GEP Worldwide: A Leader in Procurement and Supply Chain Management

GEP Worldwide is a prominent global consultancy established in 1999, specializing in procurement and supply chain management. Headquartered in Clark, New Jersey, GEP operates 18 offices across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, providing innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency and profitability for enterprises. Recognized as a leader in the field, GEP serves over 450 Fortune 500 and Global 2000 companies, leveraging advanced technology and a dedicated team of experts to deliver measurable value. The firm is consistently acknowledged for its excellence in procurement strategy and supply chain consulting by various industry authorities.

This blog is designed to provide aspiring candidates with a comprehensive overview of GEP Worldwide, covering its history, culture, services, and career opportunities, to help you prepare effectively for interviews and embark on a successful career with this esteemed institution.

1. Overview of GEP Worldwide

About

Attribute Details
Founder Roopa Gandhi, Neha Desai Shah, Subhash Makhija, Jagadish Turimella
Industry Type Business Consulting
Founded 1999
Headquarters Clark, New Jersey, USA

History

Early and Founding Years (1999-2005)

  • 1999: GEP Worldwide was founded by Subhash Makhija, Roopa Gandhi, Jagadish Turimella, and Neha Desai Shah in Clark, New Jersey. The company was established with a vision to provide innovative procurement and supply chain solutions to global enterprises, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and value creation.
  • 2001-2005: During these formative years, GEP began to establish its presence in the industry. The company expanded its service offerings and built strategic relationships with Fortune 500 companies, laying the groundwork for its future growth and success.

Expansion and Recognition (2006-2015)

  • 2006-2010: GEP expanded internationally, opening offices in key markets across Asia, Europe, and Latin America. This global expansion allowed the company to tap into new markets and diversify its service offerings. The firm also enhanced its consulting and technology capabilities, positioning itself as a competitive player in the procurement sector.
  • 2011: GEP was recognized as a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for procurement consulting and software. This acknowledgment solidified GEP's reputation as a top-tier provider in the industry, showcasing its commitment to delivering high-quality solutions.
  • 2014: The company received the Procurement Consultancy Project Award at the World Procurement Awards. This accolade highlighted GEP's significant impact in the procurement consulting space and its ability to deliver exceptional results for clients.

Recent Developments (2016-Present)

  • 2016: Subhash Makhija was awarded the EY Entrepreneur of the Year for his leadership and innovation at GEP. This recognition underscored the company's rapid growth and the visionary approach that Makhija brought to the business.
  • 2018: GEP launched its procurement software, GEP SMART, which quickly gained accolades for its advanced capabilities. The software integrates procurement processes with cutting-edge technology, providing clients with a comprehensive solution to manage their procurement needs effectively.
  • 2023: GEP acquired OpusCapita, a move aimed at enhancing its procurement software offerings. This acquisition allowed GEP to expand its capabilities and strengthen its position in the market. Additionally, GEP was recognized for its commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives, reflecting its dedication to ethical business practices.
  • 2024: GEP introduced an AI-driven Total Orchestration Solution, further solidifying its position as a leader in procurement technology and consulting. This innovative solution leverages artificial intelligence to optimize procurement processes, delivering enhanced efficiency and value to clients.

Key Milestones in GEP's History

Year Milestone
1999 Co-founded by Subhash Makhija, Roopa Gandhi, Jagadish Turimella, and Neha Desai Shah in Clark, New Jersey.
2011 Recognized as a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for procurement consulting and software.
2014 Received the Procurement Consultancy Project Award at the World Procurement Awards.
2016 Subhash Makhija awarded EY Entrepreneur of the Year.
2018 Launched GEP SMART procurement software.
2023 Acquired OpusCapita; recognized for sustainability initiatives.
2024 Introduced AI-driven Total Orchestration Solution.

2. Company Culture

Mission, Vision, and Values

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Mission: To provide clients with the most effective and highest-value procurement and supply chain solutions.

The company emphasizes customer-centricity, ensuring that the customer remains at the center of its business strategy, aiming to help global enterprises operate more effectively and efficiently to increase profitability and gain competitive advantages.

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Vision: Building a beautiful company that achieves success at every level for its customers and team.

The company invests as if it will be around forever, driven by a love for what its people do. GEP believes in authenticity and genuine interactions, finding happiness in the journey, and giving back to the community. This inspiring vision motivates the team to constantly improve and deliver excellence.

