Day in the life of
Director of Client and Vendor Relations – Julianne Johnson
I wear many hats, which isn’t uncommon working for a 3PL Warehouse. Each day is very different. Most days are spent corresponding with new clients, prospective clients, and vendors. I receive multiple inquiries each day regarding our services, questions about customer orders, and taking sales calls from suppliers who would like to earn our business. My role requires a good deal of collaboration with the operations team, customer service, transportation companies, and our customers. Responding to all the aforementioned in a timely manner is critical. I also spend a good amount of time sourcing for the business. It is important that we obtain the best pricing for supplies, transportation, and critical services. This is how we maintain fair and reasonable rates for our clients.
Meeting with client
Pros
- You learn about many different industries. A 3PL’s client mix varies wildly. Because we offer distribution and e-commerce fulfillment, we literally will work with almost any commodity.
- Your understanding of pricing throughout the world is much greater. As transportation costs rise and lower, you’ll see and understand how it impacts every industry. The same can be said for price increases for different commodities like paper, steel, wood, etc. You will be much more in tune with rates for almost everything consumers purchase.
- You’ll network with a variety of people in a variety of roles. I speak with people who are executives and I work with warehouse associates. It is helpful to learn to work with people in all roles and with different responsibilities. You’ll expand your understanding of various positions within the supply chain field.
- You’ll gain a better understanding of a product’s life cycle. I am privy to the entire supply chain process from the moment product is made until it is received by the end consumer. Often I speak with the manufacturers, the sales staff, the transportation team, and the accounting team. Occasionally I get to speak with the end-user as well.
Warehouse
Cons
- Time management can be a struggle. The priorities change frequently. Managing all of the priorities may require working extended hours (nights and weekends).
- The sales cycle may be very short or very long. Each relationship varies. It can be hard to plan when you don’t know exactly when a prospect will make the decision to sign a contract.
- The scope of work tends to change with time. This may lead to uncomfortable conversations. Communicating regularly with full transparency helps to avoid these situations.
Office
Advice for student readers who wish to become a Director of Client and Vendor Relations
Being a good listener is very important. You can’t help clients or vendors unless you really understand their pain points. This requires active listening. It sounds simple but requires practice. It is never too early to start. Keeping track of what you hear is also important. I find it helpful to share your understanding of what a client or vendor is needing. Level setting expectations can prove helpful. This is something that can be practiced at any time as well.
Gratitude and appreciation for clients, coworkers, and vendors are always appreciated. Getting in the habit of fostering those relationships can be started in advance of working in a supply chain role.
I would definitely consider your desire to build new relationships and step outside your comfort zone. Being comfortable being uncomfortable is a necessity. I encounter new and different requests every day. I believe a desire to learn and grow is essential for a role like this. I would give serious consideration to this in advance of accepting a position like this.
