International Women’s Day 2026: Celebrating three women shaping the future of supply chain at The Tibbetts Group
The future of supply chain and distribution requires different perspectives, diverse thinking, and collaborative leadership.
This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating three inspirational women across The Tibbetts Group who are already shaping that future through the improvements they make every day, the standards they raise, and the way they bring people together.
Emily Sharman, Group Supply Chain Team Leader
Behind every on-time delivery is a network of planning, coordination, and problem-solving. As Group Supply Chain Team Leader, Emily elaborates on her important role in protecting supply continuity:
“I’m responsible for ensuring product availability across our UK and Europe supplier base. I manage supplier performance, oversee ordering, ensure we receive stock OTIF, while driving continuous improvement and building strong supplier relationships to be able to deliver a reliable service to our customers.
“One thing people underestimate about supply chain is how much happens behind the scenes. It’s not just placing purchase orders; it’s building strong supplier relationships, balancing priorities, solving problems early, chasing late deliveries, managing short lead times, handling non-conforming shipments, negotiating pricing, and keeping everything aligned so customers get what they need, when they need it.”
Emily’s advice for her younger self and those early into their supply chain career is a reminder that confidence isn’t something you wait for — it’s something you build by taking action.
“Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Just be yourself, trust your instincts, and embrace every opportunity to learn and grow.”
Click here to read Emily’s full Colleague Spotlight article.
Andrea Arucci, BFC VMI and New Business Manager
As a VMI and New Business Manager in the fastener industry, Andrea describes her important partnership-building and performance-focused role at BFC:
“I lead strategic partnerships with manufacturers, ensuring they have the critical components they need to keep production moving. I manage vendor-managed inventory (VMI) and Kanban programs that reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and strengthen supply chain performance.
“People sometimes think VMI is just operational, but it requires constant relationship management, problem-solving, and decision-making. I’m balancing customer expectations, inventory performance, pricing strategy, and internal coordination. It’s a role that blends sales, supply chain management, and leadership all at once.”
Andrea’s valuable advice to her younger self speaks directly to anyone early in their career:
“I would tell my younger self to trust her voice and step into rooms with confidence. You don’t have to know everything to deserve a seat at the table. Speak up, ask questions, and believe in yourself – your perspective has value.”
Click here to read Andrea’s full Colleague Spotlight article.
Demi Wade, Powell Gee Sub Assembly Coordinator
Sub-assembly coordination is where pace, accuracy, and teamwork meet. At Powell Gee, Demi plays a key role in maintaining that day-to-day rhythm:
“My role is a Sub Assembly Coordinator. I plan production, lead time, and support the team leaders in the sub assembly operations. I also co-ordinate with sales to manage the customers’ expectations and allow capacity to deal with curveballs.
“People tend to underestimate the challenges that can arise with the role. Having 5 production schedules to manage each day can be a challenge within itself. We also must ensure that the right product is delivered to the right customer within the agreed timeframe.”
Demi’s advice to her younger self is a reminder to recognise your own progress: “Stop doubting yourself and give yourself some credit.”
Click here to read Demi’s full Colleague Spotlight article.
If you’re considering a career in supply chain and distribution — whether that’s planning and supplier management, customer-facing programmes like VMI, or operational coordination roles — follow us on LinkedIn to learn more about future opportunities and our latest news.