Profiles : Beyond Graduation

Nicola Sao – Critical Thinking

Nicola Sao is the owner of Critical Thinking, a procurement and supply chain consulting business based in Melbourne. She established the business to share with medium-sized businesses the expertise and tools she has gained from working in large organisations.

Nicola was first introduced to logistics when she took on a position with Nokia Telecommunications based in Auckland. This role involved managing the logistics function for New Zealand, in addition to other finance-based responsibilities. A move to Netway Telecommunications saw Nicola take up a role that targeted supplier rationalisation. Her success in this role set Nicola on the path to a long and enjoyable career in procurement.

In 2000, Nicola took on the role of national procurement and quality assurance manager for TPF Restaurants – New Zealand’s Burger King licensee. Nicola reduced cost of sales by NZ$3.2 million within a two-year period through a number of projects, including negotiating local supply of previously imported products.

Before embarking on this career in procurement and logistics, Nicola had obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Auckland, majoring in geography and management. She credits this degree with giving her an understanding and appreciation of systems and processes, concepts she continues to utilise in the commercial environment. However, it was during her time at TPF Restaurants that Nicola thought it was important to consolidate her business experience through a formal qualification specific to her profession. She was able to do this through the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) UK Diploma in Logistics.

Nicola found this postgraduate diploma provided general expertise across all of the key areas in logistics. The knowledge gained has given her a holistic approach to procurement. Looking beyond the traditional areas of involvement, Nicola reviews all aspects of a supply chain to provide efficiencies and cost reductions.

“In an environment of rising costs and increasing price pressures, buying smarter is the key to counteracting margin erosion and remaining competitive,” she says. “Understanding the whole supply chain provides opportunities to streamline processes and maximise efficiencies. Significant savings can be made, and a company can gain tighter control as a result.”

Looking to further her career, Nicola moved to Melbourne. Her first role in Australia was with global consumer finance giant GE, where she was employed to manage the sourcing component of the AGC integration. Here, Nicola called on concepts learned through her logistics diploma, which in part looked at the consolidation of two businesses. She also broadened her experience in tendering and contract negotiation, and developed skills in 6 Sigma methodology. Nicola’s time at GE also exposed her to the systems and processes necessary for large businesses that operate on a global scale.

However, it was while working for packaging manufacturer Visy where Nicola was able to apply her procurement and supply chain expertise for maximum benefit and return. She delivered annual savings of A$7.95 million to Visy businesses through a number of procurement and supply chain projects. Product sourcing saw Nicola negotiate with local and Asian manufacturers whilst travelling to China, Taiwan and Korea to gain a better understanding of the related supply chains.

Having built up a wealth of knowledge in her chosen field, Nicola is passionate about imparting her expertise to clients through her consulting business. One project she is particularly enthusiastic about is working with the Logistics Training Group to deliver the CILT UK Diploma in Logistics in Australia. Through lecturing in the course, she looks forward to introducing more people to the satisfaction of a career in logistics. [itals]

The CILT UK Diploma in Logistics is now the CILT UK Professional Diploma in Logistics & Transport, and is offered in New Zealand through the Logistics Training Group, email: info@ltg.co.nz