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In our StartYourCareer@NORMA series, former apprentices, working students and interns all talk about how they got their career start at NORMA Group and the changes that come with being offered a permanent position.
In this interview, Jan Oberlies provides us with some insight into his career at NORMA Group – a career that began with an apprenticeship as an industrial clerk at the site in Maintal, Germany, and led him to the position of Manager Group Treasury. He talks about his passion for project-based work and his motivation to stay with the company for so long.
Jan, can you tell us a bit about your career development at NORMA Group?
My career at the company began in 2013 with an apprenticeship as an industrial clerk. At that time, I had the opportunity to get to know a number of different departments including Purchasing, Sales and Controlling.
Shortly before completing my training, I was offered a job and started in the Accounting department as a Group Financial Accountant in 2016. At the same time, I decided to start a dual study program in Business Administration with a focus on Treasury, which I successfully completed in 2019. After graduating, I moved to the Group Treasury team, where I still work today.
In what way have your tasks evolved in the various positions?
In Accounting, I was initially responsible for travel expense accounting and later for accounts payable and accounts receivable. At the same time, I worked on a project in Controlling that dealt with various CapEx issues. That was my first project-related work and it really got me interested in project-oriented tasks.
“Moving to Group Treasury led to some significant changes.”
Day-to-day business was the main focus in Accounting, but in Group Treasury it was possible for me to indulge my enthusiasm for project-related tasks – the majority of my work, around 80 %, is now project related.
In addition to foreign exchange (FX) trading, or traditional currency trading, my tasks also include the management of internal financing. As part of our global liquidity planning, I am responsible for the EMEA region. At the same time, I am also responsible for coordinating dividends. Apart from Treasury, I also look after a number of development programs.
My first major project in Treasury started in 2019: the introduction of the Commercial Paper Program. I also wrote my thesis on this topic back then. The program includes a financing option through trading in short-term bonds. I also develop hedging strategies for our subsidiaries, most recently for India and two plants in the USA. The work is challenging, but that’s exactly what makes it so exciting and varied.
You completed a bubble assignment in Gebershausen during your apprenticeship. How did that come about?
I expressed my desire to do a bubble assignment – in other words, to work at a different location for a limited period of time – during my apprenticeship.
I received a suitable offer within a few months.
“The bubble assignment was a fantastic opportunity to broaden my horizons, learn about new processes and work on an exciting project.”
What was this project about?
The goal of the project was to analyze and optimize machine performance, in particular the output quantity, downtimes and reject rates. We wanted to increase the efficiency of the production process.
Alongside this project, I was given a series of smaller tasks that gave me an even deeper insight into the processes on site. Those four weeks were an extremely valuable experience for me. I was able to acquire so many practical skills.
What inspired you to stay with NORMA Group all these years?
The working environment in particular! The collaboration with my colleagues around the world is enriching, and I really appreciate the open exchange and mutual support.
“Another reason why I like working here so much is that I enjoy my work. NORMA Group not only offers exciting projects, but also excellent training opportunities.”
You really have the freedom to progress and take on new challenges.
What aspects of your job do you find particularly important?
Professionalism is a key issue for me, especially in project-related work, because a structured approach and a high degree of responsibility are essential. At the same time, you should still be able to have fun at work!
I appreciate being able to continuously take on new challenges. At NORMA Group, I always have new tasks and exciting projects that motivate me to further expand my knowledge and skills.
And when you’re not at work, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I currently do a lot of sports and recently discovered paddle ball. I also enjoy cooking and spending time with my friends.
What are your goals for the future?
In my private life, I would like to see even more of the world in the future and expand my travel destinations. I am very interested in faraway countries and cultures. I was in London this year and I was really impressed by the city. A safari is also high on my list.
Professionally, I could well imagine doing another bubble assignment to get to know other locations, working methods and cultures.