Employee Interview – Richard

Tell us about your role with IFC and how long you have been with the business.
I am relatively new here at IFC. As the Warehouse Operations Supervisor I manage the day-to-day functions at IFC’s NSW warehouse, ensuring the smooth transition between key functions within the warehouse. My current point of focus is to fully optimise the outbound function and assist the special project team with the inbounding, storage and despatch of highly sensitive and specialised freight.

What do you enjoy most about working at IFC?
The constantly evolving industry and work environment keeps me on my toes, driving me to continue thinking outside the box and assisting with finding meaningful and efficient solutions to the challenges faced with fast paced changes within the immediate to mid-term forecast.

What drew you to work in the supply chain industry?
My first job after finishing school was in warehousing and logistics. I viewed the industry as holding a strong growth opportunity within the logistics infrastructure of Australia and world-wide for the mid to long term future. With automation knocking on the door, the industry is only expanding further and drawing in more and more skilled individuals, who continue to drive the industry to new heights.

Tell us a little about your background and experience.
I was initially discouraged from pursuing warehouse management due to a lack of tertiary education in the field at the time. Initially, I pursued a career in construction. Studying and attaining a bachelor’s degree in construction management, I worked in the industry as a supervisor and then site manager for about 8 years. Unfortunately, Covid hit and gave me the opportunity to re-enter the warehousing and logistics industry. Since then, I haven’t looked back. My previous years in these very high stress and time-sensitive environments toned and helped me develop as a professional. I returned to 3PL logistics, managing a small returns team, progressing to inventory management and now my current position. I have enjoyed the ride so far, meeting many influential people on the way through.

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities you’ve encountered in your experience working in the industry?
In a 3PL environment, you are constantly juggling the needs of many clients. This includes time restraints, maintaining and exceeding a required level of service while dealing with dynamic operational situations. Our most current project has required a certain level of control and knowledge surrounding what can and can not be done. Detailed knowledge and management of the warehouse footprint has been essential, with a high level of planning and coordination across multiple parties to ensure the level of service required for the project is maintained or exceeded.

How do you think IFC differentiates from competitors?
IFC offers and manages a diverse range of services and projects like no other place I’ve worked in the past. IFC is different. I am used to big corporate structures which provide little to no insight to their teams. At IFC we have a direct line to the GM & MD, with regular updates, insights and reflections on how the industry directions and events are affecting business as a whole and how it can affect the industry on a higher level. IFC also has a super team in the background, supporting the daily operations on the floor. With a vast majority of technical and operational assistance being sourced in-house, this has been just another advantage and feather in the cap for IFC.

For aspiring professionals interested in a career in the supply chain industry, what advice would you give them to kickstart their journey?
As goes for buying property in Australia, the best time to start your career within the supply chain industry was yesterday! With the strong growth prospects across the board, and a multitude of pathways which you can pursue within the industry, it is a worthwhile investment in your future.

What hobbies or interests do you enjoy pursuing in your free time?
I love playing snooker, cricket and golf. I have a deep interest in the movements, trends and influences impacting the Australian land and property market. I closely follow the stock market and in the past five years have been following the crypto-currency markets with a keen eye.

Describe your life’s motto in a few words!
“Go get ‘em, Tiger.”