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Independent supply chain consulting · New Zealand
Your supply chain competitive advantage

Most NZ businesses are overpaying for freight, holding too much stock, or relying on suppliers that haven't been properly challenged.

I work with NZ importers and distributors to identify cost, cash and service improvements — often in areas that haven't been independently reviewed for some time.

Typically relevant for NZ importers and distributors with regular inbound freight volumes — particularly where rates haven't been independently reviewed for some time.

20%+
Freight savings identified
Typical outcome from a freight benchmark review
2–4
Weeks to first findings
Fast diagnostic, no lengthy engagement required
25+
Years supply chain experience
Freight, procurement, inventory, 3PL and operations
Recent example: NZ importer (~$1M freight spend) — ~18% savings identified across core lanes within 3 weeks.
Independent — not tied to any carrier, 3PL or vendor
NZ-based — local ports, lanes, market dynamics
Outcome-focused — cost, cash and service, not theory
CSCP certified — experience across Europe and New Zealand

Practical improvements across your entire supply chain

Every engagement is focused on measurable outcomes — cost reduction, working capital improvement, service reliability and operational clarity.

Freight Benchmarking

Independent review of your sea and air freight rates, contracts and carrier mix. Most NZ importers have never independently validated their freight rates — typical gaps of 15–25% are common.

  • Rate analysis vs market benchmarks
  • Carrier and forwarder evaluation
  • Contract and surcharge review
  • Cost per unit and lane analysis

Inventory Optimisation

Reduce working capital tied up in excess stock without compromising service levels. I identify where cash is trapped and build a practical path to free it up.

  • Stock health and turn rate analysis
  • Reorder point and safety stock review
  • Slow and obsolete stock strategy
  • Working capital impact quantification

Supplier & Procurement Review

Evaluate your supplier base for cost, reliability and risk. Identify negotiation leverage and build a supplier performance framework that sticks.

  • Supplier spend and dependency analysis
  • Lead time and reliability benchmarking
  • Tender and negotiation support
  • Risk and single-source exposure

Supply Chain Diagnostics

A structured review of your end-to-end supply chain — from procurement and inbound freight through to fulfilment and customer service. Clear findings, prioritised actions.

  • End-to-end cost and performance mapping
  • 3PL selection and tender management
  • S&OP and planning process review
  • Operational improvement roadmap

Fast, structured, and built around your business

No lengthy discovery phases. No generic frameworks. I get into the data quickly and focus on findings that move the needle.

STEP 01

Initial assessment

30–45 mins

A direct conversation to understand your current setup, priorities and where the biggest opportunities are likely to be. No commitment required.

STEP 02

Data-led diagnostic

2–4 weeks

I work with your existing data — freight invoices, stock reports, supplier contracts — to identify cost and performance gaps. No system changes. No disruption to your current operations. No need to change providers unless it makes commercial sense.

STEP 03

Findings and action plan

Immediate output

Clear, quantified recommendations with a prioritised action plan. You leave with something you can act on immediately — not a report that sits on a shelf.

Independent advice you can actually use

Most businesses don't lack data — they lack an independent view of it. I'm not tied to any vendor, platform or methodology. My only interest is finding you the best outcome.

Commercially sharp, not theoretical
Every recommendation is framed around cost, cash or service impact — not consulting frameworks.
NZ market expertise
Deep knowledge of NZ ports, freight lanes, customs, 3PL providers and local market dynamics — not generic global advice.
Senior expertise, no juniors
You work directly with Sébastien — 25+ years of hands-on supply chain experience, not a junior analyst.
Fast and focused
Initial findings typically within 2–4 weeks. No lengthy retainers required to get value from the engagement.
"Supply chain isn't just an operational function — it's where margin is made or lost. Most NZ businesses have never had an independent set of eyes on their freight costs, stock levels or supplier contracts. That's where I start."
Sébastien Mallevialle, CSCP — Founder & Managing Director, HSCM Solutions
Typical engagement outcomes
✓ 15–25% reduction in freight spend
✓ 10–20% improvement in inventory turns
✓ Supplier cost savings of 5–15%
✓ Faster lead times and improved fill rates
✓ Clearer operational visibility and control
Example: NZ importer, ~$1M annual freight spend — ~18% savings identified across 3 core lanes within 3 weeks.

