Preparing for Your GEP Interview: Key Insights

GEP is a global provider of procurement and supply chain solutions, known for its innovative and technology-driven approach to transforming procurement and sourcing processes. Founded in 1999, GEP combines consulting, software, and managed services to help organizations streamline their procurement operations, optimize supply chains, and enhance profitability. Headquartered in Clark, New Jersey, with a presence in several countries, GEP serves a range of industries, including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, retail, and financial services.

In this blog, we provide a detailed overview of GEP’s history, key milestones, and offerings, providing essential insights for interview preparation and a deep understanding of the company’s impact in procurement and supply chain management.

1. Overview of GEP

About

Attribute	Details
Founders	Subhash Makhija, Roopa Makhija
Industry Type	Procurement and Supply Chain Solutions
Founded	1999
Headquarters	Clark, New Jersey, USA

History and Founding Years

GEP was founded with the vision of revolutionizing procurement and supply chain management through advanced technology and a comprehensive service approach. Over the years, GEP has grown into a global leader in the procurement sector, providing a combination of consulting, managed services, and cloud-native software solutions.

Early Years (1999–2010):

1999: GEP was founded by Subhash Makhija and Roopa Makhija, with a focus on transforming procurement and sourcing operations.
2000s: Expanded its consulting and managed services to cater to global clients, establishing itself as a trusted name in procurement.

Growth and Expansion (2011–2017):

2011: Launched GEP SMART, a cloud-based procurement software suite that provides end-to-end procurement solutions.
2014: Opened new offices in Europe and APAC to expand its reach and support multinational clients more effectively.
2017: Introduced GEP NEXXE, a supply chain management software platform designed to optimize end-to-end supply chain operations.

Recent Developments (2018–Present):

2019: GEP launched an artificial intelligence (AI)-based platform within GEP SMART to enable predictive analytics and enhance decision-making.
2021: GEP expanded its focus on sustainability in procurement, offering solutions that help companies track and improve their environmental and social impact.
2023: GEP continues to invest in AI, machine learning, and data analytics to further enhance its suite of procurement and supply chain solutions, positioning itself as a leader in digital transformation.

Key Milestones

Year	Milestone
1999	Founded by Subhash and Roopa Makhija, focusing on procurement and supply chain solutions.
2011	Launched GEP SMART, a cloud-based procurement software suite.
2014	Expanded internationally, opening offices in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
2017	Launched GEP NEXXE, a supply chain management software platform.
2019	Integrated AI capabilities into GEP SMART for predictive analytics in procurement.
2021	Emphasized sustainability, providing solutions to track environmental and social impacts.
2023	Continued investment in AI, machine learning, and data analytics to enhance digital solutions.

2. Company Culture and Values

Mission

💡

To provide customers with the most creative, effective, and high-value sustainable supply chain and procurement solutions. Customer centricity is the core strategy to achieve this goal.

GEP is committed to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions that meet the highest standards of effectiveness and value, with a strong focus on keeping the customer at the center of all business activities.

Vision

💡

To build a beautiful company.

For GEP, a "beautiful company" embodies various aspects of beauty, each with its unique meaning:

Beauty can be tangible: Success is achieved at every level, for both customers and the team.
Beauty can be timeless: Investments are made with a vision of enduring presence and growth.
Beauty comes from love: GEP’s people are ambitious, passionate go-getters who love their work.
Beauty comes from truth: Authenticity is fundamental, ensuring that all interactions are genuine.
Beauty makes people happy: Enjoying the journey and giving back as often as possible.
Beauty is inspiring: Inspiration is drawn from the love of the work, motivating continuous improvement.

These principles guide GEP in creating a company that not only excels in business but also fosters a meaningful and positive impact.

Core Values

The core values represent who is GEP and what makes the company unique. They are a shared belief system that has brought impressive results for the clients and, in turn, for GEP.

These values are not an aspiration, they are real and present in us, nurtured and passed on by the dedicated people at GEP for over 20 years. They guide us in the journey toward building a beautiful company and drive our everyday actions at work.

