Yufeng Wan: Procter & Gamble graduate

EMPLOYER Procter & Gamble
UNIVERSITY PhD computational data modelling, University of Sheffield

Supply chain management involves managing raw materials, manufacturing processes, production line availability and logistics to maintain a supply of quality products to customers. The focus is on optimising all the processes in the supply chain to provide the best service for customers while minimising costs. We must also maintain quality and, most importantly, plant safety.

I am a technical support manager within a manufacturing facility and work with our engineers to optimise the production lines. For example, finding ways to reduce the changeover time of products on a line. It’s a complex operation that has to be done quickly – an inactive line costs money and impacts on our ability to deliver on time.

You do not necessarily need an engineering degree to work in supply chain – I work alongside colleagues from various disciplines. However, my control engineering background makes it easier to pick up the technical knowledge I need and to make the right judgements. I have to consider how the decisions I make will affect production. I also have to be able to work well with people at all levels working in different functions – from business managers to technicians.

Why supply chain?

I wanted to use the engineering skills and knowledge I got from my degree to manage real processes. In this role I see the magic of the whole manufacturing process – turning raw materials into useful products that are packed onto a lorry and delivered to shops.

At the start it could be quite difficult when engineers looked to me for solutions as I wasn’t very familiar with the processes. However, I’m now well practised in dealing with the typical problems that arise. I had a willingness to get stuck in and that’s the best way to learn.