We spoke to Miriam to find out what it is like to work in Supply Chain with Pilgrim's Food Masters.
What graduate programme are you currently on?
- I joined the Supply chain management graduate programme back in August 2021. I spent the first 6 months in demand planning. I had responsibility of fridge raider products which involved tasks such as short - term forecasting, monitoring orders vs forecasts on a daily basis, communicating with sites and customer supply chain contacts to minimise waste, optimise service level and keep up to date on stock position.
- Now I am in my second rotation in the customer supply chain function whereby I deal with Morrison’s and Sainsburys. This involves promotional alignment, monitoring, and analysis, communicating any issues to customers, relationship building, and being the touch point between demand planners and the customer.
How would you describe your time on the graduate programme so far?
- I have learned a lot by working in such a fast - paced environment where things are constantly changing. No two days are the same which is what I love about the programme as I never feel that things are getting boring or repetitive. The support I get from my manager and team is fantastic, and everyone is always so patient when it comes to graduates as they know that it takes a while to get used to working in the supply chain function.
- I have developed skills in areas such as problem solving, time management and adaptability, which were areas I was a lot weaker in before I began the programme.
- Areas unique to the grad programme include rotations every few months in different parts of the supply chain function, being provided with a mentor to guide you through career development, business modules with the University of Ulster, the opportunity to relocate to different countries and networking sessions with other graduates.
What type of University Degree did you do?
- Undergraduate degree in Arts Joint Honours, majoring in French and Sociology.
- Master’s degree in international management and Global Business.
How did you find the assessment process?
- 1. CV application – Not difficult but made sure it highlighted my strengths.
- 2. Online interview questions – A bit daunting because I was talking to a blank screen where questions would appear, and my answers would be recorded. Keeping eye contact with the camera and speaking as if there is someone at the other side of the screen even though you can’t see them is key.
- Assessment centre – Involved a one-on-one interview, a presentation and group assessment. The group assessment was daunting but being yourself and letting your personality shine through is important.
What would your advice to future grads be?
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions no matter how stupid they may seem. We all have to start somewhere. When I first joined, I had no experience with supply chain and felt so lost. But the support I received when I reached out for help was fantastic, so never be afraid to do so.
What kind of development have you received?
- Rotations in themselves are development because they help you determine what area best suits you.
- Weekly 1-1’s with my line manager and monthly 1-1’s with my mentor have helped me to carve out the goals that I set for my future development.
How did you prepare for the interview process?
- Got advice from people who had done similar interviews before.
- Practiced one on one interviews with family members and presenting over Microsoft teams.
- Prepared lists of potential questions and answers.
Has anything surprised you about the company?
- How helpful and friendly everyone is.
How would you describe the culture?
- A no blame culture. You may create a problem on your own, but you won’t be left to solve it alone.