Inventory Specialist: Steve Carson

How long have you been working in your current role?

4 months

Which company do you work for and what do they do?

I work for ISA Trading, who are a major distributor of office products (i.e. printer equipment, stationery etc).

What does your job involve in a typical day?

On a day-to-day basis, I am involved in the replenishment of our Irish satellite warehouses – this involves checking the stock levels and ordering stock from suppliers. As well as this, I produce a number of regular reports that highlight the current inventory position of the business – e.g. stock levels, fill rates, cash flows etc. I’m also on hand to produce a number of reports as requested by senior management and other parts of the business. In the near future, I will be taking on the role of Project Manager for a new demand planning and ordering system we are installing. This will take up the majority of my time and will take me away from the day-to-day activities for at least six months. When this software is up and running, I will become a ‘super user’ and will assist others in the use of the system.

How did you get into your current job, and what were you doing before?

I applied for another job with the company in the summer after graduating; on that occasion I wasn’t experienced enough for the role. However, my details were kept and passed on when another vacancy became available and I was contacted for an interview. It was easy from there! Previous to this I worked at Leeds-Bradford Airport for Jet2, the low cost airline, as a revenue analyst. Whilst this was fun in the short-term, my real passion is in ‘proper’ logistics & supply chain – when the new opportunity arose, I found it impossible to turn down.

What qualifications did you need for the job?

My degree was the major factor, though my year working in the industry was very useful as well.

What do you like most about your job?

The fact that it keeps me busy! Since joining, my immediate superior has left the business and has yet to be replaced, meaning I have been given added responsibility very quickly. It’s hard work, but I feel I’m doing a job that makes a difference and helps those around me do their job better.

What is your advice to people looking for a job in logistics?

A qualification like my degree is a perfect starting point when talking to prospective employers; there are plenty of part-time courses and diplomas that can be achieved whilst working if you don’t want to go into full-time education. The people I know with recognised qualifications in logistics find employment a lot easier to come by than those that don’t… Choose a speciality – there are a number of avenues to pursue in logistics (I’ve chosen something strategic - not quite as full on as the trucks and pallets approach of our NDC!), and employers are often impressed by knowledge in a specialist field.

What do you see as your next step?

Once we’ve got our new system up and running, I’ll be sitting down with the Director of Logistics to decide what’s next for my career. I’m very ambitious and keen to move my career forward quickly, so I’m looking forward to seeing what they have to offer!