Distribution Interim Management Case Study

This is a case study of a logistics / distribution interim management job for Europe's largest manufacturer of a common family of domestic appliance.

Assignment Background

The client was in a market with demanding customer service expectations, and was supported by a local haulage company with 3PL aspirations for their outbound logistics, but the supplier was struggling to cope with the client’s particular requirements. Their co-ordination of the fleet on behalf of the client was “chaotic”, the proof of delivery process was causing cash collection problems, customer service levels needed improvement and there were “serious” overspends on the multi-million pound contract, which had become impossible to predict and were equally difficult to explain.

Client’s Expectations from The Interim Management Job

The client needed the executive interim manager to act as “transport manager” for the haulage company on their account, whilst they re-sourced their outbound logistics contract.

Profile of the Executive Interim Manager Provided

• Specific expertise in route planning & vehicle scheduling
• Traffic & Transport Planning MSc
• Senior transport management & general management roles in 3PLs
• Interim management and consultancy roles for distribution operations for a significant number of blue-chip clients.
• Substantial track record of bringing distribution costs under control.

Achievements During the Interim Management Job

• Unpredictable “extras to contract” were eliminated
• Customer service levels raised to a consistent 98%
• 7% cost reductions through better planning despite upward pressure on fuel and labour costs.

Client's Return on Investment

More than 200% (every month).

Duration

The client initially requested support for a period of one month. However, because of the obvious financial benefits being delivered by the executive interim transport manager, the interim management job was extended by a month eight times!