Kenneth Er

My company and my job

My day-to-day responsibilities include overseeing operations and driving continuous improvement with the operations excellence team. I oversee a warehouse, which involves coordinating a complex network of activities, and ensuring that everything run smoothly. This is challenging while you’re at it, but fulfilling when you’re constantly breaking barriers.

With the complexity of operations always increasing, we’re also required to constantly look for ways to improve and streamline our processes.

Why I chose this line of work

I chose this industry as the importance of a good supply chain was beginning to be recognised by companies as crucial when it comes to improving their cost and services, when I was still a student.

Similar to any other industry, jobs in this industry can be challenging both physically and mentally, but they’re rewarding at the same time.

How I got my job

I was with the company  as an operations team lead before I saw the opening for their Management Trainee programme, and decided to go for it and upskill myself. I went through three rounds of interviews,  with human resources (HR), with the operations manager and also with the country management team before I was selected.

The trickiest part of the selection were the case questions that provoked my thinking. I believe my attitude, and possibly my good track record  set me apart from the rest.

Then and now

In the past, I used to be too involved in the details, trying to complete both big and small matters by myself. I tended to micromanage and follow up in short intervals.

Now, I’ve learnt to trust the team, and delegate tasks at hand to the leaders, so I have the capacity to take up greater strategic responsibility.

What I enjoy most about my job

The most memorable part of my MT journey are the days I spent in operations. There was one instance where we received higher-than-forecasted volume, which we initially thought was beyond us.

To address it, we, the operations management team, got our hands dirty to lead the operations to success. We even completed the packing with time to spare! The joy and sense of a tangible achievement of the impossible really motivates you to push ahead.

Training and support

There are various training sessions within the work year to improve our soft skills, such as Interview technique, leadership and communication. The sessions are spread throughout the year to minimise impact on our operations.

I was also sent for the lean sigma black belt certification right at the start of my MT programme, as it is an internationally recognised certification that will be useful in the industry.

I’m also grateful for a mentor that constantly checks on me, and ensures that I’m on track to achieve what we’ve set at the start of the work year.

Work-life balance

At the beginning of your career, expect to spend more hours picking up and absorbing new knowledge in this fast-paced working environment. Although daily working hours are from 8:30am to 6pm, expect longer hours during the peak season. Being in the logistics industry also means that you’ll have to be prepared to work on weekends during peak periods. So, I cherish the time I have with my family on weekends even more.

What I like about the company’s culture is that the management and seniors are willing to pass on their knowledge, which will accelerate your growth and put you out of your comfort zone as a working professional.

Some advice

Be prepared for the challenges to come, deal with it with an open mind and you’ll be one step closer to your goal.