Senator International Logistics services include quality control as well as documentation IN THE LOGISTICS sector, it is common practice to start out by appointing an agent with the contacts and local knowledge to get things off the ground. Once volume and turnover have reached a certain level, the principal may then decide to step in and assume full control. 'We decided to go for our own set-up based on the need for customised services and because the requirements of the business are getting more complex,' said Jochen Krug, managing director of Senator International Logistics. The logistics and freight forwarding company, which has its international headquarters in Germany, is inheriting business from its former agent and will soon be offering sea and airfreight services and value-added extras. The company will provide Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta with quality control, pick and pack, labelling and documentation services. At first, the business will focus on moving cargo within Senator's established overseas network. This covers Germany, Western Europe, North and South America and Asia. In due course, it will extend to other destinations in Southeast Europe and India. 'We will offer tracking and customers will have access to our systems,' Mr Krug said. One key objective was to ensure a high degree of service reliability, so clients did not feel the need to keep monitoring the status of consignments. 'The customer should trust us as a logistics provider,' he said. 'But the moment something is not as it should be, we will inform them proactively. From the customer's point of view, if they hear nothing, they should assume everything is going well.' The new office is scheduled to open next month with an initial headcount of about 14. The immediate priority is to hire a general manager of finance and accounting, and three managers to take care of IT, airfreight and ocean freight. Operations staff will be required to arrange shipments and handle contacts with carriers, sub-contractors and customers. Mr Krug said candidates would be assessed as much on personality and experience as on formal qualifications. The important thing was to be open-minded, self-motivated and very hands-on, he said. 'I need people who can roll up their sleeves and do what needs to be done,' he said, adding that, in a new set-up, everyone had to lend a hand when necessary. 'For example, if I see the operations team needs an extra pair of hands, I will go there to help them type out airway bills,' he said. Salaries will match market rates. Non-monetary benefits will come in the shape of a good working environment and chances for further career development in the short to medium term. 'The management style will be open and accessible,' he said. 'We have a flat structure, with not much hierarchy, and we will help staff by subsidising work-related courses and further education.' Introductory training will include sessions on the IT system, the company's organisation, corporate objectives and in-house work practices. Mr Krug has close to 20 years' experience in the logistics industry, but is excited at the prospect of creating something from scratch. 'I see this as a great challenge,' he said. 'Once we get things up and running, we will increase the customer base and show we can deliver as promised. The major strength is that the company will be small enough to go into individual requirements but, at the same time, will have a global network of offices and agents to provide solutions for customers.' Already, there are plans to take on additional staff in the second half of the year. The office, in Kwai Chung, is designed to allow for expansion as the business develops. DEDICATED TO Delta Logistics company setting up new office to handle Hong Kong and South China business Around 14 recruits needed, including operations staff and managers for finance, IT, airfreight and ocean freight Company will be part of an established international network and will take over business from former agents Remuneration at market rates plus subsidies for work-related courses Candidates should be self-motivated and ready to pitch in Already planning for further expansion in the second half of 2007
