Joakim Karlsson
Sydney,Australia
Summary
Results-driven warehouse and logistics leader with 10+ years of experience in fast-paced distribution environments. Skilled in leading high-performing teams, optimising operations, and driving improvements through automation, systems thinking, and Lean methodologies. Combines hands-on warehousing expertise with technical aptitude, delivering AI-driven enhancements to boost efficiency and accuracy. Committed to continuous improvement, safety, and fostering accountability. Thrives in dynamic, service-oriented settings focused on operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work History
Warehouse Supervisor
BLACKMORES LTD
11.2017 - Current
- Reports to National Distribution Centre Manager | Team – 6 Direct, 45 Indirect
- Oversee daily operations of the Distribution Centre, leading a cross-functional team of up to 45 staff to ensure timely, accurate fulfilment of domestic and international orders, monthly invoiced value $30-50m.
- Develop and execute workforce and resource plans aligned with sales forecasts, seasonal trends, and business priorities, maintaining optimal service levels. (Insert KPI performance improvements)
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across warehouse operations, leveraging Lean methodologies to reduce waste, streamline processes, and improve throughput in excess of $50K annually.
- Lead company driven compliance, and training programs in accordance with WH&S and TGA regulations, achieving and maintaining a high standard of operational risk control.
- Managing performance and development of six direct reports through regular coaching, performance reviews, and career progression planning, resulting in a team retention score of 85-90% and annual engagement scores above 75%.
- Collaborate with national logistics, planning, and supply chain stakeholders to proactively manage constraints and improve end-to-end fulfilment performance KPIs of orders directly delivered to 500 stores delivered, in full, on time 94.2%, orders delivered to 50 distribution centres above 98% (DIFOT).
- Initiated and developed technical implementation of system enhancements and new workflows using automation and AI to increase picking efficiency and order accuracy, reducing touchpoints, time and labour cost by up to 90% across multiple processes.
- Blackmores, Australia’s leading natural health brand, improves peoples’ lives by delivering the world’s best natural health solutions with 1,200 people in 12 markets across Asia-Pacific and group sales of AU$802m (2023).
Distribution Team Leader, Grocery
BLACKMORES LTD
10.2014 - 11.2017
- Reported to Warehouse Supervisor| Team – 5 Direct
- Led and supported a team of 5 forklift operators, ensuring accurate and timely order processing for both domestic and export markets across Asia.
- Oversaw and validated data input for stock control systems, contributing to improved inventory accuracy and audit readiness.
- Developed and executed forward-looking workload plans to meet tight deadlines and shifting priorities, maintaining operational continuity and orders delivered to 50 customer distribution centres on time, in full, 98% of the time (DIFOT).
- Acted as a key liaison between internal departments and external partners, proactively communicating order status and swiftly resolving issues to avoid delays.
- Conducted annual performance reviews and provided ongoing coaching, contributing to team engagement, skill development, successful promotional opportunities and performance improvement.
- Maintained compliance with Workplace Health & Safety (WH&S) policies and standards, fostering a culture of safety and accountability.
Distribution Team Member
BLACKMORES LTD
02.2013 - 10.2014
- Took on an expanded role in warehouse operations, independently managing order picking using a range of forklifts and voice-picking technology, ensuring accurate and timely distribution across Australia and Asia.
- Coordinated the setup and processing of export orders, including booking international carriers and preparing compliance documentation.
- Mentored four (4) junior team members and provided on-the-job training in safe forklift operation and order-picking procedures.
- Identified opportunities to streamline workflow and improve picking/packing efficiency in collaboration with warehouse supervisors.
Distribution Team Member (Contract)
BLACKMORES LTD
09.2012 - 02.2013
- Supported order fulfilment operations by safely operating counterbalance, high-reach, and order picker forklifts under supervision, using a computerised voice-picking system.
- Performed basic inventory data entry to support stock tracking within the warehouse management system.
- Contributed to meeting team dispatch goals through collaboration with more senior distribution staff.
