After working for around ten years at a globally active corporation, where I gained my experience in manufacturing as a CNC turner, I was looking for a new challenge. In the course of my research I came across RST. The products interested me, and since a position in production planning was open at the time, I applied for it. Despite my lack of experience in production planning, having previously worked exclusively on the machine in manufacturing, I was given the chance to prove myself in that role.
My new colleagues took care of my introduction to the tasks and the systems needed for them conscientiously, and I could raise questions directly at any time. My onboarding was therefore quick and problem-free. My duties in production planning included creating routings, optimizing material flow and scheduling parts and assemblies so that they are in the right place in the company at the right time. I felt comfortable in my role.
After about six months I was approached at a company event by our head of operations and asked whether I could imagine moving internally. A position as a technical buyer was open and they could very well imagine me in it. The offer came as quite a surprise. As I had only been with the company a short time, I had not expected an offer for a position in a completely different area. But of course I was pleased that they had thought of me. So after a short period of reflection I decided to take on this new challenge. I quickly understood the advantage of filling the role with a career changer like me who brings the necessary background knowledge in the field. When suppliers who deliver parts to us face challenges in production, I can advise them and assess the difficulties better. That simplifies communication and makes for smoother and better cooperation, not least through a professional understanding of the subject.
My current tasks as a technical buyer include selecting the suppliers that fit the needs of a project, comparing quotations and agreeing and safeguarding quality standards with the identified suppliers. That often leads to interesting discussions with our design engineers about whether parts can be manufactured. In CAD and in a 3D model a lot looks feasible that in reality is very laborious or impossible to produce. The challenge for me is then to reconcile the idea with reality and to have it realized by identifying a suitable supplier.
The decision to join RST and to move internally after about six months has broadened my horizons a great deal. I am glad I was given the chance to develop and to try myself out in different areas. On the whole, the varied and demanding work gives me a lot of pleasure. Of course there are always topics I enjoy working on less than others, but that is part of it and true of any position. Working with colleagues in particular enriches the job and brings out the good side of it. You always get help with questions and everyone has an open ear. That often results in lively exchange and in discussions both about our subject and beyond it. The flat hierarchies, the open communication culture in the company and the jokes with colleagues further create a pleasant working atmosphere.
I can recommend a job at RST to anyone who is not looking for run-of-the-mill work but for challenges and innovation, and who likes to contribute on their own initiative.
