Maria Taylor
Implementation Manager, London
Personal profile
- Age: 29
- Occupation: Implementation Manager
- Employer: Kuehne + Nagel
- Location: London
- Education: MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
I started working for Kuehne + Nagel in Colombia as part of my University placement. During this time I worked in the sales and marketing departments, putting together presentations and marketing material to help support the sales team.
I joined Kuehne + Nagel because it is a diverse and dynamic company. I found that there was something different to do and learn every day, and it gave me the opportunity to work in different disciplines, such as: international transport; contract logistics solutions and purchasing.
I like working in the logistics industry because it is the backbone of any company; any market leader has exceptional supply chains that support their operations. When you work in logistics you have the opportunity to identify ways to improve a company’s performance all the time.
My career to date:
2005 – 2006 Tenders Analyst
I was responsible for putting together proposals and pricing models for airfreight and sea freight shipments for customers in Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela. This role involved working with an international team from different areas of the business in order to ensure that our proposals met customers’ requirements.
2006 – 2007 Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Project Manager
I was responsible for leading the implementation, training and development of Kuehne + Nagel’s CRM system, which involved training users of the system as well as supporting the system’s development. I was part of a global team which decided how the system should be developed across the company’s North West region, which includes the UK, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland.
2008 – 2009 Cross Selling Account Executive
My role involved building and managing small project teams that focused on developing existing customer accounts.
2010 – to date Implementation Manager
Currently, I’m responsible for the delivery of warehousing and transport projects across the UK. The projects that I’m involved in include: new business startups; operational development; operational and customer transitions and business relocations. Recently, I helped to set up a new warehousing and distribution centre for an automotive parts company in the UK. This project lasted 10 months and included fitting out a new site, with specialised racking and shelving, suitable for automotive parts. It also involved the implementation of the customer’s own warehouse management system, the selection and implementation of a suitable transport management system and the transfer of 80 staff.
A career in logistics enables you to work with colleagues and partners from all over the world to deliver the required results. So if you like travelling, meeting different people and working in diverse environments, logistics is definitely a good option for you!