- Followed all safety guidelines and procedures, maintaining a clean and hazard-free work environment.
Key Account Management (KAM) / Sales Support
SCA PACKAGING LTD
01.2009 - 03.2012
- Serviced one of SCA Packaging Sweden’s largest international clients, independently addressing and resolving rapidly evolving customer requirements.
- Administered day-to-day customer purchase orders and deliveries, adhering to regulatory requirements for transporting dangerous goods (ADR).
- Managed the logistics flow and procurement of goods valued at SEK 15–20 million (AUD$2–3 million) annually, maintaining optimal stock levels across European warehouses aligned with customer forecasts.
- Built and maintained strong internal and external relationships, leading to improved cross-functional cooperation and high customer satisfaction ratings.
- SCA Packaging Sweden AB, belonging to SCA Group, develops, markets and manufactures packaging primarily in corrugated cardboard. SCA Packaging Sweden has 750 employees and an annual sale of approximately 1,600 million SEK (AU$225 million).
Machine Operator, Production
SCA PACKAGING LTD
05.1984 - 12.2008
- Installed and set up machinery to ensure optimal performance, providing clear instruction to colleagues and reducing change-over times to improve throughput.
- Conducted visual inspections of production runs and proactively adjusted machinery and procedures within scope to maintain efficiency, accuracy, reporting any malfunctions to the production manager.
- Identified and recommended cost-saving opportunities in production processes.
- Applied strong numerical aptitude to quickly measure volumes, costs, and product specifications, maintaining accurate electronic and paper records.
- Operated and monitored machinery in line with safety standards and company procedures, ensuring a clean and hazard-free work environment.
- Experienced in operating a wide range of equipment including forklifts, powered pallet trucks, reach trucks, and counterbalanced trucks (up to 5 tonnes).
- Trained in and applied quality improvement methodologies such as 5S and Lean.
Education
Diploma of Leadership and Management BSB51918 -
TAFE NSW
Australia01.2021
Australian Forklift License - undefined
SafeWork
NSW, AustraliaValid ASIC Card (air cargo security) - undefined
Department of Home Affairs
AustraliaCertificate IV in Frontline Management, BSB40812 - undefined
Leadership Management Australia Pty Ltd
01.2016
Certificate III in Warehouse Operations TLI31610 - undefined
Australian National Training PTY LTD
01.2014
Certificate in Export Procedures Course - undefined
Australian Institute of Export
01.2014
Skills
- Strategic & People Leadership Supply Chain Operations Workplace Health & Safety
- Logistics & Operations Resource Planning Inventory Control (WMS)
- Cross-Functional Collaboration Key Account (KAM) & Supplier Management Data-Driven Decision Making
FOOTBALL CAREER
- SWEDISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
- Semi-Professional Coach
- Professional & Youth Development (State level) 2004 - 2012
- Semi-Professional Football Player
- Swedish National Youth Representative 1986 - 2003
SWEDISH ARMY
- Compulsory Military Service
- October 1987 - May 1988
Timeline
Warehouse Supervisor
BLACKMORES LTD
11.2017 - Current
Distribution Team Leader, Grocery
BLACKMORES LTD
10.2014 - 11.2017
Distribution Team Member
BLACKMORES LTD
02.2013 - 10.2014
Distribution Team Member (Contract)
BLACKMORES LTD
09.2012 - 02.2013
Key Account Management (KAM) / Sales Support
SCA PACKAGING LTD
01.2009 - 03.2012
Machine Operator, Production
SCA PACKAGING LTD
05.1984 - 12.2008
Australian Forklift License - undefined
SafeWork
Valid ASIC Card (air cargo security) - undefined
Department of Home Affairs
Certificate IV in Frontline Management, BSB40812 - undefined
Leadership Management Australia Pty Ltd
Certificate III in Warehouse Operations TLI31610 - undefined
Australian National Training PTY LTD
Certificate in Export Procedures Course - undefined
Australian Institute of Export
Diploma of Leadership and Management BSB51918 -
TAFE NSW