3. Comprehensive Product & Service Offering

GEP provides a wide range of software, consulting, and managed services to help organizations optimize their operations and achieve strategic goals. Here’s an overview of GEP’s key offerings:

1. Software Solutions

GEP SMART™: A unified procurement software platform offering capabilities like:
Procure-to-Pay: Streamlining procurement processes from requisition to payment.
Spend Analysis: Analyzing spending patterns to uncover cost-saving opportunities.
Category Management: Managing procurement categories for better cost control.
Sourcing: Supporting sourcing strategies and supplier negotiations.
Contract Lifecycle Management: Managing contracts to ensure compliance.
Supplier Lifecycle Management: Overseeing supplier relationships and performance.
GEP NEXXE™: An AI-powered supply chain management platform offering:
Supply Chain Visibility and Execution: Real-time tracking and management.
Supply Chain Planning: Optimizing planning for demand, inventory, and supply.
Inventory and Warehouse Management: Enhancing efficiency in storage and logistics.
Direct Material Sourcing: Focusing on sourcing materials directly from suppliers.
GEP QUANTUM™ and GEP GREEN™: Solutions focused on cost modeling and sustainability in supply chain operations.

2. Strategy and Consulting

Procurement Consulting:
Procurement Transformation: Reshaping procurement practices for improved performance.
Digital Procurement Transformation: Leveraging digital tools for procurement efficiency.
Cost of Goods Sold Transformation: Reducing costs associated with goods and services.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Services: Support for procurement and supply chain integration during M&A activities.
Supply Risk Management: Mitigating risks associated with suppliers and procurement.
Supply Chain Consulting:
Sustainability Consulting: Supporting sustainable sourcing and supply chain practices.
Supply Chain Strategy: Crafting strategies for long-term supply chain optimization.
Inventory and Network Optimization: Reducing costs by optimizing inventory levels and distribution networks.

3. Managed Services

Procurement Outsourcing:
Source-to-Contract: Managing procurement processes from sourcing to contract execution.
Tail-Spend Management: Controlling and managing low-value spending.
Procurement Support Services: Providing administrative and strategic support for procurement.
Supply Chain Outsourcing:
Planning & Forecasting: Ensuring accurate demand planning and forecasting.
Inventory Management: Streamlining inventory to balance supply and demand.
Logistics Management: Coordinating transportation and warehousing for efficient logistics.
Supply Chain Data Management: Leveraging data to enhance supply chain operations.

4. Key Competitors of GEP

GEP Worldwide is a global leader in procurement and supply chain solutions, providing consulting, managed services, and technology to help organizations optimize their supply chain and procurement functions. With a strong focus on digital transformation, GEP serves a range of industries worldwide. Here are the key competitors of GEP in the procurement and supply chain management sector.

1. SAP Ariba

Overview: SAP Ariba is a leading provider of cloud-based procurement and supply chain solutions, offering a comprehensive suite for spend management and supplier collaboration.

Services: SAP Ariba offers procurement solutions including spend analysis, supplier management, sourcing, and contract management, as well as supply chain collaboration through its Ariba Network.

Market Position: SAP Ariba competes directly with GEP in digital procurement and supply chain management. Its extensive network of suppliers and integration with SAP’s ERP solutions make it a preferred choice for many large enterprises.

2. Coupa Software

Overview: Coupa is a leading provider of cloud-based spend management and procurement solutions, focused on helping organizations achieve visibility and control over their spending.

Services: Coupa offers procurement, expense management, invoicing, and spend analysis solutions, with a strong emphasis on user-friendly interfaces and spend optimization.

Market Position: Coupa is a significant competitor to GEP in spend management and procurement technology. Its user-centric approach and AI-driven insights help it compete effectively in the procurement software space.

3. JAGGAER

Overview: JAGGAER is a global provider of procurement technology solutions, specializing in spend management, supplier management, and sourcing.

Services: JAGGAER offers a comprehensive suite of procurement solutions, including supplier management, contract lifecycle management, sourcing, and spend analytics.

Market Position: JAGGAER competes with GEP in procurement technology and digital transformation. Its strong focus on supplier management and spend analytics makes it a formidable competitor in procurement and supply chain software.

4. Oracle Procurement Cloud

Overview: Oracle Procurement Cloud is a part of Oracle’s suite of cloud-based business applications, providing procurement solutions for sourcing, purchasing, and supplier management.

Services: Oracle Procurement Cloud offers services such as procurement, supplier management, sourcing, contract management, and analytics, designed to integrate with Oracle’s ERP.

Market Position: Oracle competes with GEP in the procurement technology space, particularly among companies using Oracle’s ERP systems. Its integrated procurement solutions and data-driven insights position it strongly in the market.

GEP, a global leader in procurement and supply chain solutions, is committed to corporate social responsibility (CSR) through initiatives that promote environmental sustainability, social equity, and community development.

