Who got that job?

Nick Peck, distribution centre operations manager (Australasia), Bendon

What were you doing before accepting your new position?

For the last 10 years I have been involved with all aspects of logistics in the supply chain for a number of FMCG companies (from food and beverage) as well as the healthcare industry. I have worked in both New Zealand and Australia, managing people, processes, process changes and all functional and planning activities within logistics.

Why did you apply for this job?

It was a huge opportunity to work on the transition of the current distribution operation to a fully automated purpose-built distribution centre with state-of-the-art technology. In New Zealand distribution a large amount of businesses run conventional warehousing models. Bendon has decided to invest in its distribution and looks upon it as a centre of excellence. This job gives me personally the scope to use a depth of knowledge gained in various industries already, plus the ability also to learn some more advanced practices.

What does your new job entail?

Initially the role is focused toward mapping the current distribution operation to a new facility that is being built at the Bendon head office in Airpark. This includes involvement with the selection and set up of the new materials handling equipment and technology as well as the physical transition of the site. Once the transition has occurred all efforts will be focused to ensuring that the performance matches the design expectations. Included in the job is a complete change in processes.

What particular challenges do you face working in this sector?

The new distribution facility will run on a combination of new technology, and advanced materials handling equipment. The processes will be highly automated and conventional activities will change. The challenges I foresee are as a result of the activity and process changes. These will include managing the physical transition from one geographical location to another. Developing training for a more technical operating environment and people management into a different environment will add to the challenges. Inherent with any significant changes to a business are the time constraints imposed.

What do you do in your spare time?

I have owned and ridden motor bikes for the last 26 years in both England and New Zealand. I currently have a 93 Honda 1000, which I use for work or touring the country. Over the last year I completed a sailing course and then advanced to recently purchase a 29ft yacht. I now spend time learning to sail better and gain more confidence. With the kids I have started to cycle Woodhill Forest on some weekends to demonstrate that I still have the energy to keep up with them.