>>THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF A WEEK IN THE INDUSTRY
Being a woman logistics manager in a commercial environment dominated by men, Hazlewoods Logistics’ Sharon Lane knows how to handle herself from week to week.
However, she says that working for her current company makes things easy. “My work is rewarding and I’m always treated with respect.”
Lane acknowledges that managing a 24-hour logistics operation serving Hazlewoods manufacturing sites and third party customers can be “hands on, dirty work”.
But she remains undaunted in her quest to cut costs and delivery times and make the most of truck space.
Her week began last Monday with a review of the previous week’s performance.
“We looked at key performance indicators and what we can do to improve service.”
Tuesday saw her discussing new business for an external supplier: “It will help us increase our use of truck space.”
The following day was taken up with an in-depth stock review, covering operations, despatch, transport and planning. Once more Lane maintained her unswerving focus on fine-tuning efficiency
by transporting more stock per load.
In a break from routine, she met Tesco representatives on Thursday to discuss factory gate pricing.
“Using outside fleets causes concerns,” says Lane, “because retailers believe they can run their own fleets more cheaply.”
However, she describes the meeting as “very positive”, with all concerns aired and addressed.
Lane rounded off her week with a regular drivers’ meeting, designed to tackle issues raised by the truckers who work for Hazlewoods Logistics. Facing 40-45 drivers, all of whom are men, with one exception, calls for a woman of substance and Lane certainly gives the impression she’s got what it takes.
moving in a world mainly for men
Being a woman logistics manager in a commercial environment dominated by men, Hazlewoods Logistics’ Sharon Lane knows how to handle herself from week to week.
However, she says that working for her current company makes things easy. “My work is rewarding and I’m always treated with respect.”
Lane acknowledges that managing a 24-hour logistics operation serving Hazlewoods manufacturing sites and third party customers can be “hands on, dirty work”.
But she remains undaunted in her quest to cut costs and delivery times and make the most of truck space.
Her week began last Monday with a review of the previous week’s performance.
“We looked at key performance indicators and what we can do to improve service.”
Tuesday saw her discussing new business for an external supplier: “It will help us increase our use of truck space.”
The following day was taken up with an in-depth stock review, covering operations, despatch, transport and planning. Once more Lane maintained her unswerving focus on fine-tuning efficiency
by transporting more stock per load.
In a break from routine, she met Tesco representatives on Thursday to discuss factory gate pricing.
“Using outside fleets causes concerns,” says Lane, “because retailers believe they can run their own fleets more cheaply.”
However, she describes the meeting as “very positive”, with all concerns aired and addressed.
Lane rounded off her week with a regular drivers’ meeting, designed to tackle issues raised by the truckers who work for Hazlewoods Logistics. Facing 40-45 drivers, all of whom are men, with one exception, calls for a woman of substance and Lane certainly gives the impression she’s got what it takes.
moving in a world mainly for men
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