Max Hogan - Supply Chain Manager

What made you want to become a Supply Chain Manager?
I have always wanted to work in a busy environment and be relied upon as an integral part of a business.  I studied for a degree in Supply Chain Management at whilst at University and began to sit up and take notice of the opportunities that where open to graduates leaving in my position.  I had always been intrigued by FMCG and particularly the food manufacturing sector so when the I attended a Graduate fair and spoke to a representative of my current employer I was more than happy to register my interest.

Working in the food manufacturing industry continually tests your ability as I have to overcome a number of different challenges on a daily basis in order to get the job done.  This sector also has so many opportunities both to work in the UK and abroad so I am looking forward to progressing and developing my skill set.

So, how exactly did you reach the level where you are now?
I have been with my current employer for 3 years and have worked across a number of different manufacturing sites already in that short space of time from as far North as Yorkshire right down to the South East so it helps that I have an understanding girlfriend!  I joined my current employer on the Graduate training scheme and followed a structure plan of career development before I was offered my first Supply Chain Management at one of our smaller sites.  I stayed with this area of the business for just short of 9 months when my current position came up with a new set of challenges at a bigger manufacturing site and I saw it as the next step up the Career Ladder.

What specifically have you learned whilst on the Graduate Training Scheme?
Communication is vital in supply chain, whether it is with immediate colleagues, suppliers or those from other areas of the business. I also need to be sure that communication channels are kept clear at all times and that messages reach the intended recipients.  I am a bit of a freak for sending read receipts with emails and I have learned that you cannot delay/disguise bad news as the sooner a problem is discovered, the sooner it can be sorted out.

Communication is essential in my job as a Supply Chain Manager as on a daily basis we have to manage and co-ordinate anything from supplies, and machinery to uniforms and stationery. Without communicating to key stakeholders and ensuring the effective delivery of messages to my team, the ability to plan daily workloads would be impossible.

So what does a typical day entail for you?
As the Supply Chain Manager at my manufacturing site I am responsible for all raw materials coming into the business. I usually make it into the office for 08:30 every morning and leave at 18:00 or later even though my contracted hours state that I should start at 09:00 and work until 17:30 In the morning.  I like to be organised and manage my time so that when the day officially starts I am ready to get stuck in straight away.  I get my team together at the start of every day so that we can discuss what needs to be done and to keep the communication going (can you see the message that I am trying to get across here?)

Throughout the day my role is to ensure the supply chain is running efficiently. I monitor raw materials deliveries, stock movement and storage levels ensuring they are completed to the best standard and in the time possible. My role very much involves regular communication whether it is in management meetings, communication sessions with my team or emails to the rest of the business regarding developments in supply chain that can influence the way the factory floor operates. My department is a production support function and there are many other duties that we try to offer support with such as moving equipment or helping out with changes to the factory floor.

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