Sunday, April 5, 2009

My first week as Global Purchasing & Logistics Director

Many have asked, so I thought I'd write some things up for everyone to get a sense of how the first week on the new job is!

All I can say is... "What's the catch?"
- Great business, great people, great position, great location (and some cool international travel), great compensation and what looks like a great work/life balance!

We are a global business that touches nearly every region of the world, and my team is responsible for procuring all of the equipment and materials and then getting them to all of the job sites on time and in the right condition. Our corporate HQ is in Brook Park (12 miles away), and right off my regular bike route in the Metroparks - so I can (and have already) ride to/from work for "bonus" workout time! :)

What is very exciting for me is that my prior experiences have really prepared me to do well in this role. My learning curve will be very quick... when I started with PCC, it was new position, new organization, new industry, new everything! My past jobs as Materials Manager and Operations there prepared me very well for the challenges of this position now.

It builds my confidence to have such a good Lean / Six Sigma / Theory of Constraints toolbox to draw upon, along with professional Supply Chain management skills. I'm developing the necessary tools to manage Fosbel better in days - instead of the months to develop while with PCC. Been there, done that, have the T-shirt... it is a good feeling, so that I can focus on the specific issues we face with the current business, instead of figuring out how to get tools in place.

I will still be very challged because I now have direct reports that are literally on the other side of the globe, so I must develop and hone some new management skills. The complexity of the various logistics movements / customs issues / etc. that are required for this particular business will also present a new and exciting set of challenges. The purchasing side will also be challenging as we look at how to leverage our supply base for needed improvements. This will be fun!

The prospect of global travel (usually a week at a time to Germany, China and other locations) is not a negative to me. I've only been to Japan - so these will be new and interesting worlds to encounter and cultures to learn about and adapt to. I very much look forward to my first trip to Europe at the end of April!

Sure, there will be frustrating days where work feels like work...