Logistics, Distribution, Supply Chain & FMCG

 A company Supply Chain Manager organises, and oversees the processes of acquisition, storage, and distribution of the goods and raw materials their organisation works with. As a Supply Chain Manager, you’ll be ultimately responsible for putting in orders, reducing logistics costs, and securing the best possible products and materials. Supply Chain Managers need to be constantly up-to-date with the latest laws, technologies, and business standards, so motivation and a passion for the job is key. Finally, as you’ll be overseeing a team, soft skills such as leadership will come in handy when training and supervising colleagues. 

 A Transport Manager is a specialist in getting goods and materials from one place to another. The day-to-day work of a Transport Manager includes tracking the company’s fleet of road vehicles, train cars, and/or aircraft; planning routes, shipment sizes, and dates; arranging for vehicle repairs and maintenance; and cooperating with authorities carrying out training programs or safety audits. Transport teams are often large and spread across a wide geographical area, meaning organisation and precise communication are paramount to being a successful Transport Manager. 

  Warehouse Managers are the custodians of a company’s inventory. The safe storage and distribution of goods from warehouse sites is among the most important links on the supply chain, and Warehouse Managers need to be on top of their game at all times to avoid backlogs and mixups.The main responsibilities of a Warehouse Manager include enforcing safety protocols, communicating with clients and suppliers, acting on real-time data to plan distribution schedules, and overseeing maintenance processes to ensure the warehouse machinery doesn’t fail. Attention to detail and stakeholder management skills are very important in this role.  

  If supply isn’t meeting demand, the Supply Chain Analyst needs to step up and take control. Analysing and compiling data from a variety of sources for the purpose of streamlining the supply chain is among the main activities of the Supply Chain Analyst. This means that a head for statistics and the ability to cross-compare data quickly is of the utmost importance. Likewise, as you’ll be interacting with and advising people in roles around the company, the ability to build trusting relationships is also key. Most employers will look for experienced professionals to fill this important role. 

  An HGV driver is a heavy goods vehicle driver. Sometimes they are known as LGV or large goods vehicle drivers. The nature of their role depends a lot on the company that they are working for but on the whole, HGV drivers are responsible for delivering bulk quantities or large goods to their customers. 

An HGV driver is usually expected to drive either long or short distances in order to deliver heavy goods. This might be by truck, tanker, lorry or other large vehicle. Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Safely loading and securing goods on the vehicle;
• Maintaining and conducting basic checks of their vehicle, including brake, oil or tyre checks;
• Planning delivery routes and schedules;
• Driving large goods vehicles;
• Logging delivery information correctly;
• Having a strong awareness of the UK highway code;
• Keeping vigilant of correct delivery times;
• Planning driver breaks for safety purposes during long-distance hauls;
• Staying aware of any route diversions or updates to their delivery journey.

   Being a packaging engineer involves designing, developing, and testing packaging materials and systems for a wide range of products. Packaging engineers need an in-depth understanding of materials, engineering principles, and manufacturing processes, as well as an ability to think creatively and solve complex problems for packaging goods that sometimes change on a monthly basis. Although packaging engineers will often become specialised in a particular area, you may find yourself working on food and beverages one day and then electronic goods the next. People and teamwork skills are also really important as you’ll need to work closely with designers, manufacturers, and marketing professionals, to ensure that the final packaging meets the needs of both the client and the end consumer. 

   Warehouse operatives typically work in a busy environment where they are responsible for tasks such as receiving, inspecting, and storing incoming products; picking, packing, and preparing orders for shipment; and operating material handling warehouse equipment. As a warehouse operative, you may also find yourself maintaining accurate inventory records and ensuring that the warehouse is clean and organized. Working as a warehouse operative requires you to be in a good physical condition, and to have the ability to work efficiently to deadlines. It can be a demanding job, but it can also be rewarding for those who enjoy being part of a team and helping to ensure that products reach their destination on time and in good condition. 

   Mechanical engineers work on a wide range of projects, including everything from designing industrial machinery to devising new ways to effectively transport short-lived goods. Mechanical engineers generally need a solid foundation in maths and physics, as well as an understanding of materials science and engineering principles. In addition to designing and testing systems, as a mechanical engineers you’ll be responsible for managing projects, supervising technicians and other staff, and occasionally working with clients and other stakeholders. Being a mechanical engineer int he FMCG sector requires a combination of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team. 

  In FMCG, everything that a company sells needs to be rigorously checked to ensure that it meets current legislation and won’t propose a danger to the public or damage the company’s reputation. That’s where the quality assurance team comes in, and as a quality assurance manager, you’ll be involved in designing and implementing quality control systems, developing and executing testing plans, and analyzing data to identify trends and potential problems. Quality assurance managers must also be adept at communicating with team members, stakeholders, and customers to understand their needs and concerns. Skills required by successful quality assurance managers include leadership, organisation, problem solving, and effective communication, among others.