Interview Experience: Facilities & Procurement Coordinator at Remitly

The interview process for the Facilities & Procurement Coordinator role at Remitly is thorough and designed to evaluate both your technical skills in procurement and facilities management, as well as your ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Here’s a detailed guide based on my experience, including the steps involved in the interview process, examples of questions asked, and how to approach them:

Interview Process Overview

The interview process for this role typically consists of several stages:

1. Initial Screening (HR Interview)

The first step is a screening call with a recruiter or HR representative. This conversation is generally focused on your background, motivations for applying, and your fit within Remitly’s culture. It is less technical and more about understanding your experience and interest in the position.

Common questions:

• “Can you tell me about your experience in procurement and facilities management?”
• “Why do you want to work at Remitly?”

Here, I emphasized my experience in both procurement and facilities coordination. I also highlighted my enthusiasm for Remitly’s mission to provide financial services globally, which resonated with their culture.

2. Role-Specific Interview (Hiring Manager or Team Interview)

The next stage involved a deeper dive into my experience with facilities management, procurement processes, vendor relations, and cost optimization. I had to demonstrate my understanding of managing multiple vendors and ensuring compliance with procurement policies.

Key questions:

• “How do you manage vendor relationships and ensure that you are getting the best value for the company?”
• “Tell us about a time when you had to negotiate a contract with a supplier. How did you ensure favorable terms?”

In my response, I shared specific examples from my previous roles where I successfully managed vendor relationships by establishing clear communication and performance metrics. I also explained how I used negotiation tactics to secure better pricing or favorable terms without compromising on quality.

3. Behavioral Interview (Team and Cultural Fit)

This round usually involves questions aimed at assessing your interpersonal skills, problem-solving ability, and cultural fit. Remitly places a strong emphasis on teamwork and customer-centricity, so expect questions around your approach to collaboration and conflict resolution.

Typical questions:

• “Describe a time when you had to collaborate with other teams to meet a facilities need on time.”
• “How do you prioritize tasks when multiple departments require your attention at the same time?”

I shared an example of when multiple teams needed access to new office space, and I coordinated across HR, IT, and other departments to ensure a smooth transition. My ability to prioritize and ensure clear communication was key here, which aligns with the role’s requirement for cross-department collaboration.

4. Technical Skills Assessment

In this phase, I was asked to demonstrate my proficiency with facilities management software and procurement tools, such as SAP or Oracle. I was also quizzed on my ability to create and manage budgets for facilities-related projects and handle procurement processes, from sourcing to contracting.

Sample questions:

• “What is your experience with budgeting and forecasting for facilities projects?”
• “How do you ensure compliance with procurement regulations?”

I discussed how I managed budgets for office relocations and facility upgrades, ensuring I remained within budget while meeting all operational requirements. I also explained how I ensured compliance by working closely with legal and compliance teams when drafting contracts.

5. Final Interview (Senior Leadership or Panel)

The final stage often involves a panel of senior leaders, such as executives from procurement, finance, and facilities management. They will look for alignment with the company’s long-term goals and assess your ability to scale processes and lead cross-functional projects.

Key questions:

• “How do you handle unexpected challenges, such as urgent procurement needs or facility emergencies?”
• “What strategies would you implement to improve efficiency in our procurement processes?”

I shared an example where an urgent office space issue required a rapid response. I outlined how I leveraged my vendor network and quick decision-making skills to secure a temporary solution, while also planning for a longer-term fix. I also proposed strategies like automating certain procurement workflows and setting up clear SLA (Service Level Agreement) metrics to enhance efficiency.

6. Follow-Up Discussion (Salary & Expectations)

This is usually the final step after the interview process, where HR or the hiring manager discusses the role’s expectations, compensation, and benefits. You might also discuss the growth trajectory of the position and your potential to scale the role.

Key Skills to Highlight

• Procurement Experience: The role requires significant experience in managing procurement activities, from vendor management to contract negotiation. Be sure to discuss your experience with cost management, supplier selection, and negotiating favorable terms.
• Facilities Management: Emphasize your ability to manage day-to-day facilities operations, including office space planning, equipment procurement, and maintaining workplace safety and compliance.
• Vendor Management: Demonstrate your ability to manage relationships with multiple vendors, ensuring that they meet service expectations and deliver high-quality products or services at competitive prices.
• Communication and Collaboration: Since this role involves working across multiple departments, highlight your communication skills, especially in coordinating between teams like IT, HR, and finance to meet company-wide needs.
• Project Management and Prioritization: The role requires strong project management skills, so share examples of how you successfully prioritized tasks or led projects on time and within budget.

Example from My Experience

In my previous role, I was responsible for procuring equipment and services for a newly opened office. This involved negotiating with vendors to secure the best pricing for office furniture, IT equipment, and facility management services. Additionally, I collaborated with HR and IT to ensure the office was set up with the required technology and resources. By managing the procurement process efficiently, we were able to save 15% on the overall budget, which I later reinvested into employee wellness programs.