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Department Purpose and Contribution to Company Objectives
The Supply Chain and Logistics teams are integral to the success of Oscar Mayer, ensuring that ingredients and finished products are delivered in a timely, efficient, and cost-effective manner. The team is tasked with managing stock levels, coordinating the delivery of ingredients to production, and ensuring that all customer orders are fulfilled accurately and on time. Additionally, they play a key role in maintaining food safety standards, especially in areas like allergen control and ingredient segregation. By ensuring these operations run smoothly, the department directly supports the company's financial goals and its commitment to meeting customer service targets and KPIs.
Team Culture and Dynamics
Collaboration and shared responsibility are the cornerstones of the team’s culture. Managers promote a "win-win, can-do" approach that encourages proactive problem solving and team-based decision making. Cross functional initiatives like Kaizen and leadership lean development programs further nurture interdepartmental collaboration, helping to break down silos and improve communication across the business. This collaborative approach ensures that all departments work towards a common goal, continuously improving processes and results.
A Day in the Life
A typical day in the Supply Chain and Logistics department involves managing a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Teams are responsible for ensuring that the correct raw materials are delivered to production facilities, monitoring stock levels, and ensuring that ingredients and finished products are safely handled and stored. Tasks include unloading vehicles, palletising and organising stock in racking locations, loading vehicles for delivery, and completing inventory control tasks. The department operates around the clock to support production and distribution, and all activities are conducted with a strict focus on food safety and operational efficiency.
Key Challenges
The Supply Chain and Logistics department faces several operational challenges, including:
Ingredient Stock Control: Maintaining accurate inventory levels for a wide range of ingredients and ensuring their timely delivery to production.
Allergen Control & Segregation: Strict regulations require meticulous management of allergens, including proper segregation and accurate tracking.
MHE Fleet Reliability: Ensuring that Material Handling Equipment (MHE) is reliable and functioning to avoid disruptions in logistics operations.
People Skill Sets: Continuous development is necessary to ensure team members have the skills required to operate in a demanding environment, from MHE operation to stock management and food safety.
Expectations from New Hires in the Supply Chain and Logistics Department
New hires in the Supply Chain and Logistics department are expected to be hardworking, adaptable, and able to work at a fast pace. Attention to detail is crucial, especially in areas like stock control and food safety compliance. Experience in warehouse management, MHE handling, and working in temperature-controlled environments (chilled or frozen) is a plus.
New team members will undergo comprehensive training, which includes:
Site familiarisation and onboarding.
Health and safety protocols, with a particular focus on food safety.
MHE operations, including safe handling and usage.
Training on inventory systems, including the use of PC based and scanner systems for stock management.
Understanding the importance of allergen control, including segregation and tracking processes.