Beyond Logistics: Putting Customer at the Heart of Delivery

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Posted: Apr 16, 2025 • 3 minute read • SMART • 4 Likes

A successful delivery might seem like a simple endpoint, but behind every shipment is a world of problem-solving and precision. For Almudena, it’s not just about moving goods from A to B – it’s about creating smooth, reliable experiences that customers can count on.

As Operational Manager at GAR Iberia, Almudena’s role sits at the cusp of strategy and service. She faces global supply chain challenges, works to ensure shipments arrive on time, and keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes. After seven years in the industry, she’s tackled everything from global distribution to last-minute changes. Yet, one thing remains constant: her focus on making sure her customers’ businesses never miss a beat.

Where it all began

Almudena with colleague during team building — *Almudena (second from the right) with colleague during team building in Cordoba, Spain, 2024.*

Almudena’s path into logistics wasn’t a traditional one. With a degree in Psychology and over a decade of experience in logistics and operations, she brought a fresh perspective to GAR Iberia. When she joined in 2018, the team was small, and the office modest. Today, GAR Iberia is a thriving operation built on trust, efficiency, and a deep understanding of customer needs.

Her day starts early – checking emails from colleagues and clients across world, reviewing shipments, and making sure every bit of paperwork is in order. Almudena’s meticulous nature and proactive approach helped her grow quickly in her role, taking on bigger responsibilities, optimising operations, and strengthening GAR Iberia’s supply chain network across Spain, Portugal, and France.

Navigating an industry that never stops

The palm oil industry moves fast, and so do customer expectations. Every delivery must meet tight timelines, comply with evolving regulations, and, most importantly, meet customers’ expectations.

Almudena with her colleague during COVID-19 — *Almudena (left corner) with her colleague during COVID-19 in Madrid, Spain, 2021.*

One of Almudena’s toughest challenges came during the COVID-19 pandemic. With ports closed and shipments delayed, global logistics hit a bottleneck. The pressure was enormous.

“It was a tough time for all of us,” she recalls. “But we knew we had to keep things moving. Our customers rely on these shipments to feed animals and keep production lines running. We had to make it work, no matter what.”

She worked closely with custom agents, secured alternative routes, and kept customers informed every step of the way. Her quick thinking reinforced GAR Iberia’s reputation as a reliable partner.

The secret ingredient: Open communication and trust

For Almudena, logistics is as much about people as it is about processes.

“Operations connects with almost every part of the business – purchasing, shipping, finance, sales. If we’re not aligned, nothing moves. Communication is what keeps everything running,” she explains.

Her approach is simple: be transparent, be proactive, and always keep customers in the loop. Whether it’s updating customers on delivery timelines, working with suppliers, or troubleshooting delays, Almudena makes sure that customers never feel left in the dark.

“What customers value most is the service. It’s the assurance that we’ll find a way to deliver.” This value has helped GAR Iberia build long-term partnerships rather than just one-off transactions.

More than shipments: A passion for problem-solving and people

What keeps Almudena motivated is the variety in her role and the chance to work with people from diverse backgrounds. “Operations offers a unique opportunity to see the full flow of the businesses – from the purchase of goods to shipment, distribution, and payment. Every day brings something new,” she shares.

Almudena with her colleague at Customs seminar — *Almudena (right corner) with her colleague at Customs seminar by La Fundación Española del Aceite de Palma Sostenible, Madrid, Spain, 2019.*

One of her proudest moments was supporting the launch of GoNutri, GAR’s animal feed brand in Europe. Almudena played a key role in getting products labelled and ready at the origin, coordinating shipments, and ensuring timely distribution.

Almudena is excited about the future – learning more about trading and pricing while continuing to grow as a leader and mentor. Above all, she hopes to inspire the next generation of supply chain professionals, showing them that success comes not just from efficiency, but from earning trust and staying adaptable.

Interested in how GAR’s operations team optimises efficiency and delivers top-notch customer service in every shipment? Learn more here.