Alumni Success Story - Javier Dolader, MDSC 2010

Alumni Success Story - Javier Dolader, MDSC 2010, Supply Chain Manager at Grupo Jorge. See profile on Linkedin

In 2009, while working as Operations Manager at Airfal International, you decided to embark on the experience of pursuing the Master in Supply Chain Management, combining your studies with your job. How would you describe your experience in the Master’s program at Zaragoza Logistics Center, and how do you think it has influenced your career so far?

The experience was very positive in every respect. Looking back, it was a fundamental step in the development of my career. Working in Operations while studying for the Master’s allowed me to see many processes from a different perspective and to apply the knowledge acquired in each module.

Within the Master’s program, was there any project or subject that you consider key to your training and that you have directly applied in your work?

As it is a comprehensive theoretical and practical education in Supply Chain, I would say that I have applied many of the concepts I learned at some point, such as those from the Warehouse Management or Production Management courses. But if I had to highlight one subject, it would be Transport and Distribution Management, which I have applied almost daily in the various positions I have held.

You currently work at Grupo Jorge, one of the largest meat groups in Spain, with 75 years of presence in the pork sector at the regional, national, and international levels. After six years as Supply Chain Manager, what would you say have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced?

We’ve spent the past six years undergoing constant change at the regional, national, and global levels. That’s why I would say the greatest challenge has been, and continues to be, adapting our supply chain to changes in our environment and making it resilient to issues and circumstances that might seem distant but have a significant impact on our logistics. The challenge is adaptation: whether to prevent negative effects on our logistics chain or to minimize them once they occur.

Today, Aragón can be considered an international benchmark in logistics. How has Grupo Jorge leveraged this strategic location to strengthen and improve its logistics operations both nationally and internationally? What initiatives has it led to capitalize on the region’s logistical advantages?

Aragón offers optimal conditions for the development of our operations for two main reasons: the proximity to livestock breeding areas and the availability of rail and port solutions for both grain supply and container export. Grupo Jorge was a pioneer in using rail transport to export frozen meat through the Port of Barcelona. Among our ongoing initiatives is the use and development of intermodal solutions made possible by our strategic location.

From your experience at Grupo Jorge, how would you say the skills and knowledge acquired in the Master in Supply Chain Management have contributed to your professional success and growth within the company?

Grupo Jorge covers every link in the pork industry value chain, from grain sourcing to the distribution of finished products to wholesale clients. That’s why having a broad, cross-functional education in Supply Chain, such as the one provided by the Master’s program, has been essential for me to make a greater impact within the organization.

What memories do you have of your time in the program? Would you recommend applying to those considering specializing in Supply Chain?

I have very fond memories of my year at ZLC, both academically and personally. And of course, I would recommend the Master’s to anyone considering it. Today, specialization and differentiation are key to developing a successful professional career. The program provides highly useful theoretical and practical knowledge that can be directly applied in the daily work of any Supply Chain or Operations department.