Unilever

M. Scott Whitson

Matt Algar

Customer Support Team Leader in the Logistics Organization

Matt Algar has been preparing for a career in supply chain management for years. His college major was specifically tailored to the profession, and while he was still in school, he even completed a semester-long co-op program with Unilever. Algar found the experience—and the people—to be so welcoming, challenging, and fun that he was immediately drawn back to the company after graduation.

You’re in your second year of Unilever’s SCMP program. Can you tell us a little more about it?
SCMP stands for “supply chain management program,” and it’s a three-and-a-half year rotational development program here at Unilever, where you come into the business and pick a functional area of the supply chain from either Plan, Source, Make, or Deliver. Then you spend the next few years developing your skills and knowledge within that track, and when you successfully complete the program, you’re offered a management position. I never would have expected to get this kind of experience so quick in my career.

How are you involved in getting Lipton Tea to grocery shelves?
Logistics is responsible for the entire process of a product, from the time it’s produced to the time it gets to our customer’s location. On a typical day, I’m involved in the customer support aspect of logistics, which means I monitor day-to-day order execution, making sure the orders of a product like Lipton flow through our system properly and that we’re exceeding our customers’ expectations.

What’s something about Unilever that only those who work there know?
We have an excellent company store with great discounts! If you like our brands, it’s definitely an added benefit of being an employee.

What surprised you most when you first started?
Everyone’s really passionate about the business and willing to lend a helping hand. And they’re all so nice! At first you think, well, maybe they’re just nice because I’m new. But you soon learn that teamwork is embedded in Unilever’s culture.

You’ve been advising new SCMP participants as they enter the program. How has it been to help those who are where you used to be?
I’m really passionate about helping the new co-op participants because I understand what it’s like being new to the business—I’m only two years out of school! I’ve been in their shoes, and I feel like I can help them learn the ropes as they come on board.

What’s the most fun thing you’ve done since starting here?
Getting to work in recruiting and going back to campus has been great. It’s been fun to get to be on the other side of the table. And I love getting involved beyond my day-to-day responsibilities—that’s one thing you’ll find about Unilever: If you have interests above and beyond the normal scope of your role, they definitely encourage you to get involved.