What does your job involve?
I am a Senior Commodity buyer as well as Segment Leader for indirect purchasing for utilities and waste management. Practically, I create the Volvo Group purchasing strategy for these segments and coordinate the implementation globally. The strategy is created cross functionally together with other Volvo Group organizations, Volvo Group Real Estate and with inputs from all buyers in the regions.
The Energy and Recycling sector keeps changing every day, and being part of a global company like Volvo Group, you need to always be up to date in your research and strategy.
What are the challenges?
The challenges we face is to support the company transformation and the flexibility we need to have in front of the changes in the market. But I like the challenges, because it’s about fulfilling our customer’s expectations.
How was your career path within Volvo Group / How did you get to where you are today?
I started my career being an intern product manager at the spare parts marketing department for the Renault Trucks brand. After a few years, I moved over to the purchasing family. I’ve had two main positions, project buyer and project manager within automotive purchasing. This was a fantastic time as everyone were focused to perform well to launch the best trucks on the market. To now have the environmental portfolio in IPS is a great motivator for me, as fits well my personal beliefs.
What do you like the most working for Volvo Group?
Two things. First, the flexibility and autonomy you get when working for a large company like Volvo Group. Secondly, the international experience working with people from all over the world. This clearly is a true motivator for me!
How would you describe the working environment?
I belong to a global team with most team members in Lyon and in Sweden. What I really like is the collaboration and team spirit this company can generate even though we’re located in different sites. My daily interactions with people is broader, thanks to the distance. I work with colleagues from all over the world, belonging to different companies and brands within Volvo Group. I feel that I belong to a truly international Group and team!
What does the future hold?
Working in the energy sector and with waste management I believe that the next ten years will be very exciting in my area of purchasing, between the Climate Change Paris agreement, the Volvo Group electromobility journey and all the new market trends on circular economy and eco design - the future definitely looks more interesting than ever.
Any advice for that you have for others looking for a job within Volvo Group?
Think differently, stand for who you are - and you will be the master of your own career!
FACT BOX:
Name: Guillaume Perez
Job Title: Senior Commodity Buyer
Location: Lyon, France
Education/Qualifications: Master of Science in Business-to-Business Marketing.