GEP integrates sustainability into its operations by developing a sustainable value chain and limiting its carbon footprint through initiatives that guide the actions of employees, suppliers, and partners. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

The **GEP EARTH** initiative partners with organizations like WeForest and The Ocean Foundation to support reforestation and ocean conservation projects, engaging clients and stakeholders in environmental stewardship. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

GEP offers consulting services to help clients drive sustainability across their supply chains, assisting companies in baselining, tracking, strategizing, and executing ESG plans for faster progress. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

GEP contributes to the global discussion on sustainability by publishing research and insights on supply chain sustainability priorities, key drivers, and the role of technology in achieving sustainable supply chains. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

GEP engages employees in hyperlocal, high-impact advocacy efforts in their respective regions, promoting community development and social responsibility. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

GEP leverages emerging technologies to promote sustainability within the supply chain, utilizing data analytics, AI, and machine learning to make informed decisions and drive sustainable practices. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Awards & Recognition

GEP has consistently been recognized for its excellence, innovation, and leadership in procurement and supply chain solutions. Here’s a summary of notable awards and recognitions:

1. Innovations in Digitization

Award: Winner at SIG Future of Sourcing Awards 2024
Achievement: Recognized for transforming the indirect procurement operations of a Fortune Global 500 manufacturer, improving procurement costs and spend management through the AI-powered GEP SMART platform.

2. Innovations in Outsourcing

Award: Winner at SIG Future of Sourcing Awards 2024
Achievement: Honored for streamlining source-to-pay operations for a global oil and gas company, reducing redundant processes and enhancing data integration.

3. Spend Matters Hall of Fame Induction

Award: Induction into the Spend Matters Hall of Fame
Achievement: Recognized for consistently appearing on the "50 Providers to Know" list over a decade, underscoring sustained excellence in procurement technology.

4. Leader in Gartner Magic Quadrant for Strategic Sourcing Application Suites

Award: Leader position in Gartner Magic Quadrant
Achievement: Praised for its comprehensive vision and execution capabilities in strategic sourcing, covering spend analysis, e-sourcing, contract management, and supplier relationship management.

5. Top Rankings in Spend Matters Fall 2024 SolutionMap

Award: Leader in 12 Major Procurement Technology Categories
Achievement: GEP SMART earned top honors in multiple categories, including S2C, direct materials sourcing, and carbon management.

6. Value Leader – Spend Matters SolutionMap

Award: Recognized as a Value Leader
Achievement: Positioned as a leader across various procurement technology categories, from S2P and P2P to supplier relationship management and contract lifecycle management.

7. Procurement Consultancy Project of the Year

Award: Winner at CIPS Excellence in Procurement & Supply Awards 2024
Achievement: Acknowledged for transforming procurement operations for E&I, leading to increased revenue forecast, enhanced sourcing efficiency, and streamlined processes.

8. Best Procurement Consultancy

Award: Winner at CIPS Supply Management Asia Awards
Achievement: Awarded for driving procurement transformation for a Fortune 500 CPG company, resulting in substantial savings and operational improvements.

9. Pros to Know – Supply & Demand Chain Executive Magazine

Award: Multiple GEP executives named as "Provider Pros to Know"
Achievement: Recognizes leadership and expertise in the supply chain, with many GEP professionals highlighted over the years.

10. Best Procurement Technology – World Procurement Awards 2019

Award: Winner for GEP SMART Platform
Achievement: GEP SMART was celebrated for its transformative impact on procurement and supply chain management.

11. Market Leader in HFS Horizons Report 2024

Award: Named a Market Leader for Sourcing and Procurement Services
Achievement: Recognized for driving innovation and delivering exceptional client value in sourcing and procurement.

12. Top Supply Chain Projects 2024 – SDCE

Award: Winner of the Top Supply Chain Projects award
Achievement: Honored for transforming procurement operations for a Fortune Global 500 manufacturing client, enhancing automation and integration with GEP SMART.

13. Procurement Consultancy Project Award – World Procurement Awards 2024

Award: Winner for a project with a global life sciences leader
Achievement: Recognized for delivering cost savings and improved service through procurement model centralization and best practices.

14. Leader in ISG Provider Lens Procurement Software Platforms 2024

Award: Leader position in ISG Provider Lens Report
Achievement: Consistently named a leader in procurement software platforms, showcasing excellence in strategic sourcing and category management.

