Employee Interview Spotlight – Oliver

Tell us about your role with IFC and how long you have been with the business.

My current role at IFC is as a WMS Solutions Analyst. I have been with the company for nine years.

My role is quite diverse. I oversee and manage Manhattan SCALE, IFC’s Warehouse Management System for the WH division. A couple of my key responsibilities are developing operational workflows for WH and working closely with the CLS team for client integrations.

What do you enjoy most about working at IFC?

Working at IFC, there is always something new to learn. Different client requirements or changes in technology bring new challenges and new opportunities to learn.

Also, I have a core group of colleagues around me and senior management who are like-minded, dedicated, and supportive and work together to ensure IFC is providing the best client experience.

What drew you to work in the supply chain industry?

I have always been interested in technology and its use in a business environment, which led to studying eCommerce. However, I was more fascinated with Systems Solutions and changed my course to a Business degree in Information Systems.

Tell us a little about your background and experience.

While studying part-time, I also worked in the Supply Chain Industry for various companies. I started off as a pick/packer, then as a forklift operator, and then became a Dispatch Team Leader for a company that used a command-based WMS to process and confirm orders.
I became an Inventory Controller at DHL (John Sands, Oakley). The WMS we used was custom-built for DHL by Manhattan, and my experience and exposure to Manhattan Systems led me to IFC.

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities you’ve encountered in your experience working in the industry?

COVID is the most challenging issue regarding our WMS upgrade to SCALE 2018 and its rollout nationally.

Having to work together and coordinate with teams onsite and offsite as well as resources not only from IFC but also with our 3PL partners CTI Logistics to ensure the smooth transition from one system to another with minimal disruptions to our clients.

How do you think IFC differentiates from competitors?

IFC focuses on innovation and its drive to develop newer and better ways to service its clients and meet client needs.

For aspiring professionals interested in a career in the supply chain industry, what advice would you give them to kickstart their journey?

You don’t get to the top overnight. There is a starting point to any journey.
Be open-minded, willing to learn, and open to opportunities.

Be respectful to your peers.

What hobbies or interests do you enjoy pursuing in your free time?

Spending time with family, checking out food festivals, and trying new restaurants. I also enjoy movies, gaming, and home DIY projects.

Describe your life’s motto in a few words!

Forget the mistake, remember the lesson, and keep moving forward.