Her calm demeanor revealing a kind, yet strong personality immediately stands out as we first meet Elizabeth. These attributes are all the more crucial, given that the Purchasing Officer uses them every day, whether as a matter of practice, or to help maintain good relationships with suppliers. The dynamic young woman tells us more about her job.
Multi-skills are a must
“My job essentially requires me to purchase various products and services. This duty includes sourcing raw materials, but also finding the exact spare parts and other accessories and services needed for maintenance”, explains Elizabeth. The core of her job therefore makes her mastery of the inner workings of the intricate machinery that is Dakri Cartons mandatory for it to run like clockwork… On top of keeping an eye on inventory.
As mundane as this responsibility may seem, this strategic function requires Elizabeth to display quasi-diplomatic qualities when dealing with suppliers. “Doing a great job, in my case, isn’t limited to finding the best quotes: it’s also about cultivating lasting relationships with suppliers so that, in case of emergency, breakdown or delay, they are able to bump us to the very top of their priority list,” she says. Luckily, she does not bear this responsibility alone, and is assisted by her colleague, two Storekeepers who deal with day-to-day inventory and a software which helps her manage tasks.
Nothing is impossible with such poise
When you ask her what traits are essential to do this job? She responds: “Being able to work under pressure, but also rigour, and getting the numbers right whilst simultaneously managing business relationships, purchasing and logistics.
In rare instances, it’s also about keeping calm. I remember that we had to solicit a supplier for works to be done on the building, but we had to refuse his quote which was pricier than his competitors’. Later on, we contacted him again for another project for which he offered the best price. However, upon his arrival, he saw the construction and turned red. I had never seen a supplier get in such a mood [she laughs]. Of course, it’s funnier now than it was on the spot, but then, I simply reminded him of how the negotiations had gone back then, and everything went back on track!”.
Elizabeth is confident, perhaps even emboldened by these challenges. Her vision of a productive day is, indeed, one where all the boxes of her to-do list are checked, and logistics run flawlessly.
All for one!
Elizabeth still doesn’t leave the rest of Dakri Cartons team out of the equation, because she values cohesion as an important element of productivity. « We sometimes have lunch together, and our favourite is “mine Apollo, satini Chachi” (pomodoro chutney from the nearby snack) ! Having a good dynamic is important, and that’s why I was also glad to be able to get to know all members of the Dakri Cartons family better during the last team building event » she concludes.
This lively, confident and thoughtful person takes her job, and the company’s progress at heart, and Dakri Cartons thanks her wholeheartedly.
Go for cardboard now, and contact us:
Call us now on 233 5880 for more information.
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