Low-risk entry. Clear commercial value.

Most initial reviews are structured as a focused diagnostic. In many cases, the cost is directly linked to the value identified — meaning you only proceed if there is a clear commercial benefit.

In some cases, this means identifying opportunity at minimal upfront cost — with further work only proceeding if it makes financial sense.

The objective is simple: identify measurable opportunity quickly, then decide whether to act.

Start with an independent supply chain assessment

A short, focused discussion to understand your current setup and identify where the biggest opportunities are likely to be — based on similar NZ businesses.

Start a conversation

Sébastien Mallevialle, CSCP

Founder and Managing Director of HSCM Solutions. Based in Auckland, New Zealand, with over 25 years of hands-on supply chain experience across freight, procurement, inventory, 3PL management and operational improvement.

I work with NZ importers, distributors and manufacturers who want an independent, commercial view of their supply chain — not a generic consulting engagement.

APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP). Fluent in English, French and Spanish.

25+
Years experience
NZ
Market focused
CSCP
APICS certified
100%
Independent advice
Freight benchmarking (air & sea) Core
Inventory optimisation Core
Procurement & supplier reviews Core
3PL selection & tender management Specialist
Supply chain diagnostics Specialist
S&OP and planning improvement Specialist
NZ customs & compliance Advisory

Start a conversation

A straightforward conversation about your supply chain — what's working, what isn't, and where the biggest opportunities are likely to be based on similar NZ businesses.

Location
Auckland, New Zealand

Book a call directly

Practical insights for NZ operators

Short, commercial commentary on freight, inventory, supplier risk, and operational performance in the New Zealand market.

Why freight costs drift without anyone noticing

Surcharge creep, unchanged contracts, and lane complacency quietly erode margin — often for years before anyone reviews the numbers independently.

When inventory becomes a cash-flow problem

Excess stock often sits in plain sight until someone reviews it commercially. The cost is real — it just doesn't show up on a single line in the P&L.

What NZ businesses should challenge in supplier reviews

Lead times, reliability, pricing discipline, and the risks hidden in "good enough" — most supplier relationships haven't been formally reviewed in years.

The hidden cost of a single freight forwarder

Loyalty to one provider without benchmarking is one of the most common and most expensive habits in NZ import businesses.

What clients say

NZ and international organisations across private and public sectors.

"HSCM Solutions introduced excellent measurement and reporting systems. Businesses looking for supply chain support would benefit greatly from the skills and experience Sébastien brings."

Scott Davis General Manager, Milsons

"HSCM Solutions played a vital role in our procurement transition — improving supplier relationships and ensuring consistent product quality. I highly recommend them for reliable, effective supply chain support."

Jarek Dobrowolski Chief Financial Officer, P&F Global

"Sébastien quickly adapted to a complex role, building strong relationships and improving our reporting systems. His proactive attitude and initiative made a real difference during a period of significant change."

Dr Riana Clarke National Clinical Director – Oral Health, Manatū Hauora (Ministry of Health)

"Sébastien brought valuable expertise and professionalism to strengthening our supply chain capability. His contributions made a real difference — I have no doubt he will deliver the same value to other businesses."

Joseph McLean Sales & Marketing Manager – Wholesale, P&F Global

Not sure if this is relevant?

If you're unsure whether there is value in reviewing your supply chain, that's usually the best time to have a conversation. Most issues aren't visible until someone looks at the data independently.

A short, low-commitment conversation typically surfaces something worth looking at.

Have a conversation