ASSOCIATE SPOTLIGHT SERIES: AN INTERVIEW WITH CHARMAINE TINSLEY
November 15, 2024

In our Associate Spotlight series, we are highlighting associates across the company who are shaping our community and who embody our Life at Centric philosophy every day.
Meet Charmaine Tinsley, Coordinator, Logistics Inbound at Centric Brands. In her Interview, Charmaine shares how she has exceled by building strong relationships with our network of warehouse teams across the globe to enhance team performance and create a solution-based mindset.
Could you share insights about your role and responsibilities?
My primary responsibility is ensuring accurate SAP postings for received goods, which is crucial for efficient order processing and maintaining precise inventory records. This accuracy also supports prompt vendor payments. I also oversee operations for our Canadian facilities and SELG division, resolving discrepancies between received items and documentation.
When containers aren’t packed as per the documentation, we take corrective measures to improve vendor performance. We actively track KPIs and maintain regular communication with key business operators, exchanging insights to drive continuous improvement.
Logistics plays a vital role in our supply chain and receiving is one of many tasks we handle. I work closely with teams to manage bookings, visibility, and tracking and ensure seamless integration of all processes into the final stage—receiving. It’s truly a team effort.
What aspects of your day-to-day responsibilities do you find most rewarding?
The most rewarding aspect of my day-to-day responsibilities is the collaboration that leads to optimal outcomes. Unforeseen circumstances can arise from vessel departure to warehouse receiving, but working with exceptional teams and a strong Company culture fosters effective problem-solving and enhances the overall Company experience.
How did you become passionate about your career and/or choose this career path?
My journey into logistics was somewhat unexpected.I started as a temporary warehouse auditor, and as my responsibilities grew, I began working closely with the management team. This exposure opened my eyes to various roles within the warehouse and introduced me to logistics concepts that sparked my interest. I took a supply chain class to deepen my knowledge, and my time with a dedicated team fostered my appreciation and passion for logistics.
Can you share your approach to swiftly acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills?
When invited to join the Track and Trace Team, I initially hesitated because it meant stepping away from the Canada account, which I enjoyed. However, the opportunity for career growth ultimately persuaded me to accept the position. While learning a new role was challenging and took me out of my comfort zone, I embraced my new responsibilities. By taking notes, asking questions, and viewing mistakes as learning opportunities, I successfully navigated this transition.
What is a current project you’re working on that is especially exciting for you?
I’m thrilled to be publishing my third children’s book. Writing has always been a passion of mine, and as a child, I often expressed myself through poetry and journaling. However, as a mother of four, finding time to write was a challenge.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, while at home with my grandchildren, I rediscovered my love for writing. Their learning journey reignited my passion, and I self-published my first children’s book, What Color is That? Fun fact: I now have 13 grandchildren!
I’ve included all of them as characters in my upcoming book, Sweet Baby Dreams. Childhood literacy and diversity in literature are crucial for developing social skills. Through my writing, I aim to inspire a love of reading in children and contribute to the community.