Twists in the Supply Chain, Corina’s Story at MDLZ

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

I am Corina Mirica, currently serving as Demand Planning Manager for Romania, Bulgaria, and the East Adriatic Markets, based in Bucharest, Romania.

My professional journey started in 2015 when I joined a leading FMCG company in the chemical industry as a Customer Service Representative. Throughout my four years with this company, I transitioned from being a student (as I was still pursuing my studies when I joined) to evolving into a seasoned supply chain professional, navigating the countless challenges and unexpected twists in this field. In the spring of 2019, I embarked on a new chapter by joining Mondelēz, eager to explore fresh opportunities in a distinctly different industry.

And fun fact: Oreo has always been my favorite Mondelēz brand because I love and trust the twist! 😊

What makes your role exciting?

In October 2023, I was promoted to the role of Demand Planning Manager. In this position, I am responsible for leading the demand planning community. One of the most captivating aspects of this role is the opportunity to engage with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. This allows me to observe and understand the various business approaches influenced by differing cultures and the unique market demands of our operational regions. However, the most exciting aspect of my role lies in the incredible team I can lead. Our team comprises eight members, each with distinct personalities and life stages. We are bound together by our shared commitment, professionalism, and genuine care for one another.

Why do you continue to choose MDLZ?

As part of a leading company in the industry, I am in a dynamic environment that constantly presents challenging situations, allowing me to learn and grow personally and professionally. Additionally, at Mondelēz, I've found the exact type of team dynamic I've always aspired to join, which has been very rewarding and fulfilling. I am surrounded by individuals who share my dedication and collaborative spirit, creating an environment that fosters creativity, teamwork, and mutual support. Within Mondelēz, I've found a manager and a mentor who has played a pivotal role in guiding and supporting my career journey. Beyond overseeing my day-to-day responsibilities, my manager has served as a trusted mentor, offering guidance, support, and encouragement every step of the way. The combination of industry leadership, learning opportunities, a supportive team environment, and mentorship makes Mondelēz the ideal choice for me, and I am eager to continue contributing to its success.

What personal qualities or skills make you successful in your position, and what do you suggest for a candidate?

In the nearly five years since I joined Mondelēz, I have moved through different roles within the Demand Planning & Fulfilment department in SCE. The quality that has consistently contributed to my success across these roles has been the desire to ensure that my work delivers immediate value and has a lasting impact by enhancing process accuracy and lightening the workload for me and my colleagues. As I step into a managerial role, this aspiration remains central to my focus, alongside a commitment to genuinely listen to and support my team members through their challenges and triumphs. My journey aligns closely with my advice to future candidates: be prepared to go above and beyond, prioritizing your team above all else.

Furthermore, I firmly believe that another critical aspect of successful career development is the presence of a mentor who inspires and guides you. Someone willing to impart knowledge and push you to discover your path, constantly encouraging you to challenge your boundaries and demonstrating the extent of your personal growth.

What advice would you give to women looking to enter this field, and any tips you have learned?

In the supply chain and demand planning world, change is constant, challenges are ever-present, and unexpected turns are the norm. Success in this field hinges on swiftly adapting to these dynamics and deriving optimal outcomes. Regardless of gender, those who recognize that their response to challenges holds greater importance than the challenges themselves are exceptionally well-suited for this field.