Supply chain planning in retail vs. manufacturing: Vinolin Pillay's career insights

Vinolin Pillay - Supply chain planning in retail/manufacturing and small/large organizations

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Supply chain planning in manufacturing organizationsSupply chain planning in retail/manufacturing and small/large organizations

Episode Description

In this episode, Ben and Wim chat with Vinolin Pillay, a supply chain professional who has navigated various roles in both large and small organizations.

Starting his career as a replenishment planner at Africa's largest retailer, Shoprite, Vinolin then shares his journey into positions at Nampak and GUD Holdings before landing as a supply chain manager at a cosmetics company.

He provides practical insights into the differences between retail and manufacturing, and the unique challenges in small vs. large organizations. 

Key topics include: 

  • Vinolin’s career progression from retail to manufacturing and why he made that choice. 

  • A breakdown of his Demand Matrix—a planning tool to help align sales and planning departments. 

  • The challenges of managing people dynamics as a Type A planner, and how he grew as a leader. 

  • His thoughts on off-the-shelf vs. customized software solutions and the risks of improper system implementation.

  • ​Vinolin's LinkedIn profile

Timestamps

  • (0:03) – Intro to the podcast  

  • (0:23) – Introducing Vinolin Pillay and his 14-year career in supply chain planning 

  • (0:36) – Vinolin on what keeps him engaged in the evolving world of supply chain planning 

  • (1:35) – Career journey: From Shoprite to Nampac, GUD, and his current role in cosmetics 

  • (2:53) – Deliberate transition from retail to manufacturing—challenges and learning curves 

  • (3:51) – Large vs small organizations: Which offers more growth potential? 

  • (5:47) – Vinolin’s advice on starting in big companies vs. smaller ones 

  • (7:19) – Key skills for planners: Data analysis, attention to detail, and leadership 

  • (8:42) – The importance of integrated systems in retail vs. manufacturing 

  • (10:36) – Planning during COVID: How Vinolin leveraged data to map future demand 

  • (12:01) – Collaboration between sales and planning teams: Crucial for success 

  • (14:00) – The Demand Matrix and how it shapes planning strategies 

  • (19:31) – Best of breed vs integrated systems: Pros, cons, and personal preferences 

  • (23:23) – Managing teams: Vinolin’s growth as a Type A planner turned manager 

  • (26:14) – Vinolin’s final advice for new planners entering the field