What does a purchaser do, Ms Hörmannn?
Anyone at GEZE who is looking for a new company car, sturdy work clothing, or even qualified specialists for a construction project should contact Isabel Hörmann. She has a degree in business economics, and as a strategic purchaser her job is to look for the right solutions and the right suppliers on the market – negotiating skills are just as essential in her position as organizational skills and tact.
Anything but boring
Isabel Hörmann's first answer when you ask her why she likes her job so much? “Every project and every day is truly unique.” As a strategic purchaser for the Leonberg location, she is involved in a wide range of different issues. For example, she is responsible for finding service providers for pertinent new construction and renovation projects at GEZE's headquarters, as well as for purchasing power, work clothing, and company vehicles. Her work even includes supporting the company restaurant. “You have to be well-organised, of course, and I have to know what is most important to my colleagues here on site.” And because Isabel Hörmann likes organizing, she is also happy to handle inter-departmental team events. Ultimately, all purchasing tasks that are not directly connected to production or the GEZE product portfolio land on her desk. That means her job is anything but boring - instead, it is highly varied every day.
Especially at the team events that are being held after a long pause due to the coronavirus, it is clear that GEZE is still a family business despite its enormous size. I really like that!
Isabel Hörmann, Strategic purchaserCorrect calculations are not enough
Business management know-how and negotiating skills are part of a buyer's daily work. © GEZE GmbH
Corporate thinking comes naturally to Isabel Hörmann, who grew up with her parent’s plastic and metalworking company. She spent the first few years of her career there after she graduated, working at her father's side (he is the company's managing director). This experience is part of what makes her, as a business economist, the ideal choice to work in the purchasing department. “Of course, I need a good dose of self-confidence and negotiating skills, in addition to my business administration knowledge”, explains Isabel Hörmann. Things can get tough when it comes to negotiating prices and conditions. “Insight into human nature, empathy, and social skills, however, are just as important.” Good communication skills are essential to address and understand colleagues’ requirements, then evaluate and select the right service provider. When doing so, she must be able to prepare a proper cost-benefit analysis. “Here at GEZE, we are not focused only on lower prices, but also on quality and long-term, sustainable partnerships. A low offer price is not the only criterion”.
I also support purchasing for the entire vehicle fleet here at the location: I always get excited at how much people look forward to a newly ordered vehicle; they can hardly wait until the handover.
Isabel Hörmann, Strategic purchaser
Isabel Hörmann is happy to be in the purchasing department at GEZE every day and to actively contribute to the company's success with her work. © GEZE GmbH
All thanks to her cousin
How do you become a purchaser at GEZE, anyway? “First, I completed a training course as an industrial clerk, and then studied business at the Stuttgart Technology University of Applied Sciences“ After university and her first few years at her parent’s company, her career path led her to GEZE in 2018. We consider her story of how she started working with us a huge compliment. And a great way to find new employees. “My cousin has been working at GEZE since she graduated from training, and she brought the job advertisement to my attention. It was an excellent recommendation. GEZE has a great reputation in the region, so I applied on a whim. Even during the first interview, I felt very comfortable. Since then, I haven’t regretted my choice for a single day. I have a lot of independence at work, and I can always rely on my boss” We have institutionalised this practice today through our Job4Friends programm – and we continue to be glad when it is recommended by our employees.
Even during the first interview I felt very comfortable. Since then, I haven’t regretted my choice for a single day. I love coming to work every day!
Isabel Hörmann, Strategic purchaser
Exciting tasks and a great working atmosphere are essential for Isabel Hörmann. © GEZE GmbH
Job recommendation with long-term effect
That isn’t likely to change any time soon. She feels the collegial atmosphere in the Global Procurement area is truly unique. “Lots of people change employers every two to three years. I'm not interested in doing that. I think the overall package here, including the working environment and duties, is just great.” She also isn’t bothered by the 45 kilometres she has to drive to commute between her home town and Leonberg. “I use the time to call close girlfriends or listen to music – sometimes I turn the volume up. And if I ever do get sick of all the driving, I can work two days a week from my home office.”
Hobby with GEZE Touch
In her free time, Isabel Hörmann prefers to be riding her horse. “The time we spend together in the saddle and in the stall are nothing but relaxation for me. It is a great way for me to recharge and get ready to take on new professional tasks”. With a wink, she adds: This hobby is part of the reason I love working at GEZE. After all, the company has been involved in equestrian sports for many years.
What are some key requirements for working in purchasing at GEZE?
- English (business fluency)
- Business training
- Ability to work well on a team
- Good organisational skills
- Communication skills
- Good negotiating skills
- Assertiveness
- Eagerness to take on new challenges
CURRENT VACANCIES IN THE PURCHASING AREA
