Supply Chain Management Trainee Review

My experience at L'Oréal has been incredibly enriching. I'm thoroughly enjoying my first rotation, and I'm particularly grateful for the robust support I've received from both my immediate team and the Early Careers team. I've found L'Oréal to be an environment where opportunities for professional growth are abundant, and there's a continuous chance to learn and gain valuable exposure across various areas.

As an E-commerce Customer Supply Chain Graduate, my primary responsibility is to ensure our key customer, Lookfantastic, receives the necessary stock to meet their demand. This involves processing substantial weekly orders, often exceeding £3.3 million across more than 36 brands, with the critical objective of maintaining high service levels and a robust stock fulfillment rate.
A significant aspect of my role also includes proactively identifying and flagging weekly stock risks. I achieve this by compiling detailed reports that highlight specific product lines likely to be undelivered, often due to out-of-stock situations or system discrepancies.
Internally, I collaborate closely with our commercial teams to strategically align on stockbuilding initiatives and to match our sell-in intake effectively with anticipated sell-out values, ensuring optimal inventory flow and availability.
The work itself is not only enjoyable but also provides a stimulating balance of challenge and reward. One of the most rewarding and enjoyable elements of my role is its externally customer-facing nature. This involves direct interaction with our customers, often requiring negotiation and proactive collaboration, such as suggesting they order additional stock in anticipation of upcoming promotions. This aspect presents a welcome challenge, as no two conversations are the same, allowing me to critically think and problem-solve in real-time, ultimately leading to a strong sense of accomplishment and mutual benefit.

Beyond the day-to-day operational demands of my role, I've been entrusted with significant project ownership, allowing me to contribute to lasting improvements and create a 'legacy' within the team and wider business. I've also had the opportunity to contribute to projects for other teams. Notably, I've successfully delivered two major automation projects that have been fully integrated into team processes, which has been incredibly rewarding. Furthermore, the team consistently ensures that my contributions and successes are recognized across the broader organization.

From a compensation perspective, the graduate salary is very competitive. L'Oréal also offers an excellent benefits package, including substantial staff discounts and exclusive access to discounts on various other retail brands, which are highly valued, particularly given the current cost of living in London.

This initial rotation has been invaluable in building my foundational knowledge of supply chain operations. The ability to network extensively across the business, coupled with the rotational nature of the six-month assignments, has provided me with a clear and practical understanding of this career path, helping me assess its long-term suitability as I progress through the graduate scheme.

The support network surrounding me has been exceptional. My immediate team provides robust daily assistance, augmented by a valuable buddy system. My manager consistently offers guidance through weekly meetings and progress check-ins, ensuring continuous development. Additionally, my HR sponsor has been a fantastic resource, engaging in monthly catch-ups to discuss the scheme's trajectory and facilitate smooth preparation for my next rotation. The Early Careers team has also proven incredibly supportive, readily addressing any queries I have regarding the program and future assignments.

Regarding work-life balance, it is generally very good, often allowing me dedicated time for personal upskilling and participating in training sessions beyond my immediate role responsibilities. However, it's important to note that during peak busy periods, the demands can intensify, with responsibilities becoming very packed and making it challenging to free up additional time.

The team culture is incredibly welcoming and supportive. My core team members are not only friendly and personable, but there are always engaging activities happening after work. The wider team also comprises amazing, inclusive, and thoughtful individuals. They actively foster a positive environment by organizing well-being initiatives, such as quizzes and providing snacks. Furthermore, the remote working policy is excellent, offering the flexibility of 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home. I appreciate the autonomy to choose my work-from-home days, which simply requires communication with my line manager.

L'Oréal actively promotes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) through various initiatives and celebrations, such as the recent Family Day. There are also numerous Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) available for everyone to participate in, fostering a sense of community and shared interests. One area for improvement is that these ERGs are not always heavily marketed, occasionally making it less straightforward to discover and join them.

Yes

L'Oréal prioritises a good work culture and a supportive environment, rooted in strong, empathetic managers who act as mentors. In this company, there is endless upskilling opportunities. This culminates in initiatives like Learning Friday, a dedicated day for employees to engage with influential speakers, broaden their knowledge, and explore new perspectives, ensuring they remain at the forefront of their fields. At L'Oréal, employees are entrusted with impactful responsibilities, allowing them to make a tangible difference. Coupled with endless chances to try different roles across brands, functions, or even countries, L'Oréal offers vast internal mobility. This encourages diverse career paths and continuous self-challenge.

The role aligned very well with my expectations, particularly regarding the opportunity to explore diverse business areas within the supply chain, which was a consistent message during the recruitment process. The customer supply chain role, in particular, solidified this by offering extensive exposure to all divisions and brands, providing an excellent foundation and a comprehensive introduction to the overall supply chain.