Vetcare Friends - Niina Valkonen
I'm Niina Valkonen, Vetcare's Supply Chain Manager.
My role includes being responsible for the ordering and delivery process for both domestic imports and exports. My work includes the preparation of purchase forecasts, the preparation of orders and the inventory management of three wholesalers. Our goal is to keep stock balances optimal. In terms of transports, we are in contact with our logistics partners a lot, and within the company, I lead the logistics team, which includes me and my super team members Katja and Raija. I also work closely with product managers, sales, quality management, finance and the registration team. Procurement is linked to many areas. Our customers are all over the world. In the midst of different cultures and regulatory requirements, we operate strictly in accordance with different regulations.
My motto is: "Let's take it one day at a time." In the spirit of Lean, we calm down to do things, walk more and run less.
The best thing about my job is its versatility: no two days are the same! It is great to work closely with other departments within the company and to handle international deliveries to customers in different countries. Learning new things is also fun. At the beginning of this year, I celebrated my 18th anniversary at Vetcare. Animal welfare is a great driving force. As an animal-loving person, I find this particularly meaningful and motivating.
The most challenging part of my job is managing sales fluctuations and forecasting products so that stocks remain in balance without supply interruptions in each wholesale. Delivery delays and production challenges will always arise, and prioritising between domestic and export requires constant bouncing around and the right kind of reaction. We want to grow internationally, but at the same time, it is particularly important to ensure the availability of medicines in Finland to guarantee animal welfare.
I wish others knew about Vetcare that we work every day for animal welfare! We are a Finnish company founded by three veterinarians more than 30 years ago. Product development has always been at the core of our operations, and exports constantly bring us new opportunities. The risks are high, but we have a strong belief in what we do – especially because we keep our ears open for our customers’ needs.
In my free time, I walk with my dog Pablo, go to the gym and spend time with my partner in our caravan. My hobbies also include ice swimming and travelling.
My favorite childhood book was the Nancy Drew, detective series, which had plenty of interesting twists and suspense. Interest in crime series has remained to this day.
To a young person, I would say: Don't be afraid of challenges, but face them bravely. With a good attitude and motivation, you can always survive.
My secret vice is loose candy! And my other vice is watching crime series on streaming services.
Greetings to my colleagues: You are all great top experts! Let's keep the flag high and make this year even better. And let's remember to help each other whenever necessary.
I challenge you to join Vetcare Friends: Paula Salmela from Prevett.