Core Values

https://www.gep.com/company/culture/gep-core-values

GEP Worldwide is committed to a set of core values that guide its operations and interactions with clients, emphasizing sustainability and responsibility. Here are the key values:

1. Customer Delight

GEP leverages sustainability practices to deliver long-term benefits to clients, ensuring that their needs and expectations are met with excellence.

2. Excellence

The company identifies and manages risk areas that can materially impact both internal and external stakeholders, striving for the highest standards in all its endeavors.

3. Results Focus

GEP makes long-term sustainability investments with a clear return on investment (ROI), ensuring that its initiatives are beneficial and measurable.

4. Creativity

The organization develops products and services that incorporate core sustainability values, fostering innovation while being mindful of environmental impact.

5. Ownership

GEP is committed to making steady progress in incorporating sustainability into its core business practices, taking responsibility for its actions and their effects.

6. Caring

The company is dedicated to being responsible stewards of the environment, actively contributing to sustainability efforts and promoting eco-friendly practices.

3. Comprehensive Product and Service Offerings at GEP

GEP Worldwide offers a wide range of products and services to help global enterprises optimize their procurement and supply chain operations. The company's offerings can be broadly categorized into three main areas:

1. GEP SMART Software Platform

GEP SMART is a unified source-to-pay procurement software platform that includes:

  • Spend analysis
  • Sourcing
  • Contract management
  • Supplier management
  • Procure-to-pay
  • Savings project management
  • Analytics and reporting

The platform leverages AI and machine learning to provide intelligent insights and drive efficiency across the procurement process.

2. GEP STRATEGY Consulting Services

GEP's strategic consulting services help clients develop and implement effective procurement and supply chain strategies. Key areas include:

  • Procurement strategy and transformation
  • Category management
  • Strategic sourcing
  • Supply chain strategy
  • Supplier management
  • Procurement technology strategy

The consulting team works closely with clients to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and deliver measurable results.

3. GEP MANAGED SERVICES

GEP's managed services provide end-to-end outsourcing solutions tailored to each client's unique requirements. Services include:

  • Procurement operations
  • Category management
  • Strategic sourcing
  • Supplier management
  • Procure-to-pay
  • Supply chain management

The managed services team leverages GEP's global delivery model and industry-leading technology platforms to drive sustainable results for clients.

4. Financial Performance and Market Position

GEP Worldwide has demonstrated strong financial performance and a solid market position in the procurement and supply chain consulting industry. Here are the key highlights:

Financial Performance

  • Annual Revenue: As of June 2024, GEP Worldwide's annual revenue reached approximately $750 million. This reflects significant growth and a robust business model that caters to a wide range of clients, including many Fortune 500 and Global 2000 companies.
  • Record Growth: In 2018, GEP reported record growth, with overall revenues increasing by nearly 33% globally. Notably, revenues in Europe doubled during this period, driven by strong demand for its cloud-native procurement solutions, particularly the SMART by GEP platform, which saw a revenue increase of over 66%.

Market Position

  • Industry Recognition: GEP is consistently recognized as a leader in the procurement and supply chain consulting space. It has been named a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant and has received multiple awards, including the Best Provider at the World Procurement Awards and EPIC Procurement Excellence Awards.
  • Client Base: GEP serves over 550 Fortune 500 and Global 2000 companies across various industries, helping them achieve strategic, operational, and financial objectives. The firm is known for its strong relationships and ability to deliver measurable value to its clients.
  • Global Presence: With 18 offices and operations centers across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, GEP leverages a global footprint to provide localized expertise and insights. This extensive reach allows GEP to understand market dynamics and deliver tailored solutions to clients worldwide.

5. Key Competitors

Competitors of GEP Worldwide

GEP Worldwide faces competition from several key players in the management consulting industry. Here are the primary competitors:

1. Coupa

Overview: Coupa Software provides a cloud-based Business Spend Management (BSM) platform that helps organizations manage procurement, invoicing, expenses, and payments.

Key Features:

  • Unified cloud platform for comprehensive spend management.
  • AI-driven analytics for actionable insights.
  • Sustainability tracking capabilities.

Market Position: Recognized as a leader in procurement solutions, known for innovation and a robust user community.

2. Jaggaer

Overview: Jaggaer offers a comprehensive suite of spend management solutions, serving various industries from its headquarters in Durham, North Carolina.

Key Features:

  • Tools for sourcing, procurement, and supplier management.
  • Cloud-based solutions that integrate with existing systems.
  • Strong analytics and reporting capabilities.

Market Position: Well-regarded for its robust offerings, particularly in the education sector.

3. SAP Ariba

Overview: SAP Ariba is a leading procurement solution that connects businesses with suppliers, part of SAP's extensive suite of enterprise solutions.

Key Features:

  • Extensive supplier network for enhanced collaboration.
  • Comprehensive procurement tools including sourcing and contract management.
  • Seamless integration with other SAP applications.

Market Position: A dominant player in the procurement space, known for its extensive capabilities.

4. Ivalua

Overview: Ivalua provides a global procurement and spend management solution, focusing on enhancing procurement processes.

Key Features:

  • Comprehensive suite for sourcing and supplier management.
  • User-friendly interface to enhance adoption.
  • Advanced analytics for spending insights.

Market Position: Recognized for its flexibility and depth of functionality in procurement.

5. Oracle Fusion Cloud Procurement

Overview: Part of Oracle's cloud applications, this solution streamlines procurement processes and enhances supplier collaboration.

Key Features:

  • Integrated procurement tools for sourcing and contract management.
  • Cloud-based platform for scalability.
  • Data-driven insights for performance improvement.

Market Position: Well-regarded for robust features and integration with Oracle's broader solutions.

6. Zycus

Overview: Zycus offers a suite of procurement solutions to help organizations effectively manage their procurement processes.

Key Features:

  • Comprehensive modules for sourcing and supplier management.
  • AI and automation to enhance efficiency.
  • User-centric design for ease of use.

Market Position: Known for its strong focus on automation and AI in procurement.

6. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

GEP Worldwide is committed to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through various initiatives aimed at making a positive impact on society and the environment. Here are the key aspects of GEP's CSR efforts:

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GEP Social Initiatives (GEPSI)
The GEP Social Initiatives (GEPSI) program, launched in 2009 in the U.S. and expanded to India in 2010, focuses on inspiring change in local communities. GEPSI engages employees in outreach programs addressing education, hunger elimination, and entrepreneurship, particularly for women, fostering a culture of giving back.
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Education and Literacy
GEP prioritizes education by supporting organizations like the Ekal Foundation, which provides basic education to rural children in India, and Akshaya Patra, which delivers nutritious meals to schoolchildren. These efforts aim to empower future generations and improve literacy rates.
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Health and Well-being
GEP emphasizes health and well-being through awareness programs on occupational health and safety. The company also offers psychological support services for employees and their families, ensuring a holistic approach to health.
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Advocacy and Community Outreach
GEP addresses global issues like gender equality, child welfare, and food security by providing access to education and nutrition. Employees are encouraged to engage in local advocacy efforts, making a tangible difference in their communities.
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Environmental Sustainability
GEP promotes environmental sustainability by encouraging sustainable practices and reducing its carbon footprint. With over 80% employee participation in sustainability initiatives, the company fosters a culture of responsibility and community involvement.

Awards and Recognition

GEP Worldwide has received recognition for its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its positive impact on communities worldwide. Here are some notable awards and accolades:

  1. United Nations Global Compact: GEP was recognized as a participant in the United Nations Global Compact, a voluntary initiative that encourages businesses to align their operations and strategies with universal principles on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption.
  2. EPIC Procurement Excellence Awards: GEP received the Procurement Consultancy Project Award for its exceptional work in enhancing the procurement operations of a global life sciences company while prioritizing social responsibility and sustainability.
  3. Responsible Business Awards: GEP was shortlisted for the Responsible Business of the Year award, which recognizes organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to CSR and make a significant positive impact on society.
  4. Sustainability Leadership Award: The company was honored with the Sustainability Leadership Award for its efforts in promoting environmental sustainability through its operations and supply chain practices.
  5. Best Community Engagement Initiative: GEP received the Best Community Engagement Initiative award for its GEP Social Initiatives (GEPSI) program, which engages employees in outreach programs focused on education, hunger elimination, and entrepreneurship in local communities.

Through these awards and recognition, GEP Worldwide demonstrates its commitment to excellence in CSR and its positive impact on communities worldwide, solidifying its position as a socially responsible leader in the procurement and supply chain industry.

7. Interview Questions at GEP Worldwide

Typical interview questions at GEP often focus on assessing a candidate's skills, experiences, and alignment with the company's values. Here are some common questions you might encounter:

General GEP Interview Questions

  1. Tell me about yourself and your background.
  2. Why are you interested in working at GEP?
  3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
  5. How would you describe your leadership style?
  6. What interests you most about procurement and supply chain management?
  7. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends in technology?
  8. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult coworker or client.
  9. What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the procurement industry today?
  10. Why should we hire you?

Questions About Experience And Background

  1. Walk me through your resume and highlight your most relevant experiences.
  2. Tell me about a project you worked on that you're particularly proud of.
  3. How has your background prepared you for a career in procurement consulting?
  4. What do you think are the most important skills for success in this role?
  5. How would your previous colleagues describe your work style?
  6. What was the most challenging aspect of your last job?
  7. Tell me about a time when you had to learn a new skill quickly.
  8. How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively?
  9. What do you think are the biggest differences between academia and the working world?
  10. How do you stay motivated and engaged in your work?

In-Depth Questions

  1. How would you approach solving a complex procurement problem for a client?
  2. What are some strategies for effectively managing supplier relationships?
  3. How would you go about conducting a spend analysis for a large organization?
  4. What are some key considerations when developing a sourcing strategy for a particular category?
  5. How do you think about balancing cost savings and risk mitigation in procurement?
  6. What are some best practices for implementing procurement technology solutions?
  7. How would you approach a category management engagement for a client?
  8. What are some common challenges in supply chain optimization and how would you address them?
  9. What do you think about the role of data analytics in driving procurement insights?
  10. What are some innovative approaches to driving procurement transformation in an organization?

8. Future Outlook and Strategic Plans  

GEP Worldwide's future outlook and strategic plans focus on navigating ongoing challenges in the procurement and supply chain landscape while leveraging technology and innovation to enhance its offerings.

Future Outlook of GEP Worldwide

Adapting to Market Challenges

  • GEP acknowledges that geopolitical, economic, and supply chain challenges will persist into 2024.
  • The GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index shows a positive shift in manufacturing activity, indicating increased demand and capacity utilization among manufacturers.

Emphasis on AI and Technology

  • GEP has launched an AI-driven Total Orchestration Solution to transform procurement and supply chain operations.
  • This solution aims to streamline processes and improve decision-making, reinforcing GEP's leadership in technology integration.

Strategic Plans

Leveraging AI and Digital Tools

  • GEP plans to adapt by leveraging AI-powered technology and digital tools to enhance procurement processes.
  • The GEP Spend Category Outlook 2024 report guides procurement and supply chain leaders on overcoming challenges effectively.

Commitment to Client Success

  • GEP is dedicated to delivering value to its clients, including over 550 Fortune 500 and Global 2000 companies.
  • The company focuses on enhancing consulting capabilities and expanding its global presence to better serve client needs.

Strengthening Market Position

  • GEP aims to strengthen its leadership position in procurement and supply chain management while driving innovation and efficiency.
  • By prioritizing client success and leveraging technology, particularly AI, GEP is well-positioned to navigate market challenges and solidify its status as an industry leader.

9. Conclusion

GEP Worldwide stands at the forefront of procurement and supply chain management, leveraging innovative AI-powered solutions to enhance operational efficiency for over 550 Fortune 500 and Global 2000 companies. With a commitment to sustainability and community engagement, GEP not only addresses complex business challenges but also aims to create lasting value for clients. The company's strategic focus on technology integration and global market insights positions it well for future growth. As GEP continues to evolve, its dedication to excellence and client success will solidify its reputation as a leader in the industry, driving transformative change in supply chain practices worldwide.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring GEP Candidates:

  1. Focus on Innovation: GEP is known for its commitment to innovative solutions, particularly in AI-powered procurement and supply chain management. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their understanding of technology and its application in business processes.
  2. Global Perspective: With a presence in over 18 countries, GEP values candidates who possess a global mindset and can navigate diverse markets. Understanding international business dynamics can be a significant advantage.
  3. Collaboration and Teamwork: GEP emphasizes the importance of collaboration among its team members. Aspiring candidates should showcase their ability to work effectively in teams and contribute to collective goals.
  4. Client-Centric Approach: GEP is dedicated to delivering value to its clients, including many Fortune 500 companies. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they can enhance client relationships and contribute to client success.
  5. Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: GEP fosters an inclusive workplace culture that celebrates diversity. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experiences and perspectives on diversity and how they align with GEP's values.

By focusing on these key insights, aspiring candidates can strategically position themselves for success at GEP Worldwide. Demonstrating a deep understanding of the firm's values, preparing thoroughly, and building a strong professional network can greatly enhance your application. Showcasing relevant experiences and a genuine commitment to GEP's mission will help you stand out in a competitive recruitment landscape.