of success for me. I also value the positive feedback I receive from colleagues and clients, as it demonstrates the value I bring to the organization. Ultimately, success for me is about making a meaningful contribution and leaving things better than I found them."
Question: What are your long-term career aspirations?
Answer: (Be ambitious but realistic. Align your answer with the company's potential career paths.)
"My long-term career aspiration is to become a recognized expert in [your field/area of interest] and take on leadership roles where I can inspire and mentor others. I'm passionate about [mention your passion related to your career] and want to contribute to [mention a broader goal or vision]. I believe this company provides the ideal environment to develop my skills, grow professionally, and achieve my long-term career goals."
Question: Describe a situation where you had to go above and beyond to meet a customer's needs.
Answer: "A customer needed a product urgently for a time-sensitive project, but it was out of stock. I researched alternatives, found a comparable item, and personally expedited its shipping to ensure it arrived on time. The customer was thrilled with my proactive problem-solving and commitment to their satisfaction."
Question: How do you approach learning new technologies or software?
Answer: "I'm a quick learner and enjoy exploring new technologies. I typically start with online tutorials and documentation to grasp the fundamentals. Then, I apply my knowledge through hands-on practice and experimentation. I also seek out opportunities to collaborate with colleagues and learn from their expertise."
Question: Tell me about a time you had to adapt your communication style to effectively convey a message.
Answer: "I was presenting a complex technical concept to a non-technical audience. I adjusted my communication style by using simpler language, visual aids, and real-world examples to ensure clarity and understanding. This approach helped me effectively convey the information and engage the audience."
Question: Describe a time you received negative feedback. How did you respond?
Answer: "I received feedback that my presentation lacked clarity on a specific point. I appreciated the feedback, asked clarifying questions to understand the concern, and revised my presentation to address the issue. I also used this as a learning opportunity to improve my presentation skills for the future."
Question: How do you maintain a positive attitude in challenging situations?
Answer: "I focus on finding solutions, maintaining open communication with my team, and celebrating small wins along the way. I also believe in learning from setbacks and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth."
Question: Give an example of a time you had to work independently on a project.
Answer: "I was tasked with conducting market research for a new product launch. I independently developed the research plan, gathered data from various sources, analyzed the findings, and presented my recommendations to the team. This demonstrated my ability to manage my time effectively and deliver results autonomously."
Question: How do you stay organized and manage your time effectively?
Answer: "I utilize a combination of tools and techniques, including to-do lists, calendars, and project management software. I prioritize tasks based on deadlines and importance, and I break down large projects into smaller, manageable steps. I also regularly review my progress and adjust my approach as needed."