International Women’s Day 2026
As part of International Women’s Day (Sunday 8 March 2026), we spoke to Karianne Langeland, Senior Supply Chain Coordinator, to learn more about her experience of working at JWF.
Can you introduce yourself and your role at JWF?
Hi, I’m Karianne! I work in supply chain for JWF. I’m passionate about solving problems, learning new things and showing that there’s plenty of space for women to thrive in this industry. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me with a coffee in hand, laughing at my own jokes or at the Pilates studio!
What has your career path looked like so far?
After graduating with a master’s degree in supply chain and logistics management I started my career at JWF as a Graduate Supply Chain Coordinator, and here we are 10 years later!
What attracted you to a career within this field?
I’ve always loved understanding how things work, and that curiosity led me into a field where every day brings a new challenge.
What’s been one of the most rewarding or interesting projects you’ve worked on at JWF?
One of the most rewarding projects I’ve been involved in was with a company that designs gas storage and handling solutions. It was the first time I felt like I could really take ownership of part of the work, and it helped me build confidence in my abilities. Being trusted with responsibility and proving to myself that I could handle it made it a standout experience for me.
What skills or qualities do you think are most important to succeed in your role?
In supply chain, I think the most important skill is being organised as there are so many moving parts, deadlines and details to stay on top of. Communication is also key, because the role sits at the centre of different teams, suppliers and customers, and things run more smoothly when everyone feels informed and supported.
Problem‑solving is another big one; plans change all the time, and being able to adapt quickly really helps. And finally, relationship‑building! Good working relationships make everything easier, and they turn everyday challenges into collaborative wins rather than stress points.
What do you enjoy most about working in this industry?
The constant chaos (in the best way)! One minute I’m solving a supply issue, the next I’m trying to figure out why something that was “definitely arriving today” has decided it actually meant “next week… probably.” It keeps me on my toes! I also enjoy the people, engineering has a great mix of personalities.
How do you feel the industry is changing for women?
The industry is definitely changing for women, and in a really positive way. Being the only woman in the room is becoming less common, and there’s much more awareness, support and opportunity now. Attitudes are shifting too. There’s still progress to be made, but it feels good to be part of that change.
What advice would you give to women considering a career in this field?
My advice would be to absolutely go for it. Don’t let the fact that it’s a traditionally male‑dominated industry put you off, the field needs different perspectives and yours is valuable! Be curious, ask questions and don’t be afraid to take up space, even if you’re the only woman in the room at times. Trust your abilities and remember that confidence grows with experience. And most importantly, don’t feel like you need to know everything on day one, none of us did!