TOP AUSSIE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGERS
segmentation , the buying behaviours and being able to use the deep analytics and data that are available today to understand the trends and the customers ’ buying behaviours . This sets the scene for true supply chain transformation .”
For Martin Brower and supply chain general manager Karin Freeman , the challenge is a little more complex .
Freeman got her start in the industry through leading the McDonald ’ s supply chain in her native South Africa for seven years before being brought in by Mackay Distribution in Australia to improve its supply chain operations . Today , Freeman is the head of the world ’ s largest distributor for McDonald ’ s , and the second-ranked logistics service provider around the globe .
While there are certainly distinct differences between supply chain operations in the two countries , Freeman believes her wealth of experience has helped her thrive .
“ One of the key things of where I am today in my career , is I was fortunate to spend about 19 years in leadership positions and have been selective in who I work for ,” said Freeman . “ This shrewdness has added to my experience .”
People are lifeblood and DNA of every successful company . While most enterprises look to attract , retain and develop employees , the complexity of Martin Brower forces Freeman to take a slightly different approach .
“ Our customer culture and environment is so unique , it ’ s almost like working at the stock exchange with the amount of customer-driven change that happens in our business ,” said Freeman . “ Some people just can ’ t keep up . The skill set for those people to thrive in this environment is very unique .
“ It ’ s almost like you ’ re looking for a sales person , who is a great communicator with analytical skills and some production planning experience . It ’ s a bonus is if they have McDonald ’ s experience , but to find all of that is almost impossible .
“ However , if you give me the right person with the right DNA , I ’ ll train them to what I want them to know and I ’ ll shape them to what I want them to be . There ’ s something to be said about the talent you bring on board , and how they adapt to changes .”
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