Potatoes New Zealand connects with various women in the industry as part of International Women’s Day to discover the amazing work they do in the sector.
Name: Christine Cromie
Company: Talley’s
What do you do in your current role?
As a Supply Chain Manager at Talley’s and a member of the Senior Leadership Team, I lead demand forecasting, cold storage, procurement, inventory control, supplier relationships, and production schedule optimisation to efficiently meet customer demand, while reducing waste and costs. I work very closely with my three direct reports on the Lead Team: Glenn Healee, heading up Cold stores and Dispatch; Rob Neal, leading Procurement and Services; and Kayley Munro, executing production scheduling – altogether, a team of 88.
What do you particularly enjoy about it?
I love the dynamic nature of the role. Every day presents a new challenge, whether it’s managing supply disruptions, optimising costs, implementing new technologies or handling day to day operations. I also enjoy the collaborative aspect, working with our field, supply chain, production, sales, and logistics teams to deliver quality products efficiently.
Seeing a truckload of fresh potatoes transform into a finished product on store shelves is very rewarding!
How long have you been with your organisation?
I have been with Talley’s for 19 years. I began in an entry level role as a line inspector, where I gained hands on experience in pack outs, which I then progressed into a planning role and learnt warehouse operations, and inventory management. Over the years, I took on more responsibilities, moving through to a higher level of production planning, and supplier management, continuously learning and adapting to the evolving supply chain landscape. This journey has given me a deep appreciation for every part of the process and the people who keep it running. Now, as a Supply Chain Manager and part of our Senior Leadership Team, I bring that firsthand knowledge into strategic decision-making, supporting and leading our teams.
How do you find working in the potato industry/primary industries?
It is incredibly fast paced and influenced by many external factors, from weather conditions affecting crop yields to market demand and global supply chain disruptions. It is a challenging and rewarding field where innovation in processing, storage, and logistics plays a huge role. Also, there is something special about working in an industry that feeds millions of people!
Have you encountered any specific challenges?
Yes, quite a few! One of the biggest challenges is supply chain disruption, whether it is due to bad weather, transportation delays, global shortages, or oversupply. The recent COVID pandemic presented monumental challenges with staffing eligibility and output, as we fell into the essential services bracket and continued to produce and put product on the shelves during an extremely difficult time.
What does your organisation do for inclusion and diversity?
At Talley’s we are committed to fostering inclusion and diversity by actively supporting women in leadership and ensuring equal opportunities for career growth, we focus on hiring diverse talent, training teams on unconscious bias, and creating an inclusive work culture where everyone feels valued.
What or who inspires you?
I am inspired by women in the workforce who break barriers, lead with strength and resilience, and pave the way for future generations. Their determination and achievements motivate me to continue striving for excellence in my own career
On a deeper personal note, I am inspired by strong leaders who challenge conventional ways of thinking, especially those who have successfully navigated tough situations with creativity and perseverance. I also find inspiration in my team, whose dedication and teamwork make even the most challenging days rewarding. My family inspire me daily, having a very supportive husband and three fizzy children!
What would you tell another woman interested in working in the potato industry/primary industries?
I would say, go for it! The industry offers so many exciting opportunities in agriculture, operations, logistics, sustainability, and technology. It is a fast moving field where problem solving, innovation, and leadership skills are highly valued. Don’t be afraid to step into leadership roles and always keep learning. There is huge potential for growth!
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women’s achievements or rally for women’s equality. #AccelerateAction
Find out more at www.internationalwomensday.com