Mike Scott

Supply Chain Graduate - Logistics

"The NDC is a remarkable place to work and will fascinate any logistician"

At present I am a few months into my graduate training scheme with HJ Heinz. I am situated in the National Distribution Centre, Wigan within the Logistics function. The NDC is a remarkable place to work and will fascinate any logistician. Opened in 2002 as a fully automated shed, it has storage capacity of 73k pallets and throughput of 83m cases per annum.

From day one I have been involved in a series of exciting project-based work. One project that will be on going through to 2009 is the re-tender of the warehousing and transport contract. There are exciting times ahead with the re-tender and to gain such invaluable experience with a multi million pound contract is an illustration of Heinz’s commitment to developing graduates.

Continuing the theme of Heinz’s commitment, I have also had the opportunity to be involved in cross-functional projects. The most recent of these, ‘Cost to Serve’ – Logistics cost as a percentage of Net Sales Value. Working with the Food Service Commercial team as well as fellow logisticians, plans have been put in place to significantly reduce costs year on year.   

The motivation to drive Heinz forward starts at the top and cascades right through the business. I have received developmental support across all levels and this has been key in making my short time at Heinz so interesting and enjoyable. The structure of the scheme is pivotal in my personal development and the plans in place will give me a well-rounded base knowledge of the business, essential in building a successful career.