What is it like being a warehouse and supply chain planner for a beauty wholesaler? Carlos shares his insight
In the hustle and bustle of the warehouse at B Futurist, a beauty wholesaler, one figure stands out. Carlos, with his signature hoodie and commanding presence, is often seen orchestrating the myriad activities that keep the supply chain running smoothly. His journey from a warehouse manager to the head of the supply chain and warehouse department is a story of resilience, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. This blog post, based on an in-depth interview with Carlos, delves into the multifaceted role he plays, the challenges he faces, and the accomplishments that make him proud.
From Warehouse Manager to Head of Supply Chain: Carlos’ Evolution at B Futurist
Carlos’s journey at B Futurist began a little over a year ago, in what he describes as an accidental yet fortunate turn of events. “I came to the company about one year and two months ago,” he recalls. “After a conversation with the CEO, I joined the warehouse team.” Initially brought on as a warehouse manager, Carlos quickly identified key issues within the warehouse operations, particularly those related to communication with the supply chain department.
“I asked Davide to allow me to manage the supply chain, and that’s how I became the head of the supply chain,” Carlos explains. His dual role involves overseeing both the warehouse and the supply chain departments, each presenting its own set of challenges and intricacies.
For the warehouse, Carlos’ responsibilities revolve around the flow of goods, quality checks, and minimizing errors. “From my desk, it is more about layout, workload planning, and organizing who is going to do what and when,” he says. The aim is to ensure a seamless process of receiving, storing, and dispatching goods with minimal errors, despite the manual handling involved.
In contrast, the supply chain department’s role is more complex. “The supply chain is the communications hub of this company,” Carlos points out. It connects the warehouse team, sales & purchase team, finance team, suppliers, and customers, facilitating every transaction. His responsibilities here include negotiating rates with freight forwarders, managing service-level agreements, and ensuring efficient order fulfillment from supplier to end customer. “The supply chain department focuses on the fulfillment of the orders, from organizing the pickup to booking the transport companies and tracking consignments globally,” he adds.
The Vision for Data-Driven Decisions
Effective communication is at the heart of Carlos’ strategy to ensure smooth operations across departments. As B Futurist expands, establishing structured processes has become essential. “How do I coordinate? I am trying to put procedures in place and enforce them sustainably,” he says.
Carlos has introduced systems to log and prioritize tasks, helping the warehouse team anticipate upcoming activities and plan accordingly. “We now have a file in place where activities are logged so the warehouse knows when they will take place,” he explains. This system has significantly improved the clarity of roles and responsibilities, fostering better habits and reducing the chaotic, ad-hoc requests that once dominated their communication.
Despite the progress, Carlos acknowledges that data analytics is an area that still needs development. “We’re not there yet,” he admits. “All the implementations and changes we’ve been trying to build are based on common sense and previous experience.” However, with the recent introduction of Odoo, a comprehensive business management software, Carlos is optimistic about the future. “It is a positive change, but like every implementation, it will be painful and will take time,” he says, likening the initial phase to the problematic part of a bathtub graph where issues are most prevalent before stabilization.
The transition to Odoo required a significant effort, including a week-long pause in operations. Carlos and his team have been putting in the hours to manage the backlog. “Marc (our Senior Project Manager) has been very helpful during the implementation process,” Carlos notes. “From the warehouse point of view, we got no more backlog whatsoever, and the supply chain department is also getting there.”
Finding Fulfillment in Visible Results
For Carlos, one of the most rewarding aspects of his job is the tangible results he sees daily. “You get a lot of sense of accomplishment because you can actually see what you did from a physical point of view,” he says. Whether it’s moving a box across the warehouse or tracking a parcel’s journey from Hong Kong to The Netherlands, the visibility of progress provides a satisfying sense of achievement. This contrasts sharply with his previous role as a compliance officer at an airport, which he found lacking in tangible accomplishments.
A Leader’s Role in Nurturing Team Growth and Development
Carlos’s passion for his work extends to his commitment to his team. “I love when I see my team members grow,” he shares. Spotting talent, mentoring, and witnessing their development is extremely rewarding for him. “I see that there is talent and they respond well to coaching. They are very engaged.” he says, expressing pride in both the warehouse and supply chain teams.
Reflecting on his impact, Carlos is modest yet proud. “At the beginning, the warehouse team kept saying they were happy someone finally listened to their needs,” he recalls. His approach, which includes taking responsibility for the team’s mistakes, has built trust and a sense of security among his team. “They know if they screw up, I’ll take the responsibility,” he asserts, emphasizing his role as a protective leader.
Carlos’ Role in Shaping B Futurist’s Future
Carlos’ journey at B Futurist is a testament to his leadership, problem-solving skills, and dedication to his role. From overhauling communication processes to implementing new systems and mentoring his team, his contributions have been significant. Despite the challenges, Carlos remains driven by the tangible results of his work and the growth of his department.
In his own words, Carlos sums up his approach: “I’m the enforcer, but it’s cool to see the progress.” His story is one of transformation, both for himself and for the supply chain and warehouse departments he leads, making him an invaluable asset to B Futurist.