Stéphane, Lean Supply Chain Manager Group, Rexel
‘Logistics is a sector in perpetual evolution: you need to be able to adapt.’
As a key logistics man, Stéphane travels around the globe a good part of the year. Beyond the cultural exchanges, he enjoys teamwork, autonomy and the prospects offered by an international group like Rexel.
What has been your career path?
I joined Rexel in March 2011 under the Lean programme, as Lean Supply Chain Manager Group, within the Group Supply Chain department. Previously, I held several positions in different sectors, from the car industry (Ford & Honeywell) to the industrial world (Areva T&D and Schneider Electric). My initial training in engineering was in Organization & Management of Production. I followed this with a Supply Chain a specialty at the Paris-Dauphine University and a training in International Purchasing at the “Centre des Techniques Internationales”.
The Lean Management is a management system which aims to generate greater value for our customers and for the company thanks to the elimination of waste throughout the supply chain. It is based primarily on a change of mindset and on the implementation of new management techniques and coaching.
What are your main missions?
I am the key interlocutor of the Supply Chain Directors in three countries: Belgium, Finland and Austria. I accompany these Directors on all projects related to the optimization of the overall supply chain. My area of intervention is very broad: it covers Procurement for inventory optimization and supply strategies, the warehousing process and the Warehouse Management System, with the implementation of Lean Programme as well as mass transport services. On all of these projects, we work closely with our suppliers.
The Group supply chain department aims to accompany and assist countries in optimizing their supply chains, based on the expertise of its six supply chain managers. As an expert on the Lean Management programme, I am responsible for defining and implementing it across the various entities of Rexel worldwide.
What are the qualities required for this job?
To succeed in this position, it is essential to listen to your customers and to adapt to their needs. The ability to analyze, have convictions on difficult subjects and geographical flexibility are essential qualities in this job too. Another key point is teamwork and to be able to work on diverse projects in a very short time. It is essential to continuously question yourself because the logistics at Rexel is a universe in perpetual motion. Finally, knowledge of English and the ability to remain humble are key success factor.
I am based in Paris but my mission on Lean Management means that I travel 70% of my time across five continents! These cultural exchanges are very rich and I enjoy the teamwork with both our suppliers and internally. To belong to a group like Rexel offers unique opportunities: international prospects, a great freedom of action and support of our hierarchy.