Peter Burns

About Peter Burns

I’ve been exposed to various industry sectors including manufacturing, distribution, tertiary, freight forwarding, 3PL, online and consulting during my career in the logistics arena.

This has given me a broad insight into what drives logistics businesses, the people, processes and technology required in successful organisations and also the constraints in managing complex, fast paced operations.

Highlights include working on a closely with CRG management to establish the first online ‘store’ for Witchery and Mimco out of our Laverton DC. Within 6 months online orders eclipsed their biggest retail stores and within a year the business was able to rationalise their ‘Bricks and Mortar’ strategy, reducing their exposure to only the main ‘high street’ city locations.

Academic Credentials

  • M.Bus Logistics Management
  • Grad Dip Logistics Management
  • Grad Cert Transport and Distribution
  • Cert IV in Training and Assessment
  • Many other relevant short courses in related areas such as Plant and Equipment Certificates, DG, COR, WHS, Return-to-Work Coordinator training and exposure to various software packages

Work Experience

Much of my logistics career focused on Operations Management in roles such as Operations Manager, Logistics Manager, DC Manager. Of course I didn’t start there, like many people in the industry I started by working casual positions in warehouse roles: order picking, unpacking containers, forklift driving etc. (Casuals are employed across the industry at a min 70% to FTE equivalent).

I enjoyed the environment and could see opportunities in supervisory and management roles, also pursuing study pathways and qualifications to help secure more interesting and better-remunerated roles.

In management, most of my experience was in 3rd Party Logistics. Third-party logistics providers typically specialize in integrated operations of warehousing and transport services. Their clients are usually large wholesale businesses outsourcing this part of their operations in order to focus on brand development and sales. In this capacity I was exposed to brands such as Country Road Group (incl Witchery, Mimco), Just Group (Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Jacquie E) and many others in the homewares and fashion sector who choose to use 3PL.

Logistics blogs

Any questions? Ask away!