Rebecca McCarty, Senior Logistics Planner
Indiana State University Graduate
What do you do as a Logistics Planner? As the senior planner, I help manage day-to-day transit issues as well as focusing on the long term forecast to ensure we will have trucking capacity for all future programs. I work to maintain the Logistics Business Plan data and report monthly on freight spend for our Flora, Paris, Mattoon, Salem, and Muscle Shoals warehouses.
What kind of skills does one need to become a Logistics Planner? A logistics planner has to be good at problem solving, making data driven decisions, multi-tasking and prioritizing tasks.
Why is your job so important? The logistics team works to ensure all inbound freight arrives to the NAL warehouse destinations on-time. In the event there is a delay or transit issue, we work to resolve the issue as quickly as possible to minimize impact in the plants.
What do you like most about your job? I enjoy the daily problem solving in my job. Whether I am working to resolve a transit issue or reworking a current Milk Run Truck route to run more efficiently and cost effective, I enjoy the challenge! Since joining NAL 2 years ago, I have had multiple professional growth opportunities within my department and feel rewarded for the hard work I am putting in! We are always working toward continuous improvement on our processes and having a voice in that makes me feel valued.
Laken Rogers, Supply Chain Specialist Supervisor
Indiana State University Graduate
What do you do as a Supply Chain Specialist Supervisor? My team and I work with all domestic and international North American Lighting suppliers to ensure the prompt and accurate delivery of purchased parts to keep all lines at our plants running and producing parts for our customers. The SCS team tracks supply issues from start to finish, providing key data to all NAL teams.
What kind of skills does one need to become a Supply Chain Specialist? A few of the biggest skills needed is the ability to multi task, manage your time and communicate efficiently. We spend our day in communication whether it be via phone, email, or Microsoft Teams with all of our NAL manufacturing locations, production control teams, purchasing team, logistics operations, packaging team, warehouse teams as well as our supply base. It’s really a group effort to keep all NAL lines running and supporting our customer needs!
Why is your job so important? Our primary job is to keep all NAL manufacturing facilities stocked with parts which allows them to build our customers’ orders, and in turn, keeps vehicles on the road!
What do you like most about your job? We have a unique opportunity as we get to work with groups across all departments within NAL from not only our corporate office but each NAL manufacturing facility. Additionally, working with both domestic and international suppliers allows you to make connections and friendships all over the world! NAL offers not only world class benefits, but they really push self-improvement and growth. The leadership in our department is top notch and I always feel supported! As a team, we focus on identifying root causes of any issues that arise and work quickly within the department to implement counter measures.
Jordan Grooms, Purchasing Cost Analyst
Wabash College Graduate
What do you do as a Purchasing Cost Analyst? I’m currently involved with Annual Conflict Minerals and Extended Minerals reporting activities, PPV (Purchase Price Variance) Analysis: Plan vs. Actual and PPV forecasting, and I review and approve/reject workflows processed by our analyst team.
What kind of skills does one need to become a Purchasing Cost Analyst? One must be meticulous, organized, inquisitive, a problem-solver, and an effective communicator.
Why is your job so important? It’s important that we make sure the supply chain is doing their due diligence as defined by the OECD (Organization for Economic and Co-operation and Development) to responsibly source minerals from conflict-affected and high-risk areas. PPV Forecasting is important for Business Plan development while comparing plan vs. actual is necessary for explaining discrepancies and measuring performance. Finally, ensuring pricing is set up correctly for a particular part in our system avoids a variety of future headaches.
What do you like most about your job? ? I like to solve “number mysteries” for lack of better phrasing. The feeling of finally uncovering an explanation for the data after thorough analysis is very satisfying. Join us if you’re looking for a challenging, fast-paced, and team-oriented environment with consistent opportunities for self-improvement and career advancements.
What makes automotive purchasing different than other purchasing jobs? The automotive industry is just a different animal in general because you are strongly impacted by economic health, fluctuating global demand, and supply chain disruptions. Therefore, you need to be adaptable and have processes in place to handle abrupt changes.