READERPROFILE
as told to Karen Kroll
Magic CarParts Ride
SHERRY LIU is vice president, international supply chain with CarParts.com, an e-commerce provider of automotive parts and accessories that has delivered 50 million-plus parts over the past 25 years.
EXPERIENCE: Senior director of purchasing, director of purchasing, product manager, assistant product manager, and buyer/ inventory planner, all with CarParts.com. EDUCATION: MBA, UCLA Anderson School of Management; B.A., International Relations and Aairs, National Chengchi University, Taiwan.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Sourcing, including partnering with merchandising to expand product assortments; working with the inventory planning and forecasting team to execute the company’s buy plan; collaborating with CarParts.com’s logistics partners and distribution center teams to deliver goods and ensure trade compliance.
A fter I earned my bachelor’s degree in Taiwan, I met a purchasing director with CarParts.com at a social event. She asked if I wanted to join her. My education at that point had been in international relations, with a minor in business administration. My goal had been to become a diplomat, learn more languages—I speak Mandarin, Taiwanese and English—and then explore the world. Although I didn’t know much about auto parts or importing or exporting, the purchasing director gave me an opportunity and, along with other mentors, helped me learn. I started as an entry-level buyer working with vendors to ensure inventory was in stock. As an immigrant from Taiwan, I’ve learned that coming from a different culture and knowing how to build
However, I want to hear the other party’s concerns. This strategy has helped me form tight relationships with my vendors. They enjoy working together because they know their challenges are being heard. And we can work together to solve those challenges. Plus, the relationships we’ve built have helped ensure access to inventory. Right now, inventory is king. One of my proudest accomplishments has been working closely with the new management team at CarParts.com to transform our company, which was previously in nancial distress. We
relationships with business leaders from varying backgrounds is one bene t I can leverage in my role. We are a global community. My job now is to ensure the products we offer are ones I’d put on my own car. That means visiting factories to make sure the products are legitimate and of quality. One approach that has helped me along the way, with both internal management and vendors, is really listening to other peoples’ feedback. As a buyer, I could take the path that the vendor or seller has to listen to me.
One attribute that’s critical in supply chain and logistics is the ability to address the curveballs thrown at you day-to-day.
24 Inbound Logistics • July 2022
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