Darija is a strong business development professional with organizational and project planning skills, numerous project implementations that focuses on change management, engages in optimization of processes, and delivers great value to employees and clients.
Darija is an experienced Director of Supply Chain Management at Atlanta Grupa with a two-decade history of working in the supply chain field in sectors like the consumer goods and automotive industry. She is skilled in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Organization and Management, Logistics Management, Communication, and Project Management.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Please enlighten our readers about Atlantic Grupa, highlighting its significance in the supply chain management industry.
Atlantic Grupa is a Croatian multinational company with firms and representative offices in 8 countries. It exports its products to more than 40 markets worldwide. After Croatia, the most important markets are Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, and Macedonia.
Atlantic Grupa has developed partnerships with regional and national distributors. At the same time, all the logistics and distribution of its own and principals’ brands takes place through Atlantic distribution centres and network that is supported with advanced technology and know-how. At Atlantic Grupa, we share an equal passion for assortment, business processes, and culture.
Darija, please tell us about yourself and shed some light on your professional tenure so far in the industry.
I started my professional journey some 20 years ago. I didn’t know much about logistics at that time, but it was a love at first sight. I always had passion for holistic approach to any challenge – specially to bind organization, logic and common sense. On personal note I love all kinds of vehicles – from fork-lifts, to speedboats and motorcycles. That help a lot in the Operations.
What inspired you to venture into the supply chain management niche?
Well, at first, it was the nature of the job, its dynamics, and waking up each day with a new challenge. So many possibilities to improve, to change, to influence. But also, I have to say the people—variety and structure of a small army where everybody is different, and everyone is essential. With the right team approach, endless and constant improvements can leave a mark and contribute to overall success. And that is what gives me a sense of importance and fulfilment.
What were the initial challenges that you faced while venturing into this niche, and looking at the current scenario, what are the challenges now?
I can name one personal and initial challenge: being a woman in a predominantly or typically male world. There is still some wrong perception of that, but I stayed focused on my capabilities and knowledge and pushed through.
The other challenge is that most Operations were or still are perceived mainly through the cost, like a weight that holds the business down.
Some five years ago, Atlantic Grupa started using a customer-centric approach to all Supply Chain and Logistics metrics and project justifications and focused more on the service level. That approach opened up a new set of opportunities and investments needed to mitigate challenges like lack of labour and the cost of delivery in the Operations segment. And Covid pandemic, in some way, helped us with the challenge of having more open and transparent relationships throughout the whole supply chain, from customers, suppliers, producers, and distributors.
What services and solutions does Atlantic Grupa provide to its clients?
Atlantic Grupa is the leading distributor of fast-moving consumer goods in the region of South East Europe; with 17 distribution centres, over a thousand vehicles, and direct access to over 70 thousand sales points, we offer highly developed know-how in key account management, category management, logistics, and trade marketing. Our experienced management and distribution operations are matched with excellent service, relationship management, and market expertise.
Tell us about the vision and mission of Atlantic Grupa, and as an experienced leader, how do you plan to enhance the operations of your company to ensure its progress?
Our vision is to inspire people to add flavour to their everyday moments.
We care about our relationships, are always open to new ideas, and are growth-oriented and passionate. We create brands that people love. Atlantic Grupa is a leader in the food and beverage industry, and the vision is guided by our corporate strategy for the years ahead of us.
Brands from our portfolio have a rich heritage; for many years, they have been a part of life for generations of consumers; because of that and our vision, we want to grow and spread this contentment in the future by introducing flavour and excitement into the everyday life of our present and future consumers, with new tastes, experiences, and on new markets.
Share your opinions on how emerging trends of technology are reshaping the future of the supply chain management niche and how Atlantic Grupa is leveraging these emerging trends.
Emerging innovative technology is a significant source of competitive advantage. It changes the way we live, work, produce and consume. Systems and solutions work in a way we couldn’t imagine a decade ago. And now, they are strategic imperative.
It adds value to the bottom line by improving operational efficiency. The staffing will significantly decline, but the human element will not become trivial; it will become more crucial than ever. Robotics will play an essential role in doing manual work. Supply Chain experts work together more closely with tech companies that will offer customized solutions. The network will be more transparent to all the stakeholders involved, with faster and more straightforward access to updated information. Analytics and predictions will allow for better inventory management, prevent recalls, and quicker decision-making.
