Forklift Friday - Jennie Jager, Supply Chain Rotational Program

Q: Please briefly introduce yourself and explain your background.

A: My name is Jennie Jager and I’m a Supply Chain Rotational Program participant at Hyster Yale Materials Handling. I've been with the company about 2 1/2 years now. I started in materials planning as a planner for the Greenville, North Carolina location, and then 16 months in I rotated to procurement and that's what I've been doing since. I'll be rotating to my next role in September. I went to NC State and studied business administration with a supply chain concentration and became interested in supply chain because of the classes that I took and found it to be challenging but rewarding and it's been the same in my current role.

Q: How did you hear about the Supply Chain Rotational Program that our company offers?

A: While I was attending NC State, a couple of HYMH employees gave a presentation to my class and I thought the program would be a great fit for me.

Q: Please describe your current experience in the Supply Chain Rotational Program.

A: It's been good so far; I’ve learned a lot. I believe that is kind of the nature of the program, you rotate every year and learn different functions within the supply chain department. In both my former and current rotation, my team members have been very receptive to rotational employees and have done an excellent job in making me feel a part of the team.

Q: What are some of your most memorable or impactful moments you’ve experienced in the program so far?

A: One of my favorite moments that I’ve been able to experience is attending the supply chain rotational summit in October last year at Hyster-Yale’s Americas Headquarters in Greenville. There I presented one of the continuous improvement projects that I worked on. Another memorable moment of mine was when my team visited the Greenville Plant and we were able to see the process in which our products are assembled, which was very interesting to me.

Q: How has the supply chain rotational program contributed to your professional growth and development?

A: I believe that every rotation is a great learning experience that build off each other. In each rotation I’m learning different skills and processes that will eventually all come together when I go into New Product Development. Personally, I believe that the rotational program has given me the opportunity to strengthen my organizational and interpersonal skills that not only benefits me professionally, but in my personal life as well.

Q: What are some challenges that you’ve experienced in the supply chain rotational program? How did you overcome those challenges?

A: During my material planning rotation, I had a situation where I didn’t have a part that was needed to clear trucks. To overcome this challenge, I was able to lean on my team around me for support.

Q: How would you describe the culture at Hyster Yale?

A: I think one important aspect of our culture at Hyster Yale is our drive and commitment to continuous improvement. Me and my co-workers consistently collaborate with each other to come up with new processes and tools to enhance our quality of work.

Q: What is some advice you would give to someone who is looking to apply for the supply chain rotational program?

A: For someone who is starting out a new rotation, I would tell them to be patient. It takes time to learn a new job which is what you are doing throughout the program. For someone who is applying for the program, I would explain to them that it is okay if you’re not sure which function you’d like to be involved in within the supply chain department. I believe the program is designed to help you figure out what area you would be interested in.

Q: What qualities or skills do you think a young professional should have to be successful in the supply chain rotational program?

A: I think you need to be organized and be willing to ask for help when it’s needed.

Q: What will be the next steps in your career after completing the supply chain rotational program?

A: After completing the program, I’d like to return to the procurement function within the supply chain department. Although I do have one more rotation to complete in new product development, so it is too soon to tell. But overall, I’d like to continue my career at HYMH and continue growing and building my professional network.