If you want a job that is at the sharp end of food and drink, then you need look no further than the supply chain. It is competitive, at the forefront of the green agenda and has opportunities for the right candidate to excel.
OK, it may not be the most glamourous of jobs, but it is an intrinsic part of the industry. For retailers needing assurance that their shelves will always be stocked, it is one of the most important functions. So much so that the top jobs come with some of the biggest wage packets the industry has to offer.
Jobs in logistics start from analyst, which deals with improving product movement and go all the way up to global supply chain controller. Here you will be in charge of the business's overall supply chain strategy, deciding whether to outsource deliveries to third parties opr do it in-house.
In today’s business environment – which demands improved service at reduced costs and reduced inventory – supply chain and logistics roles have become ever more key to a company’s success. It appears that these roles are perfect for anyone who loves to change things and has the ambition to push water uphill successfully.
FEATURED RECRUITERS:
DR Newitt provide recruitment services to the UK FMCG market, including manufacturing, engineering and technical jobs
Right now we have opportunities for Demand Planners across a number of our business areas.
Our business is focused around five markets; Pizza, Biscuits, Ready meals, Sandwiches & salads and puddings.
Focussing predominantly across mid-senior management within the FMCG and Retail sectors, Exsurgo covers a range of disciplines including sales, marketing, buying, merchandising and operations.
I'VE GOT THAT JOB:
DEMAND PLANNING MANAGER (BEVERAGE DIVISION)
PHIL UNSTEAD – NESTLE
What do you actually do?
Manage a team responsible for producing and maintaining a demand plan by customer by product by week. The plan has to be carefully aligned with the sales, marketing and supply teams. The accuracy of this plan is crucial in that it drives what our factories make as well as our forecasted financial position. My team also builds
and maintains excellent relationships with Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury through the collaborative planning forecasting and replenishment process. These relationships are vital in that they add customer-thinking into our planning.
How did you get into it?
Joined Nestlé on the graduate scheme undertaking a wide range of supply chain roles as well as a year in sales as a national account manager.
Career-building tips?
Get cross-functional experience – it makes you a much more rounded professional. Get a mentor other than your line manager who can give you good solid impartial advice. Take the earliest opportunity to get people management skills even if it is managing a summer/placement student. The skills you learn will be invaluable.
Best bits?
In my current role, I get the most satisfaction from developing the people in my team and hitting our key performance indicators through our collective effort. I also personally love getting in front of our customers and hearing their real perceptions of us as a company.
Most likely to put you off?
In planning, there is a high degree of numerical work and attention to detail required which does not suit everybody.
Skills most used?
Analysis and decision-making is key in planning. Communication is also vital whether it be convincing others of a plan internally or driving through a change plan with one of our external customers. The ability to be customer-focused and keep in mind what is best for the customer is key.
What next?
When I finish my role in planning I will be looking for opportunities to work more closely with our customers in the UK. I would also like to experience working in a Nestlé market outside of the UK.
