Group Transport, Vestas Group Staff, Aarhus, Denmark
My Choice
Vestas operates in a very dynamic and changing industry. Wind power is a cutting edge field where the effort that I am putting in every day is supporting the environment in a positive way. More success for Vestas means more clean power for business and consumers and I support that whole-heartedly.Vestas is the leader in the wind energy field and if you want to work with most qualified and talented individuals in turbine engineering, sales and operations, than Vestas is the place to be. That’s why I initially applied for the Graduate programme.
Furthermore, the global aspect of Vestas means that our business is willing to venture into new markets quickly and strongly when we see the right signals from customers and governments. It is this ambitious will to expand and grow the business that interests me as a future leader in Vestas.
The global aspect also manifests itself in another way, which is the shift of demand for turbines from one market to another. What this means for me as a Graduate in supply chain is to understand clearly how new demand can be satisfied with existing transport systems, warehouse facilities and resources. Also, having worked in 3 global locations in the past 2 years, I have really sensed the strong diversity with colleagues from China, America, Spain, and many more. At the core of Vestas there remains a Danish mentality, but as you expand your focus globally a pattern of different cultural backgrounds becomes visible.
My role
One of my current roles focuses on the strategic development of new transportation solutions for Vestas components to wind farms. As Vestas aggressively expands the physical dimensions of its machines, my team and I have to ensure the capability to move these items to their final working locations. I am responsible for the on-time delivery of results for a portfolio of projects I am currently running. One of these such projects is a CO2 tracking program for transportation, which requires that I get the participation of internal stakeholders; Vestas’ logistics companies and an IT company to design and run the system.
Another responsibility I have is the strategic review of transport routing for Vestas raw material around the globe. It is my responsibility that the way in which we are shipping high-value container items from China to the US or Spain to China are as efficient and cost effective as they can be. One of my most exciting projects is an investigation into the cost we are paying for Rail transportation for components in the USA and Denmark. The dollar value for this transport is huge, which can really provide opportunities for cost savings in consolidation or efficiency improvements.
My everyday work life
In Group transport, the majority of my time is spent on strategic project initiatives. As such, my daily work involves prioritizing which projects need the most attention at a given time, and working on those objectives first. Keeping a clear channel of communication with stakeholders and project participants to ensure the project timeline is still on track a key determent to success.
The working atmosphere is a little different in each part of the Vestas world that you as a Graduate can call home. Similarly, the way in which the colleagues around you work varies according to the location. A successful Graduate is one who can become functional and get things done quickly in each new environment.
My opportunities
The Vestas Graduate Programme is about making an investment in people. It’s the responsibility of the Graduate to ensure that he or she is performing up to and exceeding expectations. Motivation for me is exceeding the expectations of my colleagues and project participants. I like to ensure that the work I am doing is supporting our company inside and out. A position where the energy and eagerness I put into my work is enabling Vestas to make smarter, informed decisions internally, and create greater value for our customers externally.
If you can say that you deliver the results expected of you, then Vestas is there to support your future. Given my previous international experience and project work, I feel my future in Vestas lies in a project manager role working cross-functionally within a group function or global business unit.
My life
In my spare time, I like to ride my bicycle through the small towns of Jutland and Fyn, the forest and the countryside. I also enjoy learning about and cooking new types of dishes from different cultures along with my friends. Having a Graduate network also keeps you busy with all kinds of fun activities! Segway riding, go- karting, and wind surfing are just a few examples!
