CONNIE AWARD SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS - WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Supply Planning Manager at L'Oréal Cosmetics Company

2017 CII Scholarship recipient and recently promoted Supply Planning Manager at L'Oréal Cosmetics Company, Peyton Elder has found his niche in supply chain management, which he admits was not part of his career plan as a freshman at Seton Hall University.  With a passion for sustainability and preserving the earth’s resources, the environmental studies major inadvertently changed the trajectory of his career when he selected supply chain management as his concentration.

“Frankly, my options for an environmental studies concentration were very limited. Even though I didn’t know anything about supply chain, it seemed like a better fit than the other options, so I essentially chose supply chain management by default. That simple decision changed my life,” said Peyton.

As he learned more about supply chain and logistics, he realized the reciprocal relationship between the supply chain and the environment. He began to understand that supply chain management was a functional way to pursue sustainable solutions, so he set his eyes on a new career path.

 “Because I was unfamiliar with the entire world of supply chain, I initially had a very narrow view of supply chain management and I focused on the environmental aspect. And while I still enjoy reaching sustainability goals, it is just one part of my job. I could never have predicted how broad the role of supply chain manager is. The opportunities for learning and growing are endless,” said Peyton. 

Selected by Seton Hall University to receive the CII Scholarship for his grades, his attitude and his drive, Peyton felt the school prepared him well for his chosen career. Dr. Renu Ramnarayanan, who was part of the selection committee, played a big role in developing Peyton’s passion for the supply chain and respect for business.

“Working with a mentor like Renu as well as the other faculty at Seton Hall really helped direct me, hone my skills and prepare me for the future. And being recognized by CII with a scholarship for my hard work was such an honor. The formal acknowledgement at the CII scholarship reception gave me a chance to meet senior leaders within industry and gave me even more confidence that I was on the right career path,” said Peyton.

As a student at Seton Hall, Peyton interned at L'Oréal as a Market Supply Logistics intern, where he learned the ropes and apparently impressed his managers. Upon graduation, Peyton was hired by L'Oréal to join its management trainee program (GROW) as a Programs Operations Manager. From there, he steadily progressed from Market Supply Logistics Analyst to Supply Planning Manager, which is the role he has today.

In his current position at the French-owned, multi-national cosmetic and skin care company, Peyton works in the professional products division. The company encourages collaboration at all levels, including regular communication with his colleagues in France, where it comes in handy that he double minored in French. Additionally, L'Oréal’s model requires cross-functional collaboration between supply chain, marketing and product development in order to meet the needs of the market as well as budget and timelines.

His transition from analyst to planning manager meant moving from day-to-day tactical execution to working collaboratively with colleagues to develop long-term strategies, providing guidance and insight on how to bring the vision of marketing teams to life.

“I enjoy being part of a team that shares ideas and values my role in moving a project forward. I have a responsibility to outline where we can expect to see budget and timing implications as well as present potential solutions. This collaborative approach takes everyone’s needs into account and always seems to yield the best result. In my opinion, working in silos just doesn’t work,” said Peyton.

According to Peyton, working in supply chain means never having the same day twice. Every day brings a new challenge and a new opportunity. It requires using your analytical side, your business expertise and, because you are working with a team, your interpersonal skills as well.

Working with team members across the globe has also helped Peyton have a better understanding of the world around him. Having greater insight into cultural differences not only helps him grow as an individual, it helps him do his job better.

“Supply chain management plays to all of my strengths, pushes me to learn new things and challenges me to improve every day. It’s an ideal career path for me and one I was not aware existed when I was planning my future. Unfortunately, there is a lack of understanding about supply chain management, which keeps it from being considered as a primary goal when kids go to college,” said Peyton. 

How does the industry attract top talent to the supply chain workforce? Peyton encourages schools to not only ramp up the investment in supply chain management programs, but to also provide an education as to the value supply chain brings to global businesses. Further, the industry should continue to recognize talent with scholarships and programs that open their eyes to the opportunities.

 “The supply chain is evolving and taking on an even more important role within organizations throughout the world. I feel I am at the right place at the right time, armed with the proper education to pursue a career I love, and working with an organization that values what I bring to the table. I am poised and ready to take advantage of any and all opportunities that come my way,” said Peyton.