Michaela F.
About me
| Michaela F. | |
| Language and Linguistic Science | |
| Language and Linguistics | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Wentworth | |
| 2000 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Supply Planning Manager | |
| GHD | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Retail and sales | |
| Large business (250+ employees) | |
| 2016 |
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A day in the life of a Supply Planning Manager in the United Kingdom
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
Good Hair Day, commonly known as ghd, is a manufacturer of hair care products. ghd leads the market for hair straightening irons and is sold worldwide through a number of channels, including salons, online and in premium retail shops.
What do you do?
I am the supply planning manager, working as part of the global ghd supply chain and operations team. I am essentially responsible for the availability of goods in the market. My main external stakeholders include: the manufacturers, by providing them regular supply plans, and the global markets, by ensuring I am providing them availability of goods to meet their forecasted demands.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
I always knew that I wanted to work in a 'business environment', but I 'fell' into supply chain when I got my first job (after my degree) through an agency, working for a global IT distribution company. I started as the Assistant Planner and over 20 years of hard work and three companies later, I am now the Supply Planning Manager at ghd.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
I honestly didn't know what job sector I wanted to work in. I have worked in three very diverse sectors to date... IT distribution, In-house Kitchen/Bathroom Manufacturing and now in the Beauty Industry dealing with External Manufacturing. All three have been exceptionally enjoyable but three very different experiences.
Describe your most memorable day at work
It was my last day after working at my first company for 16 years. We were transferring the central supply chain function from York to Barcelona. I had the privilege of spending 6 months in Barcelona doing the transition. Leaving the new team in Barcelona after 16 years, knowing that I had built the new team up there was a very memorable and poignant moment in my career.
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
Everyday brings a different challenge.. Whether it is new projects, setting up new supply chains, onboarding of new suppliers or managing circumstances that are outside of your control.. i.e. over sales, late inbound deliveries, quality constraints... The end goal is to ensure availability is maintained.... so thinking outside the box, working with all cross functional teams is necessary.. as well as keeping to the facts, having a positive mindset, and being open and honest are the key things!
What’s your work environment and culture like?
Work hard, play hard. We have a fully supportive, cross functional team. We have fun but we have to continuously push ourselves. The key thing is to try and maintain a work life balance - not always easy! Most of my role is office based. The day never drags!
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
I had a part time job during the holidays which I always went back home to do. It allowed me to save up during the holidays to fund the term ahead. This taught me that hard work does pay off!
What would you like to do next with your career?
I am not sure I want to go any 'higher' in my career.. but the most important thing for me is that I continue to learn and develop.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Push yourself to learn and seize every opportunity that you can. Always remember a work life balance. Start to save from Day 1! The working life now is very different even from when I started.. but I firmly believe that the fundamental basics are the same.... respect, be on time, don't assume it will be given to you on a plate, push yourself to learn, communication is key (verbal.. not just social media), be open and honest.
Next steps...
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