Driving competitive advantage through supply chain
By Pascal Montilus, Chief Supply Chain Officer
During more than three decades overseeing supply chain for global companies, I’ve seen its role evolve as a result of globalization, technology, the pandemic, and other factors. What’s clear is that it’s never been more central to driving business results than it is today.
And yet the approach of every company is unique. My first several months at Clorox have involved a comprehensive examination of our global operations, including visits to 10 of our manufacturing facilities. Here’s my perspective on how the work of our Supply Chain function is positioning us to drive growth and achieve our financial ambitions:
- Implement a strategy that puts the business first.
A successful supply chain strategy can accelerate the ability to reach benchmark targets while ensuring the sustainability of business results. The work conducted in our Burt’s Bees business unit, for example, exemplifies that mindset of collaboration as it serves as an equal partner to drive or extract value and put the business on a path to deliver results.
- Embody resiliency through regular monitoring of external dynamics.
When you make proactive, comprehensive environmental scans and analysis of leading market dynamics part of your regular routine, you can provide the business with alternatives to be agile and responsive in the face of an ever-evolving, volatile landscape. Our ability to flex our production and supply sourcing strategy stems from a disciplined focus ensuring that we’re always positioned to “Play to Win” – one of our company values.
- Build strong supplier, customer and cross-functional partnerships.
To ensure a constant stream of relevant product innovation coupled with in-market execution, it’s essential to forge partnerships that enable us to deliver superior category growth while delighting our consumer base. At Clorox, we equip each of our business units with all the cross-functional support needed to be autonomous and drive fast, aligned decisions. This empowerment also extends to more intricate involvement with our suppliers and engagement with our customers.
A robust supply chain is the backbone of any successful enterprise. As we continue to navigate the complexities of the global marketplace, our commitment to a supply chain that’s both resilient and adaptable remains unwavering. Our approach is about meeting today’s demands as well as anticipating and responding to future challenges and opportunities.
Our 5,000-plus global Supply Chain teammates are critical partners in this journey. Together, we’ll continue to create a supply chain that not only supports our business but also propels it forward.