15. Direct Procurement Enablement & Modernization

Award: Leader in ISG’s Direct Procurement Enablement & Modernization
Achievement: Acknowledged for leadership in procurement modernization and effective solutions in direct procurement.

16. Leader in Procurement Technology – Spend Matters Spring 2024 SolutionMap

Award: Leader in source-to-pay and procurement technology
Achievement: Ranked highly across 12 procurement categories, affirming GEP’s technological expertise and user satisfaction.

17. Top Position in Gartner Magic Quadrant for Source-to-Pay Suites

Award: Positioned highest for Ability to Execute
Achievement: GEP’s AI-powered source-to-pay software was recognized for delivering rapid results, value, and high ROI for clients.

18. Challenger in Gartner Magic Quadrant for Procure-to-Pay Suites

Award: Challenger position for P2P Suites
Achievement: Recognized for market viability and ability to meet customer expectations in functionality and experience.

6. Future Outlook and Strategic Plans

GEP is focused on expanding its technology offerings, driving digital transformation in supply chains, and enhancing sustainability in procurement. Below are some of GEP’s key strategic initiatives:

Expansion of Digital Procurement and Supply Chain Solutions

GEP is continuously enhancing its technology platforms, GEP SMART and GEP NEXXE, to provide comprehensive digital solutions for procurement and supply chain management.

Product Innovation: Expanding functionalities of GEP SMART and GEP NEXXE to address new challenges in procurement, such as compliance, risk management, and supplier collaboration.
Integration with Emerging Technologies: Leveraging AI, machine learning, and blockchain to improve procurement efficiency and decision-making capabilities.

Focus on Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing

GEP is committed to promoting sustainable procurement practices and supporting clients in achieving their environmental and social goals.

Sustainable Procurement Services: Offering clients guidance on implementing green procurement practices and reducing carbon footprints in the supply chain.
Ethical Sourcing Initiatives: Partnering with clients to ensure that suppliers adhere to ethical labor practices, environmental standards, and social responsibility norms.

Global Expansion and Market Penetration

GEP is focused on expanding its presence in key international markets and enhancing client relationships across diverse industries.

Expansion in Emerging Markets: Strengthening its presence in regions such as Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America to cater to growing demand for supply chain solutions.
Industry-Specific Solutions: Developing tailored procurement solutions for sectors like pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, manufacturing, and energy.

Investing in Talent Development and Leadership Programs

GEP prioritizes employee growth and invests in leadership development programs to cultivate talent and build a strong organizational culture.

Leadership Programs: Offering training programs and mentorship opportunities for employees to advance within the organization.
Global Talent Development: Fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.

Focus on Innovation in Analytics and Business Intelligence

GEP is expanding its capabilities in data analytics to help clients make data-driven decisions in procurement and supply chain management.

Advanced Analytics Solutions: Developing analytics tools that provide insights into cost-saving opportunities, supplier performance, and supply chain risks.
Data Integration with AI and Machine Learning: Leveraging AI and machine learning to generate predictive insights and optimize procurement processes.

Client-Centric Service Model

GEP is dedicated to providing client-centric solutions by offering customized services and ensuring a deep understanding of each client’s unique needs.

Personalized Consulting Services: Offering tailored consulting solutions that address specific business challenges faced by each client.
Continuous Improvement in Service Quality: Focusing on client satisfaction and delivering value through innovative procurement and supply chain strategies.

7. Latest News & Updates about GEP

8. Conclusion

GEP is a leading global provider of procurement and supply chain solutions, known for its focus on innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. With a strong commitment to expanding digital offerings, enhancing sustainability practices, and investing in talent development, GEP provides exciting career opportunities across consulting, technology, analytics, and corporate functions. Aspiring candidates can prepare for a rewarding career at GEP by aligning their skills with the company’s mission to drive transformative change in procurement and supply chains.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring GEP Candidates:

Research the Company: Understand GEP’s business model, including its technology platforms (GEP SMART and GEP NEXXE), consulting services, and role in transforming procurement and supply chains.
Prepare for the Interview Process: For consulting roles, focus on your analytical skills and be ready to discuss case studies. For technology roles, emphasize your technical expertise and understanding of digital procurement solutions.
Demonstrate Cultural Fit: GEP values integrity, excellence, and innovation. Highlight your leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in alignment with these values.
Stay Informed: Keep up with trends in procurement and supply chain, including sustainability initiatives, digital transformation, and data-driven insights. Understanding these trends will help you stand out during the interview process.