Candy has spent most of her career working in customer service and logistics roles in the chemical industry but had always heard of TotalEnergies. So, when a chance came to apply for a job, she jumped on it. Now she leads a team that ensures Lubmarine’s products are delivered smoothly from multiple warehouses to customers stopping at over 50 ports in China.
How did you come to work for TotalEnergies, in the Lubmarine division?
I had previously worked in other multinational companies – mostly in the chemical industry where my roles included logistics, import/export transportation, customer services, including processing and shipping, and also internal controls.
TotalEnergies is very important in the energy industry so of course I always knew about this company. When the chance came to me to apply for a job, I thought it’s a very good opportunity for me and also the job requirement fitted quite well with my experience.
What does your current role entail?
I lead a team of six people here in Shanghai and we handle two important aspects of Lubmarine’s work in China:
The first is the operations part. I need to ensure our operations run smoothly which includes running the stock forecast and planning operations, supply arrangements and stock management.
The second is customer services, which includes customer inquiries, orders, invoicing, complaints and any other issues.
From this office, we cover all of China with several warehouses for our stocks and services at over 50 Chinese ports. We have of course a large portfolio of valued customers. For example, we have a long relationship with COSCO [China Ocean Shipping Company Ltd, one of the world’s largest shipping companies] we know their requirements and their concerns so we can provide the services they need. But we also provide our lubricants to shipping companies from around the world who are stopping by in China.
What has changed since you joined Lubmarine?
When I joined this company, Covid was still very serious and our imports, logistics and supply was very much impacted. That has returned to normal and things are a bit easier now.
But the other big change that I have been experiencing, is the increase in newbuilds that we have to support. China is a major shipbuilding country which represents many business opportunities for Lubmarine and major volumes in first fill, and long-term relationship with continuity supply.
Our customers appreciate our local technical support and our commitment to deliver timely all the products and services they need for their new vessels.
What’s changing in the marine lubricants industry?
We observe that marine engines are developing technologically and new type of marine fuels are coming. Therefore we need to accompany our shipping customers with new high-performance lubricants which are fit for these new requirements. With this in mind our role is also to support the technical team for the local trials on new products development.
Decarbonization is under way in the shipping industry with new regulations impacting fuel strategies with direct implication on lubrication choices. As Lubmarine we have to support our customers in their transition journey.
What are your priorities for the next year or so?
One of my key priorities is to ensure a top tier service to our customers, delivering the right product at the right place and on time.
And it’s also to operate safely! For instance, I’m in charge of implementing a safety programme called PATROM. This focuses on transportation safety with application of a high standard when it comes to hiring drivers, ensuring vehicles are fit for purpose and checking the warehouses safety procedures.
Another priority continues to be our fulfilling of the newbuild orders. As we are getting more and more requests globally, we need to continuously anticipate the stock replenishment and liaise with our blending facilities.
Finally we will continue to strive to provide exceptional customer service by understanding their needs and respond promptly to their request. When we have good communication, then our operations run very smoothly.
What do you do outside of work, how do you relax?
I spend most of my spare time with my family, travelling and enjoying good